Tag: energy efficiency

Energy Saving Tips for the Summer

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Sweltering heat and cranking up the AC seem to go hand in hand, but they don’t have to. Here’s a tip Carson City residents must remember: there is a way to beat the heat and save energy… and lower the electricity bill! The Happy Outlet would like to help you score BIG with these energy-saving tips for the summer!

Air Conditioner Efficiency

One of our blog posts talks about the efficiency of programmable thermostats. These will automatically adjust the temperature of your home while you’re away! Make sure your air filter stays clean in order to ensure the air conditioner’s maximum efficiency.

Proper Attic Insulation

Don’t forget the attic when it comes to saving energy for the summer. To keep heat from escaping through the ceiling to living spaces, check the insulation levels in your attic. This website provides all the information needed to check your insulation levels according to the area.

 Windows – Blocking the Heat

Closing curtains and blinds will help keep temperatures cool inside, while shrubbery outside of windows can help keep heat out. Using a window covering is a resourceful way to block the heat from entering your house by up to 50%!

Lighting – Energy-Saving Tips for the Summer

Switching to LED lights with the installation services we provide helps save energy tremendously. Other methods of saving energy with lights can be found in the following materials:

  • Outdoor solar lights
  • Security solar light systems
  • Solar lights for the pool

Save Energy with Appliances

Running the dishwasher at night will keep the heat out, especially if you air-dry the dishes to prevent added heat. Ditch the dryer by drying clothes on a rack or clothesline to save energy and minimize heat in the house.

Save energy and make your home up to 10 degrees cooler with a ceiling fan. We have installation services available to upgrade or repair your ceiling fan so you can save energy!

To reduce the temperature in your house, opt away from using ovens. Grill out and invite your friends over to keep the heat out of the kitchen!  You know what they say: “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen!”

Pool Energy Savers

Similar to air filters, pool filters need to be cleaned out as well. Make sure the right size pump is being used in accordance with the size of your pool. An energy-efficient water pump aids the water circulation to save more energy for the summer.

Follow our energy-saving tips this summer to use less energy and keep those costs down! Don’t hesitate to check out The Happy Outlet for ceiling fan and light bulb installation services – or call us at: 775-841-9473. We are happy to provide expert service to the Northern Nevada residents.

3 Types of Light Bulbs (and Their Energy Efficiency)

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Not all light bulbs are made the same. And when choosing the right lighting for your Carson City home, you’ll want to have an idea of the three major types: incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. While there are countless variations of these three types, it is important you first know their general differences.

The Happy Outlet would like to discuss the 3 major types of light bulbs available for your home, as well as their energy efficiency.

Incandescent

Being the oldest of the three, the incandescent light bulb has been around since the late 1800s. These light bulbs consist of a glass case, with a filament inside. This filament channels the electrical current, using the energy to heat up and provide light. This bulb is notable for being extremely hot to the touch when left on for a long period of time.

The incandescent bulb has the shortest lifespan of the three bulbs. Their lifespan is a measly 1,000 hours of light, which is a fraction compared to the other bulbs. However, they are the least expensive, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. They have the benefit of turning on instantly, and they provide a warm, comforting light with good color and contrast.

Energy Efficiency: Incandescent light bulbs are the least energy efficient of the three major bulbs. Since they utilize heat to provide light, they burn through energy more fiercely than their other counterparts. In general, if you would like to remain energy efficient, consider using the other two light bulb types.

CFL

CFL (Compact fluorescent lamps) have been available since the early-to-mid 1900s. They work by ionizing mercury vapor, which emits electrons in a gas. This then creates an ultraviolet light, further causing the bulb to glow.

CFLs have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. They last 6-15 times as long (6,000-15,000 hours) due to their more efficient electricity usage.  However, their initial cost is more expensive. Therefore, you’ll want to use CFLs for when you plan on lighting areas for long periods of time.

Energy Efficiency: Thanks to their innovative way to provide light, CFLs are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They use about 75% less energy, while having a much longer lifespan.

LED

LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are the most recently invented type of bulb, made in the 1970s. They emit light by releasing energy in the form of photons, filling little holes in the LED. These holes work in conjunction to give the bulb light.

LEDs are the longest lasting of the three bulbs. Their lifespan is measured differently from incandescent and CFL bulbs, as LEDs don’t burn out. Instead, they slowly dim over time. Overall, you can expect an LED to last about 50,000 hours before the light output is severely decreased. However, even when LEDs are at full power, they are not as bright as the other bulbs. Their initial cost is also the most expensive.

Energy Efficiency: Aside from being the longest lasting, LEDs are also the most energy efficient light bulbs! They use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and are Energy Star certified for purchase.

When finding the right lighting for your home, be sure you know the three main types. And when you are ready to install new lighting in your home, contact The Happy Outlet for our affordable electrical services. Contact us at 775-841-9473 to speak with Carson City’s electrical experts.

Earth Day: Energy Saving Tips to Go Green

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Earth Day is upon Carson City homeowners, and what better way to spend it than going green with your electrical system! Not only will this cut back on energy consumption and lower your utility bill; you’re helping to preserve the environment.

