We might think unplugging chargers and turning off the lights are ways to save energy. Still, we make some common mistakes that sabotage our own efforts and make us spend more money than we realize.
Some everyday saving habits may quietly skyrocket your bills, even though you have good intentions. Ready to uncover the hidden bad guys lurking in plain sight? Here are 9 common daily mistakes we need to undo before they cost you big time, according to energy experts.
1. Leaving Electronics Plugged In
It’s true that many of your electronics secretly drain power when they’re off or in standby mode. It’s called phantom load or vampire power. Think about your phone chargers, coffee maker, TV, gaming console, and even your toaster when they’re plugged in. They likely consume a small yet continuous amount of electricity to prepare for a sudden power surge. Energy organizations like the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and the Energy Saving Trust, emphasize the “vampire drain” that can significantly increase your energy bill. So, what should we do then?
Here’s what to do: Unplug devices when you’re not using them. If possible, use smart power strips to automatically cut power to idle electronics. This small change can result in significant savings on the bill over time.
2. Setting the Thermostat in Extremes
It’s tricky getting your home to feel just about right, but pushing the thermostat to extremes uses a lot of energy. Every time you crank up a degree during summer or turn down the heat in winter, your energy use jumps by 3 to 5% that fast!
Here’s what to do: Keep your home around 77°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter. Or, better yet, get a cool, smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away or sleeping. That’s why you only pay for the heating and cooling when you’re home.
3. Ignoring Drafts and Leaks
These small cracks and gaps in your home just seem tiny, but they’re the open doors for your energy to escape. Your expensive heated or cooled air may leak out through the gaps around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. Also, the outside air will sneak in and make your system work extra hard.
Here’s what to do: Cheap and simple fixes, such as weatherstripping around windows and doors, caulking for cracks, and door sweeps, make a huge difference. Do a quick check around your home, and you’ll see where those hidden leaks are.
4. Using Incandescent Light Bulbs
Those old-fashioned light bulbs suck up a lot of energy, and if you’re still using them, don’t be surprised if your next power bill goes up. These inefficient bulbs convert only 10% of their energy into light and 90% into heat. You’re paying to heat your home using these lights!
Here’s what to do: Switch to LED bulbs. They use up around 70% less energy than the old ones. LEDs can save you money on electricity and they also last much longer. It’s an incredible switch with huge savings.
5. Overfilling/Underfilling Freezers
There’s actually an effective way for saving energy when it comes to your freezer. When you pack the freezer too full, it uses more power because the air can’t move around easily, which makes the motor work harder. But when your freezer’s almost empty, the temperature isn’t steady since there’s less cold stuff inside.
Here’s what to do: keep them about three-quarters full. If it’s still looking empty, you can fill the extra space with water bottles or crumpled newspapers to keep the cold in, making your freezer work more efficiently.
6. Taking Long Hot Showers
It feels great to have a nice, long, hot shower, but the truth is it’s a big energy user. When you heat water, it takes a lot of power in your home. The longer the shower, the more hot water you use, which means that your water heater burns more energy.
Here’s what to do: A small change, like cutting your shower time by just a few minutes, can make a difference in your spending money. Another suggestion is to get a low-flow showerhead that uses less hot water but still gives you good pressure. These actions can lower your energy bill over a year.
7. Leaving Curtains Closed/Open at the Wrong Times
Your curtains and blinds aren’t just for the looks. They can also control your home’s temperature. If you leave your curtains open when the sun is shining, your house gets hotter, which makes the AC work harder. During winter, when you leave them closed on sunny days, you’re just missing out on free warmth from the sun. Using your curtains smartly can save a good amount of energy.
Here’s what to do: During summer, when you’re using your AC, block off the heat by closing the curtains. During winter, open them for free warmth especially on sunny days.
8. Running Half-empty Dishwashers & Washing Machines
You might think that running small loads of dishes can save water, but it’s actually the opposite when it comes to energy. Dishwashers and washing machines consume the same amount of energy in every cycle, no matter how full they are. This means that running one full load is more energy-efficient than running two half-empty loads.
Here’s what to do: You might want to wait until you have a whole load of dishes before using them. For washing machines, they use up a lot of energy when heating the water, so choosing cold water cycles will save even more energy and keep your clothes clean. Just be patient and fill them up cold.
9. Not Using Natural Light or Ventilation
Sometimes, our natural surroundings give us ways to save energy, so we don’t always have to rely on those fancy gadgets.
Here’s what to do: During the mornings, try opening your blinds or curtains to let natural light go in instead of turning on a light switch. Your home will thank you for making it brighter and nicer, plus it lessens your energy use! Also, let the fresh air flow through when the weather is good, so open those windows and doors. When you use natural light and air, you can enjoy your home while cutting energy use and saving big heaps of money.