July 15, 2015
When it comes to trying to save energy in our home, we often think big. Replacing lightblulbs with CFLs or LEDs, upgrading heating and cooling systems to high efficiency versions, adding attic insulation, air sealing, - these are all great ideas to help reduce your home's energy use. However, it's important not to overlook small, simple solutions that when added up can make a big difference as well.
Do you have energy vampires in your home? Most home electronics continue to use significant amounts of power even when they are off or in standby mode. The elecricity used by these devices are called "phantom loads" or "vampire loads". The US Department of energy estimates that 75% of the electricity consumed by home elctronics is used when the devices are off. Let that sink in for a second. Just 25% of the electricity used by these devices-- your TV, DVR, speakers, laptop, XBox-- is used when they are on, meaning that phantom loads quadruple their energy use.
Thankfully, there's a smart, easy, and cost-effective solution to the problem- powerstrips. By using a regular old powerstrip, you can quickly and easily cut power to multiple devices when not in use. Put one in your home office-- no phantom loads from your computer, monitor, printer, or desk lamp. Install one in the living room? Say goodbye to phantom loads from a TV, DVR, game system, and speaker system.
Smart power strips can cost $20-30, and can save you $5-10 per year on electricity bills. By installing a smart power strip, you can expect a full return on your investment in as little as 3-4 years. After that, the savings on energy bills go right into your pocket!
When it comes to the problem of conserving energy, we at Building Sciences believe in a whole house solution. No shortcut or gimmick is going to cut your energy bill in half on its own. In deciding what measures to go through with, you should consider every available option and do what is best for your home. To make big reductions inevitably you need to do some big projects, but sometimes the smallest and smartest of jobs can give you the most bang for your buck.
