Appliances and Electronics Savings Can Add Up!

APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS SAVINGS CAN ADD UP!

Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator

Reducing energy use reduces operational costs for a home over a long period of time. For consumers who are looking to install technologies like a solar electric system, reducing the electricity load is an important step to bringing down the load of the home. Reduced energy use requires a smaller and less expensive solar system. Looking at utility bills nationally, the average across the nation is close to 1000 kwh per month. Consistently, energy professionals will recommend a home energy assessment, which will provide recommendations about ways to seal and weatherize the home. To find out how renters or owners can obtain a home energy audit, reach out to Sean Welsh at 845-292-6180 ext. 127 or sw288@cornell. edu. Beyond that, there are several other ways to save on electric costs. When it comes to appliances and electronics, look for energy efficient products sporting the blue Energy Star label. The label ensures comprehensive yearly operating costs are shown and that the product meets energy efficient standards to garner the Energy Star label. Energy efficient lights also have the Energy Star label on some brands. LED lights can replace CFL and incandescent lights for more savings around the home. In addition, advanced power strips are a common product now that can be used in areas of the home that have several electronics, like the living room, where items can be plugged in on the strip, which is off when not in use, avoiding “vampire loads”. Vampire load is the electricity consumed by a device while it is turned off or in stand by mode. Smart meters are also now available through electric utilities. These can help building owners look at appliances that appear “always on”. Looking at your smart meter during day-time use and then again when your electric utility offers night rates can help you identify vampire loads to reduce use even further. Running high energy using appliances like dishwashers and dryers on the night rate can promotes savings as well. When it comes time to replace things like windows, doors, HVAC and water heating systems, there are energy efficient technologies that can replace fossil fuel using equipment with more energy efficient systems like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. Renters or homeowners can reach out to discuss ways to bring down their home’s costs or other energy questions.

Source:

“Reducing Electricity Use and Costs.” Energy. gov. Accessed October 13, 2022. https://www. energy.gov/energysaver/reducing-electricityuