8 Surprising Things That Are Increasing Your Energy Bill
Most of us don’t often think about how many things in our home are using electricity constantly. While there are certain factors such as HVAC units that typically make up a large portion of electricity usage, your total consumption is the result of dozens of sources that seem insignificant on their own yet add up quickly. If you’re feeling the strain of a high energy bill, take a look at the following things that may be a drain on your wallet.
Outdated Appliances
Engineers have made remarkable progress in recent years when it comes to creating more energy-efficient appliances. If you’re still relying on decades old things such as refrigerators or dishwashers, the energy savings you get from a new model may be enough to offset the cost on their own.
Light Bulbs
For some time, compact fluorescent bulbs were all the rage due to their increased efficiency over traditional options. Now, LED bulbs have dropped in price so significantly that many of the biggest manufacturers are discontinuing compact fluorescents completely and moving to LEDs. If you haven’t outfitted your home with LED bulbs yet, there’s no better time than now.
HVAC Temperature Settings
Contrary to conventional wisdom, adjusting your HVAC settings by even one or two degrees can help you reduce your energy bill significantly. By focusing on small adjustments, you probably won’t even experience a change in comfort.
Plugged-in Electronics/Chargers
Everyone appreciates the convenience of leaving frequently used electronic devices and phone charges plugged in throughout the day; it eliminates the fumbling and bending over that typically accompanies trying to fit the plug in the outlet. However, leaving those devices constantly plugged in could be costing you hundreds of dollars per year.
Electric Resistance Heat
If you have your air conditioning set to a reasonable temperature during the summer and are still besieged by outrageously high energy bills, your HVAC unit may have the electric resistance heat (or strip heat) turned on at the same time. This is essentially a coil inside the system that acts as supplemental heat, and it may be heating your home at the same time you’re trying to cool down.
Air conditioning Vents
If you’ve recently moved to a new home and find that the HVAC unit is struggling to achieve the desired temperature, check to see if the vents are all open and unobstructed. The system can’t do its job if the air has nowhere to travel.
Airflow
If you are lucky enough to have ceiling fans in our home, put them to use and help your warm or cool air move around the house more freely.
Not Measuring Your Usage
If you really want to figure out which appliances are the biggest power drains on your energy bill, you can utilize a simple meter that will measure usage from individual sources and even store the data digitally for you. This method can help you pinpoint high energy usage and save every penny possible.
7 Tips to Properly Use a Portable Generator
Portable generators play an important role for many New Jersey homeowners who don’t want to suffer through power losses when a big storm comes racing up the East Coast. But before you start plugging in your appliances and powering up your generator, it’s important to follow a few portable generator safety tips to prevent serious accidents and injuries:
Top Tips for Portable Generator Safety
- Read the owner’s manual. Even if you’ve owned a generator in the past, you need to read the manual carefully before operating your unit to make sure you understand all the features, including important safety features, so you can avoid potential accidents.
- Never operate the generator indoors – not even in a garage. Portable generators can emit carbon monoxide and other harmful fumes that can cause unconsciousness and even death. Only operate the generator outside where plenty of air can circulate.
- Check the power cord. Make sure the cord is properly plugged in, and if you’re using an extension cord, make sure it’s a heavy-duty cord designed for generator use. Also check the cord for any sign of damage and be sure it isn’t kinked or pinched. Only use a cord and outlet that are properly grounded.
- Keep the generator away from any flammable liquids or substances to avoid potential fire hazards. Even a tiny spark can be more than enough to trigger a deadly fire. Store gasoline and other fuels, as well as paints, pain thinners and solvents away from the generator.
- Be sure the generator isn’t too close to wood or flammable structures while in operation, and also be sure to clear away any branches, brush, paper products, boxes or other debris that could catch fire.
- Make sure your generator is properly serviced and maintained. Your owner’s manual will provide complete instructions for the proper way to care for your generator, including how to store it when not in use, how to check and replace fluids, and how to check other components for signs of wear and tear. If your generator hasn’t been used for some time, check the fluids and components prior to starting it up, and consider running it every so often during future periods of storage to keep it lubricated. You may also want to consider using a fuel stabilizer during long periods of non-use, and always protect your unit with a cover once it’s completely cooled down after operation.
- Never repair or service your generator while it’s running or immediately following operation while it’s still hot. Generator components can become extremely hot, which can lead to serious burns if the unit is handled while it’s operating or immediately afterward. Wait until the unit is completely cool and always unplug it before servicing or repairing it.
