When you’re about to become a parent, you think about a lot of things. But have you considered how adding a child to your home could affect your energy usage and bills? What about how you can create a more comfortable, safe environment for your baby by being more cautious around objects that rely on electricity?
Below are some home energy-related tips to consider as you plan for the fun, excitement, and rewards of raising a child.
The last thing you want to worry about when you’re parenting is buying a new furnace, boiler, or another heating unit before it’s necessary. One way to keep your HVAC equipment working for the long haul is by scheduling annual maintenance visits.
Trained technicians can clean, evaluate, and, if necessary, repair your energy system. Regular maintenance can help keep your system working optimally and prevent more costly repairs later.
Little children are notorious for trying to put their fingers or other objects into outlet slots. Therefore, you’ll want to cover your electrical outlets as a method of baby-proofing.
Plastic safety plugs and caps designed to fit electrical outlets cost very little and pay off greatly. Even a minor electric shock can lead to serious injury. It’s not worth the risk.
An easy way to avoid any type of electrical mishap with kids is to set up their play areas away from dangling cords, utility strips, or outlets. That way, they won’t be tempted to touch anything they shouldn’t.
Have some very long cords snaking along the floor? Use long plastic twist ties to wrap them up and help keep them from becoming a tripping hazard.
When you’re using any type of item that requires electricity, make sure it’s far away from water. For instance, you might want to blow dry your hair or your child’s hair in a bedroom rather than near the tub or toilet in your bathroom. Similarly, when you operate kitchen equipment like blenders, use a plug that’s not near the sink.
Being diligent about when and where you use and plug in everyday products can help kids learn about home energy safety.
Saving money on home energy bills isn’t something just one member of your family can do. The more people who are involved in the process, the deeper savings you can see on your annual costs to heat and cool your home and water supply.
Three simple home energy conservation rules to follow include:
Becoming a parent will be one of the most wonderful experiences you can imagine. It’s also a good opportunity to change the way you think about saving money, heating your home, and getting the most out of electricity.
Need a technician to service your home energy unit this season? Contact Shipley Energy today!