Monthly Archives: March 2016

8 Cool Ways You Can Improve Your Refrigerator’s Efficiency in Charlotte

Refrigerator EfficiencyAs one of the most important electrical appliances in your home, refrigerators account for roughly 14% of your home’s total energy usage. Because of this, and the fact that they operate continuously, it’s critical that your refrigerator is running efficiently. Energy conservation is easy on the environment and your wallet!

Energy conservation is especially important to us here at Douthit Electrical. Our Charlotte electrical services are designed to keep your home powered safely and efficiently. Our friendly and experienced electricians can help you save money by showing you how to use less electricity in Charlotte with simple energy conservation tips!

Here are eight easy ways to improve refrigerator efficiency in Charlotte!

Open the door less

Every time the door opens warm air flows into the refrigerator and makes it harder for the appliance to stay at a consistently cold temperature.

Pack it right and tight

It’s harder for a refrigerator to keep empty space cold, so keep yours packed tightly with food and drinks. If you don’t like to keep your refrigerator full, use gallon jugs of water to fill the space.

Put the ice maker on ice

An ice maker can not only increase a refrigerator’s purchase price by as much as $250 but it can also increase its energy usage by 14% to 20%! Instead, make ice the old fashioned way.

Location is key

Your refrigerator should always be placed in a cool location and away from heat generating appliances such as microwaves, ovens, and stoves.

The right temperature

Refrigerators should be kept at a temperature between 33 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Any colder than this is a waste of electricity that can freeze your food. The same applies for a higher temperature, except food will spoil and not freeze.

Clean those coils

Grime and dust can build up on refrigerator coils, acting as a heat insulation that causes your refrigerator to use more electricity than needed. Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment to keep coils clean.

Wait for hot food to cool down

Putting hot food in your refrigerator forces it to work hard — and use more electricity — to cool the food down and maintain its temperature. Allow food to cool before putting it in the refrigerator.

Use aluminum foil or plastic wrap

How you put your food away is just as important as when you put it away. After food cools down properly, cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before putting it in the refrigerator so that it doesn’t have to work harder than necessary to cool an uneven surface.

At Douthit Electrical, nothing makes us happier than saving the environment and saving our customers money, and improving refrigerator efficiency is great place to start. Maybe it’s time to upgrade? An Energy Star certified refrigerator can be up to 9% to 10% more efficient! Whether you need a new energy efficient refrigerator installed or an electrical remodel, Douthit Electrical has you covered!


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Shedding Light on all the Different Kinds of Lightbulbs in Charlotte and Beyond

Hands holding traditional and energy efficient light bulbsChoosing the right kind of light bulb for your indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures is always a bright idea but doing so can be difficult with all the different varieties available today. Using the appropriate lightbulb for your lighting fixtures not only saves you money but it also makes them safer. Failure to use the correct style or wattage increases the risk of electrical malfunction.

At Douthit Electrical, we’re happy to help you take the guesswork out of choosing light bulbs for your lighting fixtures. Our indoor and outdoor lighting design service is all about balancing aesthetics and function, and choosing the right variety of light bulb is an important part of that. With our A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and decades of experience, you can trust us to help you find the best lighting solutions for your needs.

Here’s a quick look at light bulb varieties and their properties.

Compact Fluorescent (CFL)

These are among some of the most energy efficient light bulbs available and can last for upwards of 9 years! In fact, CFL light bulbs use 25% to 80% less energy than traditional light bulbs while lasting 3 to 25 times longer without compromising on qualities such as brightness or clarity. These can be used in the same ways as incandescent light bulbs.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Not only do these light bulbs look cool, but they’re also cool to the touch! It may not seem like much, but this unique property can even help to reduce cooling costs. Similar to CFL light bulbs, LED’s are praised for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Although these are commonly used in under cabinet lighting, their versatility allows them to be used in many other ways and areas throughout your home.

Incandescent

The cheapest and most common light bulb variety, incandescents have all but been replaced by energy efficient light bulbs. With a short lifespan and the amount of energy they use, incandescents fall short of today’s standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Halogen

The light bulbs are a variety of incandescent that give off a similar quality of light but use less energy. While they may be more energy efficient than their incandescent counterparts, they burn at a higher temperature and cost more money. Halogen bulbs are a popular choice for under cabinet lighting and for pendant lights.

Fluorescent

This variety of light bulb is best for lighting large, open areas such as attics and basements, though they’re commonly found in offices. Many people find fluorescent lighting to be flat, harsh, and cold due to its blue hue, but there are several different varieties available with warmer tones and even different colors.

Discover all the brilliant ways lighting design can brighten your life by calling Douthit Electrical today! Whether it is for work, play, or a little bit of both, we have the best and brightest electrical solutions for your needs.

 


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