Contact Corbin Electric
At Corbin Electric, we help New Jersey homeowners use their generators safely by providing maintenance and service options that can help ensure portable generators are functioning properly. If you have a generator that needs to be serviced or you’re interested in purchasing a generator, we can help. Contact Us or call (732) 410-7695 to learn more.
5 Tips To Stay Safe During Extended an Power Outage
New Jersey is known for a lot of things, not the least of which is its diversity of weather. From the blistering hot days of summer to the wet and wild hurricane season to the ice storms and frigid blasts of winter air, the Garden State’s weather can vary dramatically. And while diversity can keep life a little more interesting, it can also bring with it plenty of challenges. For most of the year, New Jersey is prone to power outages, whether they occur as a result of summer’s thunder-and-lighting deluges, winter’s frigid ice storms or the six-month-long hurricane season which officially extends from June 1 through November 30.
If you’ve ever experienced a power outage, you know how important it is to take steps to prepare for a hurricane or other weather-related issues before a storm hits. Here are five things you should do to make sure you, your home and your family are prepared the next time those lights flicker into darkness:
- If you have a generator, make sure you know how to use it. Read the manual and make sure it starts and operates the way it’s supposed to. Schedule a maintenance appointment to make sure the components of your unit are functioning properly, and consider learning how to do simple maintenance tasks yourself in case your unit malfunctions or needs a simple repair during an outage. Check out this list of generator safety tips courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If you don’t have a generator but you’re interested in adding one to your home, call Corbin Electric at (732) 410-7695 to learn more about units that can suit your needs.
- Put together a power outage “kit” that contains flashlights, fresh batteries, bottled water and a can opener. Also include some blankets, and don’t forget pet food. Place everything in a sturdy, waterproof container that can be grabbed in a moment’s notice in case you need to evacuate.
- Use candles safely. Candles can be a good source of low-level lighting, but it’s important to ensure they are constantly monitored. Even leaving a room with candles lit for a few minutes can result in a devastating fire. Be sure candles are in stable containers and located away from small children and pets – especially those with tails which can easily drift into open flames.
- When an outage does occur, consider unplugging major appliances that aren’t being powered by a generator. Sometimes when power returns after an outage, it can create a surge that can damage appliances that are connected to the electrical system in your home. Unplugging appliances that aren’t being powered by a generator can prevent surge-related damage.
- Finally, have a plan. As they say, the time to plan is before the storm hits, so take some time to sit down with your family members and discuss your needs to decide what action you need to take to be prepared, including a list of possible places you can go to recharge phones and other portable electronics and to connect with the Internet. If you have a home-based business, be sure you have a backup plan to continue operations or at least notify your clients of any potential delays.
Taking steps to prepare for a storm takes some effort, but it’s time well spent. To learn more about how a home generator can help you, your family and your business avoid disruptions during a power outage, call Corbin at (732) 410-7695.
How To Spot A Trouble Tree That May Fall
Most homeowners love having healthy, full-grown trees adorning their property. Not only do they look attractive and provide much-needed shade in the New Jersey summers, but they often increase the value of your property as well. But the beauty of the trees can turn sour in a hurry when a damaged tree threatens to fall in your yard. Learn why trouble trees are so dangerous, how to tell if you may have a tree that needs attention, and what can be done about the problem.
Why Trouble Trees Are Dangerous
Trees may be integral to our planet’s survival by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and beautifying our world, but residential trees can wreak serious havoc if they fall unexpectedly. In a worst case scenario, your family or pets could be seriously injured by a tree falling over. Even if there are no personal injuries, any falling tree has a high-percentage chance of causing damage to your home, personal property, or simply tearing up your yard. Power lines are another danger that is often looked past. Live power lines that have been damaged by tree limbs carry fire risk, and emergency services should be called immediately in such a case.
Potential Warning Signs
It’s wise to frequently inspect all of the mature trees on your property to look for advance warning signs that they might become hazardous. Check for any deep cuts that are visible in the bark, and also inspect the top of the tree from a distance in order to spot any dead wood or leaves.
Your tree doesn’t have to be growing completely straight to be healthy, but if it is leaning too much, it may be suffering from damaged roots. Inspect the soil around the roots to see if it looks cracked, and also check for exposed roots at the base.
We often think of trees with multiple trunks as interesting abnormalities, but the unsound weight distribution of these oddities can cause them to become unstable. Check where the trunks meet each other for deep cuts and signs of damage that could cause the tree to split during a storm or in the presence of strong winds.
Can It be Saved?
Depending upon the circumstances faced by your trouble tree, you may be able to save it with proper maintenance before it falls. Leaning trees can be pruned to achieve optimal weight distribution. In more severe cases, they can also be secured to the ground with cables and stakes. Trees with multiple trunks can sometimes be stabilized as well, but this is usually best left to professionals.
