subject: How To Make The Most Of Your Electricity Use [print this page] Are you aware that all your appliances still use electricity even when not in use? It's true - stand-by electricity is sent to the plug and waits on hold until you turn it on - and only then the full amount of electricity is put into operation. This is called vampire energy, because it sucks energy from the electrical outlet even when it is switched off and uses an amazing 5% to 10% of residential electricity. Other fascinating snippets of knowledge, such as those listed below, will help you learn how to make the most of your electricity use.
Clearly, then, it is important to unplug all your electrical appliances from their sockets when they are not in use. This applies to almost everything - TVs, DVD players, stereo systems, telephone chargers, coffee makers, microwaves, toasters and toaster ovens; as well as larger items like washing machines, driers and stoves.
Bear in mind that a typical home uses most of its electricity - approximately 44% - on either keeping it warm or cool. This, then, is where one should look in order to reduce ones electricity use, or make better use of the electricity one has to use. Air conditioners use an inordinate amount of electricity to keep your house cool and dry.
In very hot climates it is recommended to set the thermostat at a comfortable 25o, even on the hottest day, as every degree above that will cost you between 7% and 10% more. The same applies in the winter when you need to warm your home. Ensure that the filters are clean and/or changed regularly, so that your air conditioner works at its optimum level. Interestingly, an air conditioner or heating unit which is too large for the area it needs to cool or warm not only wastes electricity, but it becomes less effective at reducing humidity.
Consider installing a ceiling fan, as moving air feels cooler. It has been proven that the use of such fans lowers the air temperature - and the electricity use is much less than for air conditioners.
Appliances and lighting account for the next largest chunk of your household energy bills - amounting to around 33%. This does not take into account your refrigerator - which uses around 9% on its own, but there is nothing to be done as it is an essential appliance. Note, though, that refrigerators older than 15 years do use more energy than newer models. When it comes to lighting, you need to replace your old bulbs with the new compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), as they use about 75% less energy compared to the old fashioned ones and last 10 times longer - even if they are much more expensive to buy.
The savings on your electricity bills will be noticeable and they are much longer-lasting. Always remember to switch off all lights not in use, as they guzzle energy. For example, one 60w bulb which is on for 9 hours a day for 30 days equals 270 hours in the month. Multiply those 270 hours by 60w and you will get 16.200 watt hours (kWh). One kWh is equivalent to 1000w, so the calculation shows that 16.2 kWh is used by only one 60w bulb in one month. Do the maths and you will see how much can be saved on all the light bulbs in your home.
