Drained of Energy

In a world where every dollar counts, finding ways to save on everyday expenses has never been more important.

Energy bills, however, often slip under the radar, with many households unaware of how much energy is being wasted. From gadgets that draw power when not in use to inefficient heating and cooling practices, the opportunities for saving energy—and money—are all around the home.

As United members look for ways to make their hard-earned dollars stretch further, understanding where energy is being wasted in the home can lead to significant savings.

Phantom Feeders

Many people assume that when an appliance is turned off, it stops using power. However, this is often not the case. Many devices enter “Standby Mode” when turned off, also known as “vampire draw” or “phantom load.” This means they continue to consume energy even when not in active use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power can account for up to 10 percent of a household’s electricity usage, with appliances that have constant electronic displays—such as clocks or those controlled by remote—being major culprits.

One of the easiest ways to reduce phantom load is by unplugging appliances when they’re not in use.
Power strips are a great solution for managing multiple devices like computers, TVs and gaming consoles. With a power strip, it’s simple to turn off several devices at once by unplugging just one cord.

Additionally, using the “sleep” or “energy-saving” settings on appliances like TVs can help reduce energy consumption without having to fully unplug them.

Always ‘ON’

Another common energy-wasting habit is leaving appliances on unnecessarily. For example, leaving devices in standby or sleep mode uses less power than keeping them fully powered on. Coffee makers, for instance, consume around 800 watts to brew just four cups of coffee in 10 minutes. After brewing, many models continue to use power to keep the coffee warm, even though the brewing process is already complete.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electronics account for about 11 percent of energy use in the United States. To reduce unnecessary energy usage, avoid charging devices like phones, laptops and tablets for extended periods. Even when fully charged, these devices continue to draw power. For example, charging a phone typically uses 52 watt-hours, but leaving it plugged in overnight can consume two or three times that amount—equivalent to running a television for about three hours.

Escaping Waste With Planning

“Refrigerator loitering,” or leaving the fridge door open while deciding what to eat, is another way energy is wasted. Every time the door is opened, cold air escapes, and the fridge must use energy to restore the refrigerator to the set temperature.

To avoid wasting energy, it’s helpful to keep the door open only as long as needed and to organize the fridge for easy access. When returning from the grocery store, empty the bags and separate refrigerated and frozen items. This allows for quicker storage and reduces energy waste from keeping the fridge and freezer doors open while unloading.

Meal prepping is another effective way to save both time and energy. By preparing multiple meals at once, it reduces the need to heat up appliances multiple times throughout the day, which helps lower energy costs. During the summer, using a microwave or air fryer instead of the stovetop or oven can also reduce energy usage, as these alternatives are more efficient and emit less heat.

Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs can also lead to significant savings. For example, a 100-watt incandescent bulb costs about 14 cents to run for 10 hours, whereas a 9-watt LED bulb costs just more than 1 cent for the same period.

LEDs use considerably less energy, last longer, and produce less heat, which helps keep homes cooler. When shopping for light bulbs, look for those labeled with the ENERGY STAR certification to ensure maximum efficiency.

Additionally, installing occupancy sensors can automatically turn off lights in rooms that are unoccupied, further reducing unnecessary energy use.

Water Wasters

Water heaters are another major energy consumer, accounting for about 16 percent of annual household energy usage. To save energy, try lowering the thermostat on your water heater from its default setting of 140 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This is still hot enough for showers, laundry, and dishwashing but will reduce overall energy consumption and mineral buildup.

Shortening shower times and installing a low-flow showerhead can further reduce hot water usage and save money on energy bills. Washing clothes in cold or warm water, instead of hot, also reduces energy use. Ensure dishwashers are fully loaded before running a cycle, and use the “economy” or “eco” setting to skip the energy-intensive drying cycle.

Ill Wind Blowing

Heating and cooling practices are some of the biggest contributors to high energy bills. A dirty HVAC filter can restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. To keep systems running efficiently, replace filters regularly—every month for one-inch filters and every four to six months for four-inch filters. It’s also important not to close supply vents in unused rooms, as this can make it harder for the system to circulate air effectively.

Many members wonder whether it’s better to keep the thermostat at a constant temperature or adjust it throughout the day. Keeping the thermostat at the same temperature all day, especially when the house is empty, wastes energy.

Programmable thermostats or Wi-Fi-enabled models can adjust temperatures based on a household’s schedule, saving both energy and money. For heating, aim for 68 degrees or lower, and for cooling, 78 degrees or higher. Even a small adjustment of just 1 degree can result in a 3-5 percent difference in energy bills.

Also, ceiling fans should be used only when a room is occupied, as they circulate air but don’t actually lower the room’s temperature.

Air leaks around windows and doors can also lead to significant energy loss. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping can help prevent drafts in the winter and keep cool air inside during the summer. Consumers should look for light coming through gaps around doors, as this is a clear sign that air is escaping. Replacing old weatherstripping can solve this problem and improve home energy efficiency.

By taking a few simple steps to reduce energy waste, households can see a noticeable difference in their monthly utility bills. From unplugging unused devices to optimizing heating and cooling, small changes can add up to big savings. Not only will these energy-saving practices help the wallet, but they’ll also contribute to a more sustainable, eco-friendly home. For further assistance with energy-saving tips, United’s energy solutions specialists are available to help.

Members can contact their local office to speak with an expert or schedule a free home energy audit. To sign up, visit ucs.net/energy-audits.