10 Easy Ways to Save on Energy at Home
Want to cut energy cost at home? follow these simple tips: 1. Minimize Phantom Loads The term “phantom load” refers to the energy that an appliance or electronic device consumes when it is not actually turned on. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), “In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.” A report from the University of California Berkeley says that phantom loads account for about 6 percent of all national residential electricity consumption. You can eliminate phantom loads by unplugging appliances and electronics when you are not using them, or by plugging them into a power strip, and turning the strip off when they are not in use. For more information, see Save Energy, Eliminate Phantom Loads . 2. Use More Energy-efficient Appliances If you are shopping for new appliances, make sure to look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label before making