Learn How to Reduce Hidden Electric Loads

We depend on electricity for many things in our daily lives. As a result, homeowners face lots of frustrations while making conservation efforts that lower their monthly electric bill. After all, it is hard to imagine the number of things we use electricity for in our homes each day.

Additionally, most homeowners think our electric bill lacks details on what consumes the energy in our homes. However, if you look closely, our electric bills offer some clues or patterns that help identify conservation opportunities.

Identifying Hidden Electric Loads

For example, if we graph 12 consecutive months of our electric bills, it help us know when we consume most  of our Kilo-watt Hours (or kWh). The graph helps us understand if we consume more electricity in the summer (called cooling loads) or the winter (called heating loads)? Conversely, some homeowners consume the same amount year-round (called baseloads). In this example, the winter and summer months consume much more kWh’s than in the spring and fall. As a result, examine the electric heating and cooling consumption, including hidden electric loads, for possible energy savings. After that, examine baseload consumption for additional savings opportunities.

Additionally, hidden electric loads cause dramatic impacts on electric bills. For example, the following consume lots of hidden electric loads: 

• window air conditioners.
• pool pumps.
• space heaters.
• heating blankets.
• heat pumps.

Other hidden electric loads that potentially impact on electric bills every month of the year (baseloads) include dehumidifiers, well pumps, hot tubs, electric water heaters and incandescent lighting.

The good news is that electric energy efficiency is happening all around us. From LED lighting to high-efficiency air conditioning to energy efficient homes, the opportunity to conserve electricity is at our finger tips. We just need to reach out and grab it.