Celebrate Earth Day by following these energy-saving tips from the experts at The Happy Outlet!

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Heating up water in your washing machine accounts for 90% of its energy usage. To cut down on this, simply wash your clothes in cold water. Cold water can still wash clothes thoroughly and uses much less energy. Additionally, washing in cold water is better at retaining the fabrics in clothes. For harder-to-remove stains, consider hand-scrubbing them out instead of using heated water.

Hang Dry Clothes

Instead of piling loads of wet clothes in the dryer, hang dry them throughout the day. Not only does this avoid the use of any energy, you’re also avoiding clothes wrinkles and shrinkage. With Carson City reaching mildly warm temperatures, now is the perfect time to hang dry your clothes!

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat eliminates wasting energy in your HVAC system, which is beneficial considering it accounts for almost half of your home’s energy consumption. With this tool, you’ll be able to schedule temperatures and ensure you receive the desired comfort right when you need it.

For more info on using a programmable thermostat to save energy, click here.

Minimize Lighting

As soon as you leave a room, turn off all its lights. Not only will this save energy, you’ll be maintaining the bulb’s lifespan. Additionally, be sure that each time you leave your home all lighting is turned off.

Switch to LEDs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are usually the least energy efficient type of lighting. Instead of letting them drive up the utility bill, switch to LED lighting as much as possible. Although they may not be as bright, LEDs consume a fraction of the energy incandescent does, while also possessing a much longer lifespan.

Limit Showering Time

Always choose a shower over a bath. Limit your showers to about 10 minutes. Doing so cuts back immensely on water usage.

Seal Doors and Windows

When doors and windows allow air to escape, your HVAC system must work harder to maintain your home’s temperature. Be sure all doors and windows are completely closed. Consider purchasing weather stripping to seal the edges.

Side Note: Be sure your fridge and freezer doors are also completely closed. Doing so prevents wasting energy and possibly spoiling food.

Utilize a Ceiling Fan

Instead of relying on your HVAC system to cool you down, utilize a ceiling fan to provide the same effect. Additionally, a ceiling fan can help you save money on heating as well. All you must do is run your ceiling fan in reverse, which draws out and redistributes heat.

Celebrate Earth Day by practicing these energy-saving tips! If you are ready to replace your lighting or install a new ceiling fan for energy efficiency, be sure you choose the experts at The Happy Outlet. We offer extensive electrical installation services to Carson City homeowners at an affordable cost. Give us a call at 775-841-9473 to schedule an appointment and get started.

Spring Cleaning: Tidying Up Your Electrical System

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Not sure how to begin spring cleaning? Start by tidying up your electrical system! Cleaning and organizing your electrical system can offer a boost in both safety and energy efficiency. The experts at The Happy Outlet want to make sure that you kick off the spring season right with a comprehensive guide for “tidying up” your electrical system. Add this to your spring cleaning list!

Practice Proper Organization

  • Always unplug appliances and equipment after use, as energy can still be drawn from plugged-in appliances (known as “phantom energy”)
  • Wrap up your extension cords before storing and use Velcro to secure them.
  • Store appliances in an airtight container away from any water source.
  • Never leave appliances in the bathroom or next to plumbing, as dripping water can get into the circuitry.
  • Consider labeling shelves with the appropriate appliance name to maximize organization.

Clean Out Your Smoke Detectors

  • Cleaning out your smoke detectors helps avoid false alarms from dust-buildup interfering with the sensors.
  • Dry your hands completely before cleaning your smoke detectors.
  • If the outer casing can be removed, clean the inside using a simple wet wipe.
  • The brush of a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust or debris from your smoke detector.
  • Be careful not to touch the wires or battery when cleaning your smoke detector.

Cover Your Electrical Outlets

  • Shielding your outlets provides formidable defense against dirt and dust compromising the plugs, as well as children inserting objects into the sockets.
  • You can use individual plastic electrical plug caps, or plastic covers to shield the entire outlet.
  • Consider replacing outlets with tamper-resistant receptacles, as these come with a built-in plastic covering to avoid unwanted insertion. Contact The Happy Outlet to install these new outlets in your home!

Dust Off Your Ceiling Fans

  • When your ceiling fan rotates with dust build-up, the room’s IAQ is negatively affected by the circulated particles.
  • Make sure your ceiling fan is completely off before cleaning and wait for the blades to stop spinning.
  • Use a feather duster to brush off and remove any dust from the top of the blades, as well as around the fixture.
  • If you would like to avoid using a duster due to dust falling on furniture, try a dry sweeping cloth such as a Swiffer.

Troubleshoot Issues with an Electrical Professional

  • After tidying up your electrical system during spring cleaning, schedule your next electrical inspection to ensure the actual function of your system is at peak performance.
  • Contact The Happy Outlet for your next electrical inspection to ensure only trusted professionals are handling your electrical system.

Kickstart your spring cleaning right by tidying up your electrical system! If you would like to install new tamper-resistant outlets, or are ready to schedule your next electrical inspection, contact The Happy Outlet today! Our electrical installation and safety inspection services can help your electrical system in your Carson City home. Give us a call at 775-841-9473 to schedule an appointment with your trusted electrical professionals.