There are a lot of factors that go into home electrical efficiency. The types of appliances you use, your internal wiring, circuit breakers, and more all play a role in your home’s overall electrical performance. But, knowing whether or not your system is actually efficient can be tough. Here are a few ways to tell if your system is running at peak efficiency.
Find Bad Wiring
Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of electricity loss and wasted energy in homes. They can lead to appliance failures and, in extreme cases, electrical fires. A few symptoms of faulty wiring include:
- Appliances, such as a toaster oven, heating slowly
- Lights dim when appliances turn on
- You have to use extension cords to other outlets to avoid overloading
- Circuit breakers regularly trip
Identify Your Circuits
Knowing the layout of your circuit breakers is one of the best things you can do to understand how your home’s electricity works and how efficient it is. Learning about your circuits allows you to understand conductor size as well as corresponding fuse sizes. Unless previously marked, you’ll most likely need an electrician to help you properly identify circuit breakers.
Use Proper Fuses
Speaking of conductors, you should always make sure you have the correct size corresponding fuse for your conductor type. Proper fuses help prevent wires from overheating, which is a serious fire hazard and inefficient overall. If you’re not familiar with fuses and circuit breakers, make sure to consult an electrician. Always make sure you use fuses recommended by the latest edition of the National Electrical Code as well.
Use High-Efficiency Appliances
High-Efficiency, or HE, is a term applied to large appliances that conform to certain standards of efficiency. These appliances are generally more expensive upfront but will pay for themselves in energy savings over time. Plus, for the fact that they use less energy than conventional appliances, they put less strain on your electrical system as a whole.
There are plenty of other ways to ensure your home is at peak efficiency. Making sure appliances are off when not in use, using LED light bulbs, and keeping doors and windows shut when your heat or A/C is running are just a few of these ways. For more information on home electrical efficiency, contact the pros at Stampede Electric Ltd.