Homes can use a lot of energy each year. According to Energy Sage, an average American household can use up to 10,000 kilowatt hours per year. That can translate to high energy bills and can be tougher on the environment. If you could ask a residential electrician how to lower your energy usage, here's what they would say.

Energy Efficient Lighting

You can get the same amount of light for longer with LED bulbs, for example. They use a lot less energy than incandescent or halogen lights. By making small changes like that, you'll be able to lower your monthly bills. Make sure to turn off the lights when they're not in use!

Newer Appliances

In our experience, a residential electrician will see a lot of different appliances when they visit people's houses. With older ones especially, it's important to replace them as aged appliances tend to be energy hogs. Instead, choose more modern ones that utilize energy more efficiently. That can wind up reducing your energy usage by a lot.

Surge Protectors

When you invest in surge protectors, you can ensure that even with an electrical surge coursing through your home, you'll have safeguards to protect the wider system. When you have a surge protector in your home, it limits the excess electrical current, also known as the power surge, by blocking the flow of the surge or even shorting it into the ground. While it may seem like an additional expense, the money that it could save you vastly outweighs the initial cost.

These are just a few of the suggestions your electrician may give you. They may also suggest things like having regular maintenance checks. That will ensure that the appliances will run at their at all times and not require more energy than is necessary. You'll likely wind up with significantly lower energy bills as a result. Even though some of these changes may seem like extra effort, you'll be able to enjoy a home that runs efficiently and is comfortable. Those positive changes make it worth the time.

Are you looking for a residential electrician in your area? Mountain Valley Electric has over 20 years of experience and can do all kinds of electrical work, including both residential and commercial. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.