Without proper insulation in Las Vegas, it’s easy to run up huge electric bills in the summer. Here’s a quick look at how, statistically, a typical household utilizes energy, how you might reduce your usage and how better attic insulation can help:
Breakdown of Typical Household Energy Usage
- Air Conditioning
Typically, 40% of a household's energy usage goes towards heating and cooling. That's by far the biggest line item, and the first thing homeowners should look at when trying to reduce their energy usage is insulation. Sufficient insulation will keep air from escaping, causing your HVAC unit to not have to work as hard, and ultimately reducing your energy bill.
Also, try installing an electronically-controlled thermostat, one which will automatically turn off the air conditioner when you aren't around.
- Water Heating
In most households, water heating is the second-biggest draw, usually consuming around 18% of their power. Consider lowering the temperature on your water heater. Anything above what you'd be comfortable showering in is probably wasted energy – your water doesn't need to be scalding hot to wash dishes or clothing. This is another area where better insulation in Las Vegas can help, since all too often water heaters have insufficient insulation and leak heat (which also drives up your cooling bills); this is particularly true of older water heaters.
- Personal Electronics
This one can vary quite a bit, just depending on how many devices you have in your household and how energy-efficient they are (or aren't). However, electronics usually make up another 10-15% of energy use, or potentially even more. Those big desktop PCs and huge TVs can pull a lot of current! If possible, buy EnergyStar-rated products, which are designed to reduce energy waste.
- Lighting
Lighting costs round out the most common sources of energy usage. Fortunately, these costs are already on the decline. As more households switch over to super-efficient LED lighting, they see at least a small cut in their overall energy use. If you're still using incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent lighting, it's probably a good idea to move onto LED lights instead. They're low-power and long-lasting, exactly what you need to save money on energy.
Get Better Insulation In Las Vegas From First Quality Roofing & Insulation
If your home needs better attic insulation, First Quality Roofing & Insulation is here to help. We specialize in insulation in Las Vegas and will be able to identify and seal any air leaks in your home. Contact us today at 702-262-7847.
