13 Ways You’re Wasting Energy at Home (and How To Stop!)
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Energy conservation is becoming more critical than ever, and understanding how we use and often waste energy at home can make a big difference. The average American household spends roughly $2,060 annually on energy bills. This includes costs for heating, cooling, lighting, and powering appliances. Everyday habits and outdated technologies waste a significant portion of energy.
Famous environmentalist David Suzuki highlighted that energy conservation is a way to save money and also our planet. Identifying and halting these unnecessary energy uses benefits us financially and helps us take substantial steps toward environmental sustainability. Read on to discover the common energy pitfalls at home and learn how to transform wastefulness into efficiency.
Leaving Lights On
It’s easy to forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room, but this simple habit can be a significant energy drain. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that lighting accounts for about 10% of home energy use.
Install motion sensor lights or smart lighting systems that automatically turn off when not needed. Make it a habit to turn off lights when leaving a room, and consider using natural light during the day.
Overlooking Air leaks
Air leaks in your home, such as cracks around doors and windows, can waste significant energy. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates air leakage accounts for up to 20% of a home’s heating and cooling costs. Hold a lit candle near potential leak areas to check for drafts. There is likely an air leak if the flame flickers.
Use weather stripping or caulking to keep warm or cool air from escaping. Sealing these leaks can improve your home’s energy use, save on energy bills, and make your living space more comfortable.
Underloading Appliances
Running a half-empty dishwasher or washing machine wastes energy and water. Wait until you have a full load before running these appliances.
Utilize the load size settings on your appliances or manually adjust the water level for smaller loads.
Leaving Electronics Plugged In
You may not realize it, but even when electronics are turned off, they consume energy in standby mode. This is known as phantom energy or vampire power. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that phantom loads can account for 5% to 10% of home energy use.
Unplug devices when not in use or use smart power strips that simultaneously cut off power to multiple devices. To prevent this waste, invest in smart plugs that can be controlled remotely and look for Energy Star-rated appliances, which minimize standby power consumption.
Ignoring HVAC Maintenance
Properly functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential for maintaining energy efficiency in your home. Neglecting regular maintenance can cause your HVAC to work harder and use more energy.
Schedule annual maintenance visits with a professional to ensure your HVAC system works efficiently. To improve airflow and reduce energy usage, clean or replace air filters regularly.
Using Old Appliances
Older appliances typically consume more energy than newer models due to technological advances and efficiency standards. Replace outdated appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated options.
These appliances use 10-50% less energy and water than their conventional counterparts. This can help save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Not Using a Programmable Thermostat
Constantly adjusting your thermostat can lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Leaving the thermostat at one temperature throughout the day can also waste energy, especially when no one is home.
Investing in a programmable thermostat helps you adjust the temperature remotely as per your schedule and save on energy. Program your thermostat to automatically decrease or increase the temperature while you’re away from home or asleep. This change can help save on your energy bill.
High Water Heater Settings
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their water heater’s temperature is often higher than necessary. The Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal energy efficiency.
This setting is sufficient for most household needs and can reduce water heating costs by 10% to 15%. To reduce heat loss, insulate your water heater and pipes.
Unoptimized Refrigerator Settings
Refrigerators are among the most energy-consuming appliances in your home, accounting for about 14% of total household electricity use. Adjust the temperature settings according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and regularly clean coils behind or beneath your fridge. Set your fridge to 35-38°F and the freezer to 0°F, and ensure the door seals are tight.
Replacing an old refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR-rated model can save up to $260 on energy bills over five years. Consider keeping your fridge stocked but not overfilled, as this can reduce air circulation and make it work harder.
Using Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs convert 10% of their energy into light, while the rest is wasted as heat. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that switching to LED bulbs can reduce lighting energy use by at least 75%, and they last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. This makes LEDs a highly efficient and cost-effective choice for home lighting.
The widespread adoption of LED lighting in residential settings can save an average household about $225 annually in energy bills. Transitioning to LEDs can significantly brighten your financial savings and sustainability footprint.
Poor Insulation
Subpar insulation makes your home an energy sieve, leaking away hard-earned dollars. 25% to 30% of home heat loss occurs through the roof due to insufficient insulation. The Department of Energy highlighted that adding insulation to your home can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
A well-insulated home is cozier and a powerhouse of savings. Examine your attic, walls, and floors for gaps and thin spots in insulation, and consider upgrading to materials with higher R-values for better thermal resistance.
Taking Long Showers
Taking long, luxurious hot showers might feel like a daily mini-vacation, but they waste water and energy. The average American shower uses about 15.8 gallons, lasting 7.8 minutes at an average flow rate of 2.1 gallons per minute.
To make your shower routine more eco-friendly, consider installing a water-efficient showerhead. These heads can reduce water use by 20% without sacrificing performance. Embrace the five-minute shower challenge and reward yourself with extra time or savings spent elsewhere.
Not Using Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a simple and effective way to cool off your home in the summer and circulate warm air in the winter. During hotter months, turn on the fan blades counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze, while in cooler months, switch them clockwise at low speeds to draw up warm air from the floor.
Ceiling fans can reduce reliance on central heating or cooling systems and save money and energy. Make sure to turn off fans when leaving a room, as they only provide comfort when people are present.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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