Our Company & Team
Learn More
All Posts
Top Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home This Year
February 10, 2025
Homeowners have many options to reduce electricity costs, with a few thoughtful upgrades to their homes. Read on to see how you can make your home into an energy-efficient space this year.
Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners
Reducing energy use at home lowers monthly utility bills and benefits the environment. Energy-efficient appliances and modern renewable energy options make it easier than ever for homeowners to reduce energy use without inconvenience.
In this blog, we’ll discuss practical and effective energy-saving tips that you can implement in your home this year.
Lighting Upgrades
Smart lighting choices are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use. Here’s what homeowners can do:
- LED Lighting: Compared to incandescent lightbulbs, LED lighting uses up to 75% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer.
- Smart Lighting: Smart lighting incorporates motion sensors, automatic dimming settings, and the capability to adjust automatically based on the time of day. These features optimize energy use by consuming electricity only when needed and can be customized for each home through an app.
Unplug Devices
Most devices use energy when plugged in, even when powered off. This “phantom energy drain” can add up to hundreds of dollars annually.
- Unplug Chargers and Small Appliances: Appliances like coffee makers, microwaves, televisions, and phone chargers use electricity even when not in use. Unplugging these when not in use is a quick and effective way to reduce energy usage.
- Use Smart Power Strips: Smart power strips sense when a device is idle and automatically turn off its power. They’re an easy solution for places where several devices are left plugged in, such as media centers, office setups, and charging stations.
Heating and Cooling
Climate control accounts for most energy use in homes, especially during summer and winter. With a few thoughtful changes, homeowners can lower the energy their heating and cooling systems consume.
- Programmable or Smart Thermostats: Setting the thermostat back 7–10 degrees while away from home saves a considerable amount of electricity. Smart thermostats learn your patterns and adjust temperatures automatically, or can be manually adjusted through an app.
- Seal Air Leaks: Drafty windows and doors force HVAC systems to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in a house. Sealing gaps with weather stripping or caulk improves insulation.
- Ceiling Fan Rotation: In summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push air downward and create a cooling breeze. In winter, they should reverse direction to circulate warm air that collects at the ceiling throughout the room.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Large appliances, especially those that run continuously, can use a significant amount of energy. Modern models are designed to use less power while performing better.
- Refrigerators & Freezers: Because they run 24/7, purchasing energy-efficient models will reduce annual energy use.
- Washing Machines & Dishwashers: Newer models of washing machines and dishwashers often use less water and electricity per cycle. Washing clothes in cold water and waiting for full loads before running a dishwasher helps minimize energy waste.
- HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems more than 10–15 years old are typically less efficient than modern options. Updating an HVAC system can be an investment, but it proves worthwhile when annual costs decrease.
Renewable Energy Solutions
For homeowners interested in long-term sustainability and eco-friendly options, renewable energy systems are a good solution.
- Solar Panels: Although the upfront investment in solar panels can be substantial, tax credits and long-term savings often make the cost worthwhile. Solar panels are a leading sustainable option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy consumption and adopt a greener approach to powering their homes.
- Solar Water Heaters: Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat water, reducing the need for gas and electricity. These systems are ideal for sunny climates and typically serve as a supplemental energy source to traditional water heaters.
Start Saving Energy at Home Today with Laughlin Electric
Small actions and home improvements can significantly decrease energy usage. Swapping out bulbs, sealing leaks, and investing in energy-efficient appliances can create a more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective home.
At Laughlin Electric, we’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners make improvements to their homes with our services. Our team specializes in professional lighting, including smart home installations, panel upgrades, and lighting improvements. Schedule now to see firsthand how Laughlin can help improve your home!
All Posts
FAQs
FAQs
Laughlin provides comprehensive electrical, plumbing, and home entertainment services, including installations, repairs, upgrades, and maintenance. We also specialize in custom lighting systems, solar systems, EV charger installations, and smart home system setups.
Yes, all Laughlin technicians are fully licensed, insured, and highly trained to ensure the highest quality of service and safety for your home. Our electricians possess C-10 Electrical Contractor’s Licenses, Lutron Installation Certifications, and Journeyman Electrical Certifications, while our plumbers have C-36 Plumbing Licenses.
Laughlin offers 24/7 emergency booking services for electrical, drain cleaning, and plumbing issues. We answer our phones 24/7, so feel free to call us whenever you need. Your emergency service will be booked as soon as possible according to the Central Coast location hours.
Yes, we offer a guarantee on all our services, and our work is backed by a warranty to ensure long-lasting results.
If your electrical panel has never been replaced and you’re constantly flipping breakers, it may be time for a replacement. Additionally, if the breaker feels hot to the touch or smells like it’s burning, it is a clear indication that it needs to be replaced.
Yes, we offer comprehensive maintenance plans for most of our services to ensure your electrical, plumbing, and home entertainment systems are always in optimal condition.
You can schedule a service appointment by contacting us through our website or by calling our customer service line. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs.
Laughlin is committed to providing premier services focused on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Our highly skilled and certified professionals are fit to handle any job. By staying true to our commitment to quality, we promise to get the job done right the first time. While other companies may be concerned with securing as many jobs as possible in one day, our biggest goal is to provide excellent service to our clients.
