by Shari Held


A quick trip to the mailbox these days can sometimes deliver a rather unpleasant shock. There, in an unassuming white envelope, is your most recent electric bill with a number that is catching many homeowners off-guard. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of electricity increased 11% from March 2021 to March 2022. That’s a big jump! While that’s beyond your control, you can reduce your consumption and costs with a few changes.

Here are five ways to get you started!

Tip 1: Turn off lights in unused rooms.

This is a no-brainer, but if you aren’t in the habit of doing this, it will take a little effort.

Tip 2: Install motion detectors.

Motion detector controlled lights installed by Burtner Electric are a convenient way to save energy. This is especially useful in rooms off the main living area such as a garage, walk-in closet, or pantry. Lights come on and turn off as you need them, with no effort on your part.

Tip 3: Switch to LED lighting.

Lighting is about 12% of the average home energy use. Swapping out the bulbs in your five most frequently used light fixtures can save you up to $75 per year. If changing all the lights sounds daunting or tedious, Burtner Electric can quickly swap them out for you (even those hard to reach, outdoor floodlights and chandeliers).

Tip 4: Install an attic fan.

Circulating the hot attic air with a fan installed by a Burtner expert keeps the heat from entering the rest of your house and reduces the load on your air conditioner.

Tip 5: Use smart power strips.

Many electronic devices such as TVs, stereos, DVDs, DVRs, Cable boxes, garage door openers, computers, printers, and electrical toothbrushes never truly power off. A smart power strip cuts off the current when they aren’t in use, saving you money.

Need help implementing your electricity-saving ideas? Contact Burtner Electric at (317) 773-7663 or visit BurtnerElectric.com to schedule your installations or for more help with energy efficiency.