Before hiring an electrician, check your home’s lighting stats. If you’re reading a high utility bill, burning through money and have high energy needs—fear not. You can save expenses with these lighting tips.

Don’t trade in one incandescent light for multiple, low-wattage bulbs. While the idea might seem like a good one, it’ll certainly result in a net gain in energy usage. A lot of electrical contractors will tell you the same thing: It’s a game of wattage, not bulb numbers.

A couple skylights go a long way. If you’re moving into a new home or apartment, consider installing a couple skylights to reduce overall energy needs. If possible, position your high-traffic areas to the northeast or north. By doing so, you can ensure an even light coating.

If you swap out regular bulbs for completely clear bulbs, you’ll reduce the overall number of bulbs. We know: It’s not about bulb number. That said, having a single clear bulb can reduce your need for any bulbs in the surrounding area. If you can maximize your room’s lighting with a single bulb, why invest in multiple lamps?

Dimmers, too, can reduce overall electricity needs. They can also boost the life of low-voltage lighting options, like halogen downlights. When buying your bulbs, make sure they’ll work with a dimmer. You’ll be surprised by the amount of energy you can save.

Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are a solid-state lighting option capable of converting electricity directly into light. They’ll save you money, all around, and are fantastic replacement options for 40W, 60W and even 75W traditional incandescent bulbs.

Many people think that in order to save money on your electrical bill, you must accept some discomforts or inconveniences. But that is not the case! You don’t need to deal with the unbearable heat in the summer instead of turning on your air conditioner. You don’t need to unplug all of your appliances after every use to save a few dollars.  We have put together a few key recommendations to get you started on your electrical bill savings without having to give up the comfort and conveniences in your home.

Home Energy Audit

The best way to start your savings is to have a local electrician perform a home energy audit. Your electrician will go through your house examining your electrical wiring, distribution, lighting, electric-powered home equipment and systems in order to increase the efficiency of your home and ultimately save you money on your electrical bill. Some auditors may even go as far as to understand your daily habits that may be costing you more money. For instance, did you know that doing a full load of dishes in the dishwasher rather than washing them by hand actually saves you money?

Once you have had your home audited, make sure to check out Live SmartBC for any rebates you may be eligible for. BC residents have the privilege of gaining rebates for increasing the efficiency of their home; don’t let this savings go to waste!

Install Ceiling Fans

Another great way to save money on your electrical bill is to install ceiling fans. Apart from your air conditioner, ceiling fans push air downwards, blowing the cool air directly onto your body rather than cooling the whole room. On top of that, ceiling fans need very little maintenance (other than a little dusting or bulb changes), which can save you a lot of money in the long run. You may be thinking, that’s great but what about in the winter when I’m trying to heat my house? Surprisingly, ceiling fans are a great energy saving tool for the winter months too! Heat rises. So by running your fan on a low speed, you can circulate the warm air that has risen and create a more evenly heated room and shortening the time it takes your heater to work. This saves you money both in the summer and the winter.

Replace Air Filters

Lastly, you can save money on small changes like replacing your air filters regularly. A lot of times, this is a task many of us forget about but it can make a significant difference in your potential savings. When dirt builds up on your filter it prevents the airflow from working as efficiently. Your air system now needs to work harder in order to maintain the same level of airflow and because of that, increasing your electrical bill. By regularly maintaining your air filters (once a month), you will not only save money, but your family will be breathing in the cleanest air.

These are just a few ways to save on your electrical bills. Our highly qualified team of professionals at Expert Electric is excited to help you get started on your potential savings. Call today for further assistance or a free quote on some of our money-saving services.  604-681-8338