What To Do When It Must Come Down
If other solutions aren’t working, or the situation is dangerous enough that the tree needs to be taken care of immediately, you will likely need to hire an arborist to safely remedy the situation. It may not be the least expensive option, but it’s certainly preferable to the worst case scenario of a tree falling unexpectedly.
10 Simple Ways To Lower Your Energy Bill
Everyone needs a break on their energy bills, but people often think that saving money on energy requires costly upgrades or inconvenient life changes. The struggle between convenience and savings is a difficult balance to maintain, but there are numerous steps you can take to reduce your energy footprint without sacrificing your happiness. Best of all, these solutions require little to no upfront financial investment.
Save the heat-generating appliances for the coolest part of the day
The dishwasher and the dryer are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to heating up your house. During the summer, run the cycles overnight so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work overtime.
Utilize efficient loading
Waiting until the dishwasher or washing machine are completely full before running them is something we could probably all be better about. A little extra time spent arranging your dishes optimally can add up to big savings over time.
Make dinner in the slow-cooker
No one wants to stand next to a hot oven in the summer. Instead, invest a little time in the morning to put your dinner in a slow cooker, and it will be ready when you get home. Modern slow cookers are very energy efficient, especially compared to electric ranges.
Adjust the thermostat when you don’t need it
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, you can likely upgrade to one for less than you think. Use it to adjust the settings on your heat and air conditioning while you’re at work. Even a few degrees can make a significant difference on your energy cost.
Keep the dial on your washing machine turned to cold
Numerous studies are showing that it’s not really necessary to wash clothes in hot water. Washing only in cold water will instantly turn your washing machine into an energy-saving dynamo.
Cool off with fans
If you have ceiling fans, they are excellent for improving air flow in your home and allowing the heating and air conditioning units to do their jobs better. Otherwise, inexpensive desk or stand fans can make you feel cooler, even if the thermostat is turned up a few degrees.
Change your air filters frequently
If air filters are working properly, they’re naturally going to become saturated with debris quickly, resulting in inefficient heating and cooling. Most experts recommend monthly replacement, but even checking them seasonally can have an impact.
Check the insulation
Air is a powerful force, and it will find any way possible to get into your home. Something as simple as applying fresh weather-stripping to windows and doors can protect your home from the heat and cold.
The light bulbs of the future are here, so use them!
Replacing your old-fashioned bulbs with compact fluorescents requires a minimal upfront investment, but it can save you much more over the life of the bulbs.
Clean your air ducts and vents
Your HVAC unit may be using extra energy to try and push air through blocked ducts and vents. A quick cleaning session can markedly improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling.
Here’s How a Generator Can Make Your Life Easier
Back in the day – OK, WAY, way back – being able to flip a switch and have electricity coursing through your home was a novelty. No more candles or dangerous gas flames – not only was it convenient, but it was also much safer. But of course, it didn’t take long for people to take their electricity for granted. Today, more than a century has passed since the first entire street in the U.S. was bathed in the artificial glow of electric lights (in Cleveland, if you’re wondering), and Americans have long considered electricity a necessary staple of their daily lives.
Power Outages in New Jersey
With so much of our daily routines depending on electricity, it’s not surprising that a power outage causes such disruption and outright panic, especially when an outage extends for more than a day: Food spoils, computers don’t work, heating and air conditioning become wistful memories, and most of our forms of entertainment are unusable. Much more seriously, power outages can prevent necessary medical equipment from working, and it can even interfere with our ability to get clean water.
Being a coastal state and the country’s most densely populated as well, New Jersey certainly has its fair share of power outages, many of them lasting well over a day and affecting millions of customers. In fact, New Jersey has the dubious honor of being a part of the country’s two biggest power outages to date – the Northeast blackouts of 1965 and 2003, which affected 30 million and 45 million people, respectively. Those outages were due to human error, but there are plenty of outages that occur as a result of the storms that move up the coast or come sweeping in from the West. Hurricane season is especially problematic, but winter is no slouch. The Garden State averages from two to five ice storms annually, and that doesn’t take into account the dozens of localized storms that can take out power in specific neighborhoods.
The Benefits of Owning a Generator
Of course, while no one eagerly anticipates a power outage, if you own a generator, the prospect of your electricity going out isn’t nearly so daunting. With the right generator, you can still power your lights, your heating and cooling system, your refrigerator and freezer – even your beloved TVs and computers. More importantly, you don’t have to worry about power being cut off from medical equipment like nebulizers and ventilators, or loss of power for your water pump if your home uses one.
