Otis Singleton
Many common household appliances and electronics waste a lot of electricity. The average U.S. household consumes 10,982 kWh of electricity and spends around $2,200 annually on utility bills. Households can lower this amount by being more proactive with energy conservation. For example, leaving lights on is one of the easiest ways to waste energy, while smart lighting systems and motion-sensing switches can help save energy. Other common energy-wasting habits include using incandescent bulbs, leaving electronics plugged in, powering an empty chest freezer, and not using a smart thermostat. Additionally, electronic entertainment, such as televisions, cable boxes, and video game consoles, can consume a significant amount of energy, even when not in use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving lights on | One of the easiest ways to save energy is to turn off lights when leaving a room |
| Using incandescent bulbs | Incandescent bulbs use 90% of their energy as heat instead of light |
| Leaving electronics plugged in | Electronics consume phantom power even when turned off, accounting for up to 10% of a home's total electricity use |
| Not using a smart thermostat | Heating and cooling account for about 52% of household energy use. A programmable thermostat can reduce energy waste by adjusting temperatures when you're away |
| Forgetting to change air filters | A clogged HVAC air filter forces the system to work harder, using more energy. Replacing filters every 1–3 months can reduce HVAC energy consumption by up to 15% |
| Not unplugging devices like TVs, computers, and chargers when not in use | |
| Powering an empty chest freezer | Extra freezers waste energy when not in use |
| Browsing your refrigerator | Americans open their refrigerators 33 times a day on average. The longer the refrigerator door is open, the harder the appliance must work to maintain a cold temperature |
| Using electronic entertainment, including televisions, cable boxes, and video game consoles | These devices can utilize about 55 kWh of electricity per month |
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What You'll Learn
Leaving lights on
Leaving the lights on is one of the most common ways in which electricity is wasted. Lighting uses a significant amount of electricity, especially if the lights are on for most of the day.
One of the easiest ways to save energy is to turn off the lights when leaving a room. If you often forget to do this, smart lighting systems let you control your lights remotely via your phone. Motion-sensing switches can also automatically turn off lights in empty rooms.
Using incandescent bulbs is another way in which electricity is wasted. Incandescent bulbs use 90% of their energy as heat instead of light. The U.S. Department of Energy states that residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
In addition to lighting, electronics also make up about 4% of our energy use. Electronic entertainment, including televisions, cable boxes, and video game consoles, can use a significant portion of energy in our homes. These devices can utilize about 55 kWh of electricity per month. They are also guilty of using standby power even when they are not in use.
Small changes, such as unplugging devices and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, can lead to significant savings in energy and money.
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Using incandescent bulbs
The inefficiency of incandescent bulbs leads to higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher electricity bills. While the initial cost of incandescent bulbs may be lower, their impact on energy usage results in higher long-term costs. Additionally, their shorter lifespan compared to other lighting options, such as compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs, further contributes to their wastefulness.
The heat produced by incandescent bulbs can also impact the energy efficiency of buildings. In climates where cooling is required, the heat generated by the bulbs increases the demand on air conditioning systems, resulting in even higher energy consumption. This effect is particularly notable in commercial buildings and households with significant lighting requirements.
To reduce electricity waste, it is advisable to replace incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient alternatives. Fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, and light-emitting diode lamps (LEDs) are all viable options. LEDs, for example, can use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. While the upfront cost of LEDs may be higher, the long-term energy savings quickly offset this difference.
Some governments have recognized the benefits of phasing out incandescent bulbs and have implemented policies to encourage the adoption of more energy-efficient lighting alternatives. Despite initial resistance due to factors such as light quality and warm-up time, the environmental and economic advantages of switching from incandescent bulbs to more efficient options are significant.
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Electronics plugged in
Electronics that are always plugged in are a significant waste of electricity. Phantom energy, or standby power, refers to the electricity wasted by devices that are plugged in but not in use. Examples of devices that use phantom energy include TVs, chargers, monitors, toasters, lamps, and similar appliances. According to the EPA, electronics account for 11% of energy use in the United States, costing $19 billion per year in phantom energy.
While the amount of energy wasted by a single device may be small, it can add up to a significant amount when multiple devices are left plugged in. For example, a device that uses 2W while turned off costs approximately €4 if left plugged in for a year. Chargers are expected to cost 2-3 euros per year if left plugged in, while a smartphone that is charging uses between 5 and 10 watts.
Devices with LED displays that stay lit even when not in use, such as DVD players or game consoles, are also wasting electricity. Similarly, the AC to DC converter that powers an electronic device or charges a rechargeable battery generates heat as a byproduct of energy conversion, which is wasteful if the device being charged is not plugged into it.
To reduce phantom energy consumption, consider unplugging devices such as TVs, computers, and chargers when not in use. Alternatively, plug multiple electronics into a smart power strip, which automatically shuts off idle devices.
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Not using a smart thermostat
Heating and cooling account for about 52% of household energy use. A smart thermostat can reduce energy waste by automatically adjusting the temperature when you're not at home.
Smart thermostats are designed to learn your habits and preferences over time. They can integrate with other smart home devices, such as motion sensors or door contacts, to detect when you're away and adjust the temperature accordingly. This ensures that energy isn't wasted on heating or cooling an empty home.
For example, if you consistently turn the heat down at 10 pm and increase it at 6 am, the thermostat will pick up on this pattern and automatically adjust the temperature based on your habits. Additionally, smart thermostats can provide in-depth insights into the energy being consumed in real time, allowing you to identify specific times or days where energy usage spikes.
Before investing in a smart thermostat, it's important to ensure that it's compatible with your HVAC system. Some older systems may lack a C-wire, which is a dedicated power source for thermostats. While some smart thermostats can work with adapters, reliability may vary, and not all models will work with basic two-wire, heat-only systems.
By using a smart thermostat, you can save up to 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling costs annually, leading to substantial financial savings on your monthly energy bills.
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Forgetting to change air filters
It is important for homeowners to use the correct type of air filter for their system. Different types of filters vary in thickness, with some as thin as 3/4" and others up to 5 inches thick. HVAC systems in most residential homes use two basic types of air filters: spun fiberglass filters and electrostatic mesh or box-construction filters. Spun fiberglass filters are usually disposable and trap large particles such as dust, dirt, and pollen. Electrostatic mesh or box-construction filters are more expensive and can trap finer particles.
To maintain energy efficiency and keep energy costs down, it is recommended to replace air filters every 1-3 months. Homeowners can also consider investing in an HVAC protection plan bundled with their electricity contract to keep their system in peak condition. By changing air filters regularly, homeowners can improve their home heating efficiency and the system's ability to cool, resulting in better overall temperature maintenance.
Changing air filters also helps prevent unnecessary damage to the HVAC system. Maintenance is typically cheaper than fixing a broken system, and regular changes can help extend the lifespan of the unit. In addition, changing air filters can improve indoor air quality and have a positive impact on family health. With a significant number of US households equipped with air conditioning, it is important for homeowners to be mindful of their air filter usage and make sure they are using the correct type of filter for their system.
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