Efficiency is about getting the most from the energy you use. Whether you’re keeping your home cool in the summer, powering appliances, or charging an electric vehicle for your work commute, small investments in efficiency can help you use less energy (and save money on bills) throughout your day-to-day life.
For example, older incandescent bulbs create light by channeling an electric current through a thin wire, which heats up and glows. Energy Star-rated LED bulbs are approximately 75% more energy efficient than their incandescent counterparts. A 60-watt incandescent bulb uses 60 watts, while a comparable LED only uses 10 to 15 watts. Over a year, with an average use of three hours per day, that wattage difference means a single incandescent can use up to 65,700 watts per year while an LED bulb will only use 16,425 watts yearly.
In the same way that LEDs and other alternatives have overtaken traditional lightbulbs, many home appliances that use the most energy – like HVAC systems, pool pumps, and water heaters – have become vastly more efficient in recent years.
Collectively, using energy-efficient appliances has a positive impact on both the environment and the electric grid. When looking for these appliances, be sure to look for the Energy Star label. These energy-efficient products contribute to a decrease in carbon emissions and alleviate strain on the electric grid, especially during peak hours.
Not ready to upgrade your appliances? You can still help them operate more efficiently by investing in practical energy-saving measures, like improving your home’s insulation to save on air conditioning or using timed power strips to prevent energy drain from TVs and computers when not in use. Smart technology can also help you monitor your electric and water usage and automate efficient habits, whether you are at home or away.
At OUC, we’re all about helping our customers save through efficiency and sustainability. That’s why we provide customers with free walkthrough home energy and water audits with our team of trained specialists. Once you schedule your visit, a Conservation Specialist will visit your home to assess issues like air conditioning, heating and water usage, and help you find ways to reduce your bill. And with rebates and payment plans available through our Efficiency Delivered program, we’re putting efficiency upgrades within reach for customers. Typically, requests for OUC’s free energy audits increase during the summer. Consider requesting your audit during the fall or winter season to avoid an extended wait time.
Efficiency isn’t just a “win-win” – it’s a “win-win-win.” When you use less energy to achieve the same result, you’re keeping your costs low, reducing strain on the electric grid, and helping Central Florida move toward a more sustainable future. To request your free home energy or water audit, click here.
