The hunt for hidden energy users at home
Out of sight, out of mind. It is easy to overlook the hidden energy users in our homes. Yet, every plugged-in device and ready-to-use appliance can lead to higher electric bills.
When it comes to major appliances, your water heater could be using more energy than necessary. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees at the factory. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees. Do not set it lower than 120 degrees to prevent bacteria development in the tank.
Exterior security lights, porch lights and barn lights can use more energy than needed. If they are on every night, all year long, that adds up to 4,380 hours—half the hours in a year. Switch to energy efficient LED bulbs, and if lights need to stay on, consider upgrading to motion sensor lights.
Pools and hot tubs can also be big energy users. Since you don’t see the pumps or heaters by design, it’s difficult to know when they are operating and consuming energy. Energy Star-certified pumps run at lower speeds and can be programmed to match your pool’s filtering needs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Schedule your hot tub to a lower temperature when you’re not using it to reduce energy use.
Electronics
For computer stations and entertainment centers, try smart power strips, which sense when energy is being used and turn peripheral devices on or off as needed.
Gaming consoles are another hidden energy user. Gamers often put them in rest mode when not in use, enabling them to complete updates and reducing start-up time. But it also means they are using energy even when not actively used. Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy.
