By Chris Balzar, ECES
In my household, energy consumption has increased with the stay-at-home order and e-learning with my children. We are streaming more, using devices more. We are using and occupying living spaces more, cooking more, washing hands more, using major appliances more. We can’t avoid more, so below are some tips to save more:
Living & Family Room
Lower the brightness on all TV screens. This saves energy and is good for your eyes.
If your electronic devices have energy-saving features use them. Remember, just because devices are not plugged in, they still need to be charged. Using energy-saving features allows the battery to last longer.
When streaming content, choose the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching. Avoid streaming on game consoles, which use 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.
Always be sure to turn off lights, fans and electronics when you leave the room.
Bathroom
Check the temperature on your water heater and set it to 120 degrees. The DOE estimates that a heater set at 140 degrees, which is typically the manufacturer setting, can waste up to $60 annually.
Use the exhaust fan when showering and leave on for 10 minutes to remove hot humid air.
Check faucets for leaks.
Laundry Room
Use cold water in your clothes washer. Most newer washers are designed for cold water.
Throw a few dryer balls into the dryer with your load to reduce drying time.
If your dryer has an auto dry option (moisture sensing), use that option instead of timed dry.
Clean the lint trap between loads—this improves air circulation and increases the efficiency of the dryer.
Kitchen
Dust off the top of your refrigerator and coils to keep it running efficiently and cool.
Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
Don’t open the oven door while food is cooking. You can lose up to 50 degrees in temperature and waste energy.
Run the dishwasher only when you have enough dirty dishes accumulated for a full load.
Use small appliances such as toaster ovens, electric pressure cookers, microwave ovens or convection ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven. They will save energy and can save on cooling costs, because they generate less heat.
General Household
Set the air conditioning thermostat on the highest comfortable setting. (We recommend 78-80 degrees, and no higher than 84.) Raising the temperature just two degrees can reduce cooling costs by as much as five percent.
If your home has two units (upstairs and downstairs), raise the temperature on the thermostat to 84 degrees in the area not occupied.
Upgrade your lighting to ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs, which use 70-90% less energy than standard bulbs.
Change or clean air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent.
Chris Balzer is founder and president of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions which is a Smile Provider Company. We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills. For more information on how to save this summer and become energy efficient, schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.
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