When the mercury drops, our energy bills can skyrocket in the Okanagan. Of course, the same holds true for those who rely on air-conditioning during the summer months too. Thankfully, Epic Electric in Kelowna has some great energy saving tips to help you stay on track this winter season.

Reduce Vampire Loads On Your Electronics & Appliances

Installing a power strip can help you minimize energy that is wasted while items are plugged in and not being used. Take note of which items (toaster, computer printer, salt lamps etc) are plugged in all of the time and costing you money. Your Kelowna electrician wants to help you educate your household to use less and save more!

Efficient Interior & Exterior Lighting Solutions

Less daylight means we are relying on more artificial light during the darker days. There is a variety of energy efficient light bulbs for every room of your home all the way to your perimeter exterior lighting. While it may be costly to make the initial switch over, your new bulbs will last years longer than your old ones.

Alternatively, consider replacing burned out bulbs gradually with a newer format. Be aware however, if you are replacing your light bulbs in stages, that you may have quite a difference in ambiance depending on which type of lighting you go with. Timers can be a stellar solution for enabling all of your lights to come on around your schedule, while taking the natural daylight hours into consideration.

New Windows Can Save Energy By Helping You Embrace Natural Light

If your windows are 15 years or older, it may be time inspect them carefully and determine your energy loss. An easy test is holding a lighter or using a candle along the perimeter of your windows to monitor if the flame dances wildly or not. Even the tiniest gaps in your window sealing, or damage to your calking or flashing can send your hard earned money out the window.

Efficient Appliances

Even if you have switched out all of your appliances for Energy Star models, your Kelowna electrician can show you that there are still more ways to save. Some clients hang the majority of their laundry and notice that this additionally keeps their moisture levels higher within their home.

Ensure no one is operating your dishwasher or washing machine on a minimally filled cycle. Experiment with air drying your dishes as opposed to having the heat dry function automatically kick in. Read your manuals and determine how to maximize your overall efficiency while minimizing your daily consumption.

Electric Water Heating in Kelowna

Epic Electric reminds clients that while installing new energy efficient appliances and heating solutions is a huge part of saving, these items only work out when you are using them efficiently. If you decide to install a new electric water heater, be sure that you are choosing the right capacity for your household.

Monitor your average usage and discuss frequent showers with your teenagers to ensure that you are choosing the best product to suit your needs. If you are unable to adjust your habits or take efficient usage into account, you will not notice the dramatic savings you envision.

Solar Design Possibilities?

If you are building a new home, garage or shed, barn or out building, consider adding some solar panels to help you offset your heating, cooling and lighting needs. New construction is a great time to incorporate cool roof systems, (relying on specific material to absorb less heat and reflect more light), better windows and an adequately sealed and insulated space.

Epic Electric can take care of your pre-wiring needs at frame up and save you from punching holes in drywall down the road. We can even show you if your hot tub has a “vacation mode” minimal setting to keep your bills more manageable while you are away. Starting with a green design from the get go can dramatically reduce your energy consumption requirements. We are happy discuss your energy saving potential on site.

Call Epic Electric in Kelowna today for all of your residential and commercial needs.