Plan Your Electric Plug Load Reduction Project Carefully

First, to minimize the impact of plug loads on your electric bill, begin by looking at what is plugged in to your home’s electrical outlets in each room. Plus, conducting this survey helps you remember the  electric devices plugged into outlets. Next, remove devices that don’t need to be plugged in. Additionally, think about energy efficient alternatives for devices used regularly. For example, phone chargers, hair dryers, hair straighteners, space heaters and rotary fans don’t need to be plugged in all of the time. Finally, learn how an electric plug load reduction project helps decrease your monthly costs.

Electric Plug Load Reduction Tips

The following list includes tips for saving on your electric plug load energy use each month. It includes:

1. Switch lights off when not in use. This includes table lamps that fall into the category of plug loads.
2. Replace standard and CFL lightbulbs with LED lighting. LED lighting or light–emitting diodes remain the most efficient lightbulbs on the market. Use them everywhere!
3. Install and use Energy Star labeled appliances including dehumidifiers and air purifiers that fall into the category of plug loads.
4. Stop using old refrigerators and/or freezers in the basement of garage. They remain extremely inefficient and cost much more than newer models.
5. Televisions, computers, ceiling fans, etc. all consume electricity. Anytime you are not using these devices, turn them off.
6. Unplug phone chargers when not in use.
7. Electric space heaters and heating blankets consume lots of electricity, which means lots of money. Use these only when necessary to save substantially on electric plug loads.

If you are looking to lower your entire electric bill beyond just evaluating plug loads, GreenHomes recommends a quality energy audit. When done properly, an energy audit pinpoints the true sources of energy waste in your home. For example, an audit analyzes electric consumption of your household appliances such as refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers. The energy audit provides a roadmap or plan for creating a more comfortable, energy efficient home.

Common Questions about Energy Audits by Homeowners

• Why is a quality energy audit a smart place to start?
• What does an energy audit include?
• What does an energy audit cost?
• Is a Free Energy Audit Worth doing?
• What are 10 questions I should ask an energy auditor before I hire them?
• How do I find a qualified energy auditor?
• What is my Role as the Homeowner during an Energy Audit?
• What information should I learn from my energy audit?

Remember, a high-quality home energy audit provides a critical step for determining your project for creating a more comfortable home. However, the energy audit by itself doesn’t improve the conditions of the home at all. Finally, only when actually install the prioritized recommendations will you lower your heating cooling costs and feel more comfortable in your home.