Reducing energy consumption can benefit you and the environment. You use fewer appliances. This can result in lower electricity bills. You use less power. This can help conserve energy. It’s like achieving two tasks at once.
There are numerous ways to minimize energy use. Using less electricity is not the only way. You can apply simple home modifications or renovate altogether. You can also change your habits surrounding energy use. All of these methods can help your household achieve energy efficiency.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
Being energy efficient involves awareness of how your family uses energy and how it’s wasted. By becoming fully aware, you can do several jobs while using less power. This can reduce your home’s energy waste, saving you money.
Learn more about becoming energy efficient and reducing your home’s energy consumption.
Turn the Lights Off When Not in Use
The Annual Energy Outlook 2021 revealed that residential properties consumed 62 billion kWh (kilowatt-hour) of light alone in 2020. It accounted for 4% of the electricity consumption of US households. It seems small, but if you look at it closer, 15% of your energy consumption is caused by leaving lights on.
Just by simply turning lights off when not in use saves you money. It can lower your electricity costs. Use light dimmers and timers. Dimmers reduce the amount of light that bulbs emit. Timers, on the other hand, can automatically turn off lights based on preset time.
Use a Power Strip
Standby power can cause phantom electricity loss. Most home appliances today have standby power. Even if they are not in use, they can still suck energy. This is why it also is called vampire power.
Leaving a charger plugged, for example, consumes .26 watts of energy. You didn’t use that energy, but you’re still going to pay for it. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, vampire power can add an extra 10% to your electricity bill.
Vampire loads can come off from appliances and devices in sleep mode, too. Smart TVs, cable boxes, laptops, and computers are some of the worst culprits.
To avoid phantom electricity loss, use a power strip. This device enables you to turn on and off several appliances all at once. You can control your power consumption more effectively.
When choosing the right product, look for one that has the Energy Star. Plus, go for smart or advanced smart power strips. They can turn off idle appliances automatically when not in use.
Ensure Regular Maintenance of Your HVAC System
A malfunctioning AC unit or heat pump can increase your energy costs. Make sure that your HVAC system is regularly checked and maintained by a professional.
Have your thermostat checked. A simple assessment can help you determine if you can conserve power even if you’re not at home. Electrical connections should also be checked to ensure everything is connected properly. Leaving grounded wiring can lead to phantom energy loss, too.
To ensure that your HVAC system works efficiently, have all parts inspected, including non-electrical ones.
Unplug Appliances and Electronic Devices
One of the simplest ways to conserve energy is to unplug unused appliances and electronic devices.
Living room appliances can cost you an extra $117 per month on your electricity bill. The cable box and the game console are the top ones that cause phantom electricity loss. If you have a home office, devices in there can cost you $59 per month on your energy consumption. Your desktop computer and cable modems are the biggest producers of vampire power.
As a result, vampire power in total costs more than $1,000 per US household on an annual basis. Save money by unplugging your appliances.
Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances and Lighting
New models of electronic devices, lighting, and appliances today are more energy-efficient. They use state-of-the-art technology to help consumers be energy-efficient.
For your lighting, switch to LED bulbs. They can help reduce lighting costs by up to 80%. What’s more, they can last for years, at least 3 to 25x more than incandescent bulbs. And although LED bulbs used to cost a lot when they were new in the market, they are more affordable now. With many choices available, prices have gone down.
When shopping for energy-saving appliances, look for the Energy Star. Often left unnoticed, you should also check the annual operating cost of each appliance. They can range from 9 to 25% less compared to old models.
Force of Habit is an Excuse
Finally, switching to energy-efficient lighting and appliances at home doesn’t ensure lower electricity costs. That depends on you. The key here is to act on your own and be conscious about lights that are left on or idle appliances still plugged. Turn them off or unplug them when necessary.
