Electricians San Francisco is here to guide you on how to save energy and money.
Saving energy doesn’t always take days of planning. There are many things you can do right now to start saving energy and cutting down on costs;
1. Programmable Thermostats
Did You Know?
The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills – nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.
About ENERGY STAR Programmable Thermostats

Did you know that properly using a programmable thermostat in your home is one of the easiest ways you can save energy, and money, and help fight global warming? A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home’s temperature in both summer and winter – when you are asleep or away.
The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family’s schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjusting them as appropriate for your family.
The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don’t need as much. Use the programmable thermostat calculator to see what you can save with set-back temperatures that work for your family.
Simple Steps to Energy Savings with Programmable Thermostats;
Achieve significant energy and money savings that are possible through the proper use of your programmable thermostat. Learn how to:
Have your thermostat properly installed – Here’s what you need to know about the proper and safe installation of your programmable thermostat, as well as when you should call a certified HVAC contractor to handle the installation for you.
Properly set and use your thermostat – Follow these guidelines to achieve savings.
Save with your manual thermostat – If you choose to keep your manual thermostat, here are recommendations to help you save, too.
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Washing Clothes or Dishes
Follow the full load guideline. Never use the dishwasher or washing machine unless it houses a full load.
Using Power Strips
Plug your electronics into power strips. When turning off these electronics, power down using the power strip to prevent stand-by mode from drawing electricity unnecessarily.
5. Power Down Computers and Monitors
Turn off your computer and monitor when they are not being used. Contrary to popular belief, turning them on and off will not cause damage. If you are away from your computer at different intervals, make sure you have set the power set options.
6. Drying Dishes
Air dry dishes rather than using the heated drying cycle.
7. Washing in Cold Water
Wash clothes in cold water. This not only reduces hot water usage, but it is better for your clothing as well.
8. Use compact fluorescent lighting
Use compact fluorescent bulbs to light your home. Not only do these bulbs use less energy, but they last longer than traditional bulbs.
9. Take Showers
Take short showers instead of baths. The amount of water used, and heated is significantly less for a shower.
10. Look for the Energy Star Label
Buy products that have the Energy Star label on them. All Energy Star products meet strict guidelines set by the US Department of Energy.