Learn How to Reduce Your Electric Plug Loads

The frustrating part of trying to lower your electric bill is the simple fact that we depend on electricity for so many things in our day to day lives. Plus, our complex electric bill does not help. For example, we typically need help determining what appliance or device consumes the most electricity. However, if we knew, then we'd understand the greatest electricity conservation opportunities in our homes. Fortunately, if we look closely, the electric bill offers some patterns that help us understand these opportunities.

For example, if we graphed 12 consecutive months of our electric bills, it highlights our kilowatt-hours (kWh) usage. As a result, we know if we consume more electricity in the summer (called cooling loads), winter (called heating loads) or year-round (called baseloads). Typically, winter and summer months consume a little more kWh’s than spring and fall. Therefore, we'd examine the electric baseload use, which includes plug loads, for possible energy savings first. After that, we'd examine heat and cooling uses for additional savings opportunities.

Finally, the good news. 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.