In March 2020, the world changed forever. Our lives were, in some cases, turned upside down. Millions of people around the United States and the world changed their working habits overnight.
Now that we’re a year into this pandemic, many people are still working from home. You might have noticed a spike in your electricity bill from being home all day. Thankfully, there are ways to cut down on your electricity consumption even while being stuck at your home or apartment. Here are some tips.
Ways to Cut Down on Energy Consumption
- Unplug unused electronics and gadgets. Don’t waste electricity by keeping unused electronics on standby like TVs or computers that are in basements, spare rooms, and other areas of your home. Vampire power, as it is often referred to, can use up to 5% of consumed energy! You can also use a power strip to turn multiple electronics off with a single switch.
- Use a laptop instead. Desktops use an average of 60 to 200 watts of energy compared to laptops which use around 20 to 50 watts. This will vary by unit and usage, of course. It’s best to choose a computer that is EnergyStar certified.
- Keep your freezer and fridge stocked. We know this one might be easy since you’re likely cooling all of your meals at home. A stocked fridge will run more efficiently since the other items inside will act as insulators.
- Cook outside when you can. Especially in the warmer months, try grilling outside when you can. Not only will you enjoy the taste of grilled food, but you also won’t have to worry about racking up your electric bill by using the oven, stove, microwave, or other appliances.
- Keep refrigerator coils clean. While you’re home, there are some simple and quick ways to keep your house clean and your appliances happy. Clear away dirt, debris, and lint from your fridge coils to keep your unit working efficiently.
- Use ceiling fans. Try turning off your AC or heating (weather permitting) and use ceiling fans to keep the air flowing without spending too much on heating and cooling costs. If you don’t have ceiling fans, opening windows and creating a cross breeze through your house can also keep you comfortable as well.
- Let items dry by air. This applies to dishes and clothing. When the weather is nice, try drying your laundry outside. Likewise, let dishes dry on a towel or rack. If you prefer to wash in the dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle to save on energy.
With just a few small changes to your routine, working from home doesn’t mean more energy usage. You can cut down on your bill each month with these tips.
Contact your local Mister Sparky electricians in Pleasantville for all of your electrical needs.