from Mary in Bangor, WI:
#783
Can rewiring my home save money on my utility bill?
No, it won’t. Read on for other ways you can save.
Rewiring your home will not reduce the load that lights, motors, and appliances draw. Reduction of electrical use comes from turning off lights and many other appliances when not in use, or by using lights, motors, and appliances that are more efficient. A common (inexpensive) example of reducing electrical load is to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s). Another lighting alternative is to use light emitting diodes (LED’s). Learn more about energy-saving appliances in homes on our Web site.
If you have a forced air furnace, using a more efficient blower motor can save a considerable amount of electrical energy (use ECM technology).
This fact sheet explains some basics of electrical use (and energy efficiency) in homes.
One viable alternative to explore would be to install photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity that you could use directly or “feed” to the electric utility (makes your electric meter run backwards). There are currently very favorable federal tax credits (and Focus on Energy Cash-Back Rewards) to help offset the initial cost of PV installations.
Published Monday, April 12, 2010