According to Energy Star, a typical household in the United States spends more than $2,000 on energy bills annually. Although a large portion of these costs come from heating and cooling the home, it’s important to know the other factors that contribute to your utility bill.
Did you know a By Carrier home can help you save money on energy costs? Here is a breakdown of your electric bill and how our communities reduce energy consumption.
Heating
Particularly during the winter season, heating costs make up a majority of your electric bill. This may include the use of space heaters, furnaces and the water heater. If you have gas heating, keep in mind those costs will appear on your gas bill, not the electric bill.
The Carrier Infinity System removes more than 95 percent of the heat from fuel and only runs at the speed necessary for superior efficiency. The homes in each By Carrier community also use Energy Star products to help homeowners save money and protect the environment. Insulated walls, doors and ceilings seal in the air to reduce potential heat loss! We also use high-performance Kohltech windows that help prevent heat loss through low-emissivity or Low-E glass.
To save even more energy, By Carrier homes feature Energy Star-qualified tankless hot water heaters. These appliances use 31 percent less energy, which can save you a significant amount of money on your utility bill!
Cooling
Cooling your home can also have a big impact on your electric bill. Whether through the use of air conditioning, ventilation or fans, having an efficient cooling system can help you save energy and money on future costs.
By Carrier homes offer multiple cooling zones, which allows you to control the temperature in particular areas of your house. Other money saving products include 2” x 6” wall studs for better efficiency, programmable thermostats and a 17-SEER air conditioning system. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures A/C efficiency, with the minimum standard of 13 for modern units.
Appliances
How often do you run the dishwasher or do a load of laundry? You might not stop and think about it, but your refrigerator is constantly running! These are only a few of the appliances that contribute to your electric bill. The brand, age and type of each product will affect how much electricity it uses.
You can expect to use up to 50 percent less energy with the Energy Star-qualified appliances in our homes! The less energy used, the less money you’ll spend on your next electric bill.
Lighting
Our parents always told us to turn the lights off when we leave a room. While a variety of factors can affect the cost of illuminating your home, lights make up 20 percent of your bill on average. The size of your home, the type of light bulbs used and how long you leave lights on can all play a role.
To save the most energy and money on lighting, consider switching to LED light bulbs. They use up to three times less energy than incandescent lighting!
Electronics
If you’ve been working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might have noticed a slight increase in your electric bill. This could be the result of using a desktop computer, printer and other electronics to complete your job.
Other home electronics that consume energy include your television, external power adapters and kitchen appliances. Your blender, toaster and air fryer can all have an impact on your energy usage. To save energy, unplug these electronics when they are not in use. If you’re running multiple appliances at once, consider using a power strip to make turning them on and off simple and more convenient.
Ready to move into one of the highest energy-efficient homes in the area? Browse By Carrier’s active communities today!