The average household in Virginia pays $125 per month for electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Association. In Maryland, that number is $136 per month and in DC, it’s around $90. For commercial properties, the figure is even higher. But at Kolb Electric, we know that there are simple steps you can take to lower your electric bill—and we’re going to share a few key tips.

1. Check for gaps in windows and doors. Perhaps the easiest thing you can do to reduce your energy usage, and thus your electric bill, is to check your home at the beginning of each season for gaps around the windows and doors. It’s important to do this every six months or so, since your home can settle and shift slightly over time. It only takes a small gap for energy to escape.

2. Turn down your water heater. The standard setting on most electric water heaters is 140 degrees. Turning the heat down to 120 degrees can save you $60 or more each year in water heating costs. Save more by replacing your water tank with a tankless system.

3. Repair leaky ducts. If your ducts have holes in them or if they have come partially unattached, then you’re paying to cool and heat air that is never getting to your living spaces.

4. Have your HVAC and electrical systems serviced annually. Keeping all electrical systems, as well as HVAC products, well-maintained can not only extend their lifespans and help ensure your safety, but can save you money on your electric (and gas) bill too. Your system has to work harder and use more energy to push through an accumulation of dirt and debris. Regular electrical maintenance can also prevent the need for costly repairs.

5. Check your electric meter against your monthly statement. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your electric usage on the meter and comparing it to your statement. This allows you to easily determine whether your monthly energy bill is accurate and provides you with the information you need to monitor your usage so you can use electricity smarter in the future. Click here to learn how to read an electric meter.

At Kolb Electric, we don’t want you to pay any more than necessary for your electric usage. For more tips on how to reduce your electric bill and/or to schedule you annual service appointment today, call us at 877 287-1179. Our licensed electricians have been helping Mid-Atlantic homeowners with their electrical needs since 1925.

Twilight Designs in Las Vegas, flush mount (recessed) step lights are often the fixture of choice when used indoors. He credits this to how easy it is to cut into and run wiring through drywall, especially when installing step lights after construction is completed. “While planning ahead is helpful,” says Bilik, “there are many products available for running wires post-construction.” He recommends 110v wiring to fish through walls and attics or low voltage wiring when 110v is not an option.

For less penetrable surfaces like concrete and stone, surface mounted fixtures are ideal because they mount directly to a wall or flat surface. These step lights commonly have a profile of as little as 3/4-inch up to 3-inches and a trajectory that directs light at the wall or at the surface below.

Regardless of whether you are using a flush or surface mounted step light, you must consider the type of cover (or faceplate) the fixture has. Bilik says that in his experience, most covers will fall in one of three categories, each with its own series of benefits:

GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens

In the beginning, the electrician you hire will assess your electrical system to confirm whether it can handle your current needs. If he or she finds that the wiring falls short of the task, an upgrade (for wiring or the panel) would be the next step.

If you’ve contacted a reputable expert for the job of upgrading wiring in an older house, you likely have more options at your disposal than you might expect. For starters, if you have an older building, you might want to keep certain features intact. It might be necessary to pay extra to protect the structural assets you want to retain, but taking this preventative measure up front can end up saving you a great deal on restorative work later.

Receptacles and light fixtures may also need upgrades. Since the wiring is getting an update anyway, you can keep your plans in mind as the new installation’s details come into focus. For example, if you want to have an entertainment room, with more outlets for the various devices, this can be part of the job (along with the essentials of the upgrade, of course).

Improved safety measures will also take effect when upgrading wiring in an older house. The electrician will install GCFI outlets in moisture-prone places that were likely unsafe for years. To reduce tripped circuits in the future, ask about wiring straight from an outlet to the breaker so that no other appliances will be on it. This is ideal for receptacles for items with high power demands, like air conditioners.

You may not think anything is wrong with your system, but you could still be at risk for dangerous complications with outdated wiring. Knob and tube wiring, which utilizes ceramic knobs and tubes for running the wires, is no longer legal for new constructions in the United States. This is because it comes with an increased chance of electrical fire. Unfortunately, this type of wiring is much more common in older buildings. To identify whether you have a situation like this, or for guidance and reliable service as the install takes place, go to the professionals.

While it can be nice cuddle up once in a while in front of a roaring fire, any warm-and-fuzzy feelings quickly dissipate when your electric bill arrives. While your chimney lets smoke out, it also lets cold air in. So if you do want to use your fireplace, try and do so sparingly, and take the time to turn down the thermostat first.

It’s easy, affordable and a no-brainer – air leaks in windows, doors, plumbing and wiring let warm air out, but most of these problems can be easily fixed with a few minutes of time and a few dollars’ worth of materials. Apply caulking or weather-stripping material to windows and consider investing in a backdoor sweep if drafty doors are sucking the warmth from your home.