More pragmatically, having a home generator is almost a necessity if you work from home; after all, few customers are going to want to wait around for days while you’re electricity is out, plus your generator might qualify for a tax deduction is it’s used for business purposes.
Those are just a handful of the benefits of owning a generator, but there are plenty of others. If you’re considering a generator, Corbin Electric can help. Give us a call today at (732) 410-7695 or visit our website to learn more or to schedule an in-home consultation.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Under 24 Hours
If it’s fall, that means it’s hurricane season, at least for residents of New Jersey and up and down the East Coast. And that means many of your friends and neighbors are preparing for hurricane season by shoring up their property, buying supplies and tuning up their generators so they’re as ready as they can be if a storm heads their way. But what if you’re not the “preparing” type and you’re more prone to wait until the last minute before taking action? Does that mean you’re in for the worst? Not at all. Even if a hurricane is expected to hit within the next day or so, there are still things you can – and should – do to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared:
- First, know your evacuation routes, and if you’re near the shore or another area where flooding is expected, consider leaving now, before flooding and washed-out roads make leaving an impossibility. If you plan on staying put for now, make sure your car has gas just in case.
- Board up windows and glass doors to protect yourself from shattering glass if an object like a tree limb or wind-borne lawn furniture comes crashing in. Make sure your own lawn furniture, grills or other outdoor objects are put away or firmly secured to the ground or another secure object.
- Fill containers with clean water in case flooding causes issues with your own water supply. Having containers filled with water is especially important if you depend on a well and pump for your water supply.
- Dig out your flashlights, check the batteries and lay in a supply of fresh batteries and canned goods. Don’t forget pet food and water as well. Also make sure you have plenty of blankets on hand in case you wind up without any heat.
- If you have a generator, now is a good time to make sure you have plenty of fuel. If your generator is portable, make sure the cord used to power it is in good shape, and if you haven’t run it in some time, give it a trial run to make sure it’s in working order. Always keep a few supplies on hand to make minor repairs to your generator if needed.
Of course, the best time to prepare for a hurricane is long before a hurricane is expected, before your neighbors hit the stores and deplete them of flashlights, bottled water and canned goods. But by using common sense and taking a few important precautions, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones are well prepared to take the important steps you need to take to weather the storm.
And of course, if you have a generator and you want to be extra safe and sound this hurricane season, you can give us a call right now for all your generator needs, including parts and service so you can feel confident it will be ready when you need it.
8 Tips for Winterizing your Pool
Did you know there are more than 10 million swimming pools in the U.S. – and just a fraction of those pools are located in the southernmost states? It’s true, and that means that just about this time of year, there are millions of people who find themselves suddenly faced with the prospect of getting those millions of pools ready for winter. If you’re among those millions, here’s a quick rundown of the steps you need to take to get your pool ready for its annual winter nap:
- Clean it out. Before anything else, you need to make sure your pool is free of leaves and other debris. Use a net to fish out the floating debris, then vacuum the bottom to remove sediment.
- Test your pH. If you don’t have a pool testing kit, now is the time to buy one. Make sure your water is adjusted to the proper levels of pH, calcium and chlorine content.
- Consider using a winterization kit. These kits increase the levels of algaecides and chlorine to help prepare your water for overwintering. Follow directions to the letter when adding chemicals to your pool to avoid damage, and don’t use floater devices to disperse them.
- Now drain it – just a little. Freezing temperatures cause water to expand. To prevent expansion-related damage, drain water to just below the skimmer. Never drain a pool completely – the freezing soil below or around your pool can heave and cause the pool to heave right along with it; keeping some water in the pool can help prevent heave.
- Take care of the pump. Disconnect the pump, and if your pool uses a heater, disconnect that too. Drain all water from the pump and remove the drain plugs. If you like, you can turn the pump on just for a few seconds – more than that, and you can damage the pump mechanics. Drain the heater and blow it out with a shop vac or, if you have one, a compressor. Remove the heater plugs and place them with the other plugs in the pump basket for safe keeping. Remove the skimmer baskets and return jet fittings and store them with the plugs.
- Now drain the pipes. Disconnect fittings at the pump and filter and make sure the pipes and drain lines are free of water. Use your shop vac or compressor. Clean the filter according to manufacturers’ instructions.
- Add a float. Place a flotation device in the center of your pool to prevent pressure buildup as freezing water expands.
- Keep it snug with a cover. Make sure your pool cover is strong enough to handle the winter snow load without ripping and to prevent animals from falling into the pool if they decide to walk across it. Repair any rips, or better still, replace the cover. Make sure to install it following the manufacturers’ guidelines.
