Top energy wasters in the home identified
In these tough economic times, homeowners are looking to save as much money as possible on their utility bills. During most of the year, a home's largest payment is the electricity bill.
With so much of people's lives these days revolving around electricity,
from desktop computers and laptops to appliances and televisions, it's no wonder that electricity bills are increasing. Luckily it is possible to cut back on electricity costs by identifying the top energy wasters in a home.
One of the top energy wasters is likely to be the home's heating and air conditioning system. Statistics show that cooling and heating an average-sized home makes up close to 50 percent of the homeowner's bill each month. What's worse is that many people do not realise that their units are in need of service. Have the heating and air conditioning unit checked by a professional, who can inspect and fix leaking ducts that cut down on the machine's efficiency. Check the unit's filter and change it monthly to keep the unit from having to work too hard to heat and cool the home.
Another top energy eater is the hot water or immersion heater. In many homes, the hot water heater is located in a closet or area with little insulation. This allows heat generated by the unit to escape into the home through the walls and ceiling of the heater's cabinet, rather than efficiently heating the water inside. Have safe insulation installed around the hot water heater, or have a high-efficiency unit installed. These units cost more money at the start, but save a homeowner plenty in the long run. Also, check the thermostat on the hot water heater. Many are set far higher than necessary, which causes more energy to be used in order for the water to stay at that temperature point. Make sure the thermostat is at 120 degrees or below.
One of the easiest energy wasters to fix is the simple light bulb. Most people are guilty of leaving the light on in a room that is not being used. This waste of electricity accounts for approximately 12 percent of a home's electric bill each month. This is also possibly the easiest problem to fix. Make sure the lights are out in rooms that are not in use.
Large appliances, including the washer, dryer and refrigerator, also use a lot of electricity. The refrigerator, for health and safety concerns, cannot be turned off; however, it is possible to cut down on electricity used by making sure its filters are clear. Help cut back on the energy used to run a washing machine by using only cold water, which adequately cleans most clothing. If your major appliances are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them with more up-to-date and efficient models.
Finally, there are many things around the home that suck electricity in and cause electricity bills to rise. When nobody is watching TV, make sure it is turned off. Shut the computer down during the day if nobody is at home, or at night when it is not being used. Turn off the radio before you walk out the door, and make sure game consoles are powered down when not in use.
Taking the time to make sure all appliances and systems of the home are running efficiently, or are turned off, is the first step to reducing electric costs. It only takes a few minutes to conserve electricity, and your wallet will thank you!