Circuit breakers can last 30 to 40 years. However, if you are experiencing frequent issues with your breakers, it may be a sign that they need to be replaced sooner.
An overload is caused by too much power draw, which trips a breaker. If this becomes frequent, additional circuits can be added to your home to separate high-energy appliances and prevent overloads.
A short circuit occurs when aging wires become loose or worn, causing a hot wire to touch a neutral wire and disrupt the current’s path. If the appliance’s cord isn’t damaged, it is a sign that the cables behind the wall need maintenance.
A whole-house generator in Santa Barbara ensures that your home remains powered during outages caused by natural events like storms or earthquakes. It provides a higher wattage capacity to support all essential appliances and systems, offering seamless and automatic backup power. This means that when a power outage occurs, the generator detects the interruption and activates within seconds, restoring electricity to the entire house without manual intervention, which is particularly beneficial in areas prone to power disruptions.
Yes, {fran_brand_name provides comprehensive generator services for both portable and whole-house generators in Montecito, Goleta, and the surrounding Santa Barbara areas. Their experienced team can guide you through the selection process, manage the installation, and ensure that your generator is properly connected to your home's electrical system, including securing necessary permits and setting up an automatic transfer switch if required for whole-house generators.
Choosing between a portable generator and a whole-house generator for your Santa Barbara home depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require backup power for your entire home and want an automatic response to power outages, a whole-house generator is ideal. However, if you only need to power a few devices and prefer a more budget-friendly option, a portable generator might be sufficient. Laughlin Electric can provide personalized advice to help you make the best decision for your situation.
Choosing a local electrician should come down to more than availability or price. You're trusting someone with your home or property, so it's important to find a professional team that stands behind their work and values. Look for:
- Licensing and certifications
- Reputation
- Approach
- Transparency
These are standards we’ve focused on at Laughlin Electric for over 30 years.
Wiring fees can vary depending on the scope of work and whether you're wiring a new space or updating existing systems. At Laughlin Electric, we provide clear and detailed proposals so you know what to expect before any work begins.
Installation costs depend on the project's size and the type of equipment being installed. A new build or remodel with multiple circuits, lighting zones, and smart features will require more planning and labor than a simpler setup. We provide clear pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what’s involved before work begins.
It depends on the issue. Some repairs are straightforward, like replacing a faulty outlet. Other jobs, such as diagnosing a breaker that keeps tripping or addressing panel problems, can take more time. We start by identifying the cause, then we’ll explain the fix and the cost before getting started.
Faulty wiring should always be handled by a licensed electrician. They’ll inspect the system, identify the cause, and make sure the repair is handled safely. At Laughlin Electric, we take the time to do the job right so the fix lasts.
A full electrical system check every 3 to 5 years is a good guideline. For older properties or homes with recent upgrades, more frequent inspections may be needed. Staying on top of maintenance keeps your electrical system safe, up to code, and running smoothly.
If you’ve noticed flickering lights or breakers that trip frequently, it’s best to have them inspected sooner.
Maintenance costs depend on the type of service needed. A routine cleaning is usually simple and less costly, while clearing buildup or tree roots in larger drain lines can take more time and may cost more.
At Laughlin Electric, we’ll assess the issue first, then walk you through the work and cost before we get started.
Yearly maintenance is usually enough for most homes. Regular maintenance can help prevent buildup, clogs, and pipe damage. If your system receives heavy use or has had previous issues, more frequent service may be necessary.
For small clogs, you can try using a plunger or a basic drain-cleaning tool. Avoid chemical cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time and often don’t fully clear the blockage.
If the clog doesn’t clear, keeps returning, or affects more than one drain, call a licensed plumber. At Laughlin Electric, we’ll find the cause and fix the issue without the guesswork or risk of damage that can come with DIY fixes.
Servicing your water heater once a year is a good habit. It helps remove sediment, check for wear, and keep everything running efficiently. Regular maintenance also helps extend the unit's life and reduces the chance of unexpected breakdowns.
Start by checking the basics. Make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped or, for gas units, that the pilot light is lit. If everything looks normal and you still don’t have hot water, the issue may be with the thermostat, heating element, or gas valve.
These repairs involve electricity, gas, and pressurized systems—all things that should be handled by a licensed plumber. At Laughlin Electric, we can quickly find the problem and get your hot water running again safely.
Replacement costs depend on the type of water heater, its size, and the installation requirements. A standard replacement is usually straightforward, but switching to a tankless system or changing fuel sources can increase the cost. At Laughlin Electric, we’ll review your setup and provide clear, upfront pricing.
Slow drains, foul odors, pooling water near the tank or drain field, and unusually lush grass in one area can all point to a full or failing septic tank. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have the system inspected right away.
Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years. The exact timing depends on the size of the tank, how many people are in the home, and how the system is used. Regular pumping helps avoid backups, bad odors, and costly repairs.
With proper care, a septic system can last 20 to 30 years. Regular pumping, mindful water use, and avoiding grease and harsh chemicals in your drains can help extend the system’s lifespan.