You can find more tips at the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) website. And remember: A little time spent preparing your pool for the winter means it will be ready that much sooner when the warm weather returns next spring.
Standby Generator Fall Maintenance and Winter Preparation
As a coastal state, New Jersey gets its share of fall hurricanes and winter storms. That’s why so many of the state’s residents rely on home generators to make sure they’re not left in the dark – and the cold – when fall and winter weather starts causing trouble.
Of course, owning a generator is just the first step in protecting against power outages. Once you have a standby generator, you have to be sure you take the necessary steps to keep it in good working order. If you haven’t prepared your standby generator for the upcoming cold weather season, here’s what you should do:
First, find out if your generator manufacturer offers a cold weather kit, or weatherization kit. These kits typically contain all the parts and accessories you need to help ensure your generator will be ready to handle the nastiest weather, including those autumn hurricanes and winter ice storms that just love to visit the Garden State. If your manufacturer doesn’t offer a kit or if you prefer to buy your items separately, here’s what you’ll need:
- Battery warmer: You can choose from a manual warmer that requires you to turn it on and off or a thermostatically-controlled warmer that turns itself on and off depending on the surrounding temperature. Obviously, thermostatically-controlled units are far more convenient, and they’ll work even when you’re not home.
- Oil warmer: Oil is the lifeblood of your standby generator, keeping parts lubricated so the entire engine works the way it’s supposed to. But in cold weather, oil can become thicker, resulting in increased levels of friction that can cause excessive wear and tear. An oil heater helps maintain oil at the proper heat and viscosity for optimal performance once the temperature plunges.
- Covers and other accessories: Covers don’t just provide an additional layer of insulation – they also keep out dust, debris and insects. Other possible accessories include frost prevention devices to keep ice from building up around your alternator and intake.
Finally, if you need to use your generator this fall or winter, you’re going to want to know how to operate it safely. The first source for tips for proper operation of any generator is the manufacturer’s manual. Be sure to read it over thoroughly and to follow all guidance regarding the safe operation of your home generator. Online, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Red Cross all offer safety tips to help consumers avoid accidents when using their generators.
Not sure if your generator is ready to take on the cold? At Corbin Electric, we’re ready to provide you with everything you need – from accessories to tuneups – to get your generator ready for all Mother Nature has in store. Call us today at (732) 536-0444
Preparing an Emergency Kit for Hurricane Season
In coastal areas like New Jersey, preparing for hurricane season is paramount to survival, should the storm hit land. If your residence is damaged by the storm and you and your loved ones become trapped, help may arrive anywhere between hours and days. While it can be difficult to maintain calm and know what to do in such a desperate and terrifying situation, a pre-made emergency kit can not only mean the difference between life and death, but can also provide significant peace of mind during the overall season.
A well-stocked hurricane emergency kit will include such key survival items as:
- Enough food and water to last you and your loved ones for 72 hours
- Food should be non-perishable items, like canned and boxed shelf-stable items (don’t forget a can opener!)
- According to Ready.gov, the recommended ratio for water is one gallon per person, per day (some for sanitation)
- A first-aid kit to tend to any wounds until relief workers arrive
- At least one flashlight in case the power fails or you become trapped in a dark area
- A NOAA weather radio and either a battery-powered or hand crank regular radio
- Sufficient batteries for all battery-powered items (radios, flashlights, etc.)
- If your home is outfitted with a backup generator, you may not need to pack batteries, radios or flashlights, as you may be able to maintain your own power throughout the duration of the storm and utilize any power, lighting or radios in your house. However, you may choose to pack those items anyway, in the case that your generator fails to start or is taken out by the severe weather conditions.
- Cell phones with chargers, for communication
- While emergency phone lines may be overrun with calls, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management suggests following them on social media for updates and signing up for state-run emergency alert and messaging networks Nixle Connect and NJ Alert.
- Any required medications or medical devices
- Because medications break down and expire over time, these may be best packed as needed at the first sign of a coming hurricane. The American Red Cross suggests packing enough medication for 7 days.
- Sanitation items like garbage bags, moist towelettes, toilet paper, etc.
- A small selection of tools (e.g. wrench and pliers) or a multi-tool for use in disconnecting utilities if necessary
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting for covering broken windows or other open, damaged areas
- Maps of your local area
And may include additional hurricane preparation items, like:
- Infant formula and/or pet food
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
- Fire extinguisher
- Books, games, and/or other entertainment to help pass the time while waiting for help
By preparing for a hurricane well before hurricane season arrives, you and your loved ones will have the security and peace of mind required to weather another stormy New Jersey summer.
Recent Comments