Wiktor Wise
Reducing electricity usage at home can save you money, increase energy security, and reduce pollution. There are many ways to reduce electricity usage, such as using energy-efficient products, cutting back on hot water usage, and reducing energy leaks. Some other ways to reduce 'always-on' electricity usage include unplugging devices that are rarely used, using smart power strips, and turning off power strips before going to bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heating and cooling | Turn down the thermostat by a few degrees, especially at night or when you are not home. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to heat your home naturally. |
| Water heating | Lower the temperature dial to 120°F (48.8°C) to save up to 22% in energy costs. Use cold water when doing laundry and washing dishes. Reduce shower time and opt for showers instead of baths. |
| Lighting | Use dimmers to reduce the flow of electricity to light bulbs. Replace CFL light bulbs with LED bulbs, which use 30% less electricity. |
| Appliances | Purchase energy-efficient appliances and operate them efficiently. Use a clothes rack or indoor clothesline to dry clothes. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. Clean refrigerator coils annually and keep the fridge away from heat sources. |
| Energy vampires | Unplug devices that are rarely used, such as old speakers, DVD players, and phone chargers. Use smart power strips to cut power to devices that are turned off. |
| Energy audits | Contact your utility provider to conduct a home energy audit to identify ways to reduce energy usage and recommend repairs and efficient fixtures. |
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What You'll Learn
Unplug devices when not in use
Unplugging devices when they are not in use is an effective way to reduce your electricity usage and save money. Devices that are plugged in but not being used are still drawing small amounts of electricity, contributing to what is known as "phantom power use".
Entertainment setups, such as TVs, cable boxes, and game consoles, are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to phantom power use. Chargers, especially those that are always left plugged in, also fall into this category. Even when your phone is not connected, chargers draw electricity.
While it may not be practical to unplug all devices at the end of each day, there are some devices that you can get into the habit of unplugging regularly. Small kitchen appliances, such as electric can openers, coffee makers, and blenders, are easy to unplug when not in use. Similarly, home office equipment, such as computers, printers, and scanners, can be unplugged or put on a smart power strip and shut down with a single button at the end of the workday.
Unplugging devices not only saves energy and reduces your electricity bill, but it can also protect your devices from power surges and extend their lifespan.
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Use energy-efficient appliances
Using energy-efficient appliances is an effective way to lower your utility bills. Energy costs make up a significant portion of a homeowner’s monthly expenses, so investing in energy-efficient appliances can lead to considerable savings over time. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less electricity and other resources, reducing your monthly expenses. They also help to keep your utility bills more stable by reducing your consumption of electricity and water.
When shopping for appliances, it is important to look for the energy rating label, which indicates the product's energy efficiency. The energy rating scale runs from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G the least. In some cases, you may see ratings like A+, A++, or A+++ for even more efficient appliances. When comparing appliances, be sure to consider the size as well, as a smaller appliance with a higher energy rating may use less energy than a larger one with the same rating. For example, a smaller dishwasher could be more energy-efficient if it can do the same job without using as much energy. Similarly, a smaller fridge will generally use less energy than a larger one, even if they have the same energy rating.
You can also look for specific features that reduce energy and water consumption. For example, when buying a new washer, dishwasher, or water heater, look for models with the EPA's Energy Star label, which uses less energy and water than a regular model. An efficient showerhead that uses no more than 2 gallons per minute can also significantly reduce your water usage.
By investing in energy-efficient appliances, you can not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.
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Reduce hot water usage
Hot water is the second-largest expense in powering most homes, so cutting back on your hot water usage can make a significant difference to your energy bill.
One simple way to reduce your hot water usage is to turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. The default setting on some water heaters is 140°F, but most households find 120°F comfortable. Lowering the temperature by 20°F can reduce your energy costs by 4%-22% annually. It also reduces the risk of scalding, slows mineral buildup, and makes your system safer, especially for young children.
Another way to reduce hot water usage is to be mindful of how you use water for cleaning and washing. An efficient showerhead that uses no more than 2 gallons of water per minute can reduce your household water usage by 2,700 gallons per year. Trimming just two minutes off your shower time could save 5 gallons of water. You can also save energy by using cold water when doing laundry. This can also help prevent clothes from shrinking, fading, and wrinkling.
If you use a dishwasher or washing machine, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines use less water and energy and can yield long-term savings. When purchasing a new machine, look for the ENERGY STAR label.
Finally, you can reduce hot water usage by repairing leaks in faucets, showerheads, or pipes. A leak of one drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost up to $35 per year. Aerators are also an inexpensive way to conserve water. They screw onto the tip of the faucet and restrict the flow rate.
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Cut back on heating and cooling
Heating and cooling systems can be a huge drain on energy and a big contributor to hefty utility bills. There are many ways to cut back on heating and cooling and reduce your energy usage.
Insulation
Insulating your home is a great way to reduce the workload on your heating system. Insulation helps to keep heat inside during the winter and prevents heat from entering during the summer. This can lead to significant savings on your utility costs. You can also slip foam "sleeves" around water pipes near exterior walls to save money and reduce the risk of pipes freezing.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around doors and windows can let in hot or cold air, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder. Seal these leaks with weatherstripping or caulking to improve energy efficiency. You can detect air leaks by holding a lit stick of incense in front of windows and doors—horizontal smoke indicates a less-than-airtight seal.
Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat settings can lead to immediate cost savings. Lowering the temperature in the winter can save you money, but be sure to maintain a comfortable temperature for your health. Programmable thermostats are a great way to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, allowing you to turn down the heat when you're not home or during sleeping hours.
HVAC Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial for keeping it running efficiently. Change air filters regularly, clean coils and ducts, and have your system inspected annually by a professional. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient model may be beneficial if your system is over ten years old.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
When purchasing new appliances, look for energy-efficient models that will reduce your overall energy consumption. This includes appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. An efficient showerhead that uses no more than 2 gallons per minute can significantly reduce your water usage.
Other Tips
- Ceiling fans can help circulate air and make your home feel cooler in the summer without adjusting the thermostat.
- Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce energy costs.
- Take advantage of budget-billing programs offered by utility companies to spread out your costs evenly over the year.
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Use smart power strips
Smart power strips are an effective way to reduce your electricity usage and save money. They work by assessing your electricity usage and automatically cutting power to devices that are not in use. Vampire loads, or electronics that use energy when they're off, such as smart TVs, computers, and cable boxes, can be tackled with smart power strips.
Smart power strips are especially useful in rooms where multiple devices are used simultaneously, such as home offices and living rooms. When the primary device, such as a computer, is switched off, the smart power strip will automatically cut power to other connected devices, like printers or phone chargers. This not only saves energy but also protects your devices from power surges during storms or blackouts.
There are different types of smart power strips available. Some can be activated with a remote control or an app, allowing you to control your devices remotely. Master-controlled power strips are ideal for managing multiple devices, while masterless power strips, or current-sensing power strips, automatically cut power when all devices are off or in standby mode, eliminating vampire energy waste.
When choosing a smart power strip, consider your specific needs and electronics setup. Avoid using smart power strips for high-wattage electronics like hair dryers, microwaves, or air conditioners, as they may overload the strip. Instead, plug these devices directly into a main outlet. Additionally, avoid daisy-chaining, or connecting multiple power strips together, as it can exceed the allotted wattage.
Smart power strips can help you reduce your carbon footprint and extend the lifespan of your electronic devices by reducing constant power consumption. They are a simple and effective way to make your home more energy-efficient and save on electricity costs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce electricity usage at home, including:
- Using energy-efficient products and operating them efficiently.
- Reducing your usage of heating and cooling systems, and lowering the temperature of your water heater.
- Unplugging devices that are not in use, such as phone chargers, computers, and TVs, to avoid "vampire power".
To reduce your electricity bill, you can:
- Take advantage of utility programs that offer rebates or reduced rates for off-peak electricity usage.
- Conduct a home energy audit to identify ways to reduce your energy usage, such as repairing faulty seals on windows and doors.
- Use energy-efficient appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.
To reduce your always-on electric usage, try these tips:
- Unplug devices that you use infrequently, such as old speakers, DVD players, and gaming devices.
- Use smart power strips to control the power supply to clusters of devices, turning them off completely when not in use.
- Use an electricity usage monitor to identify devices that use a lot of standby power and keep them unplugged or on a smart power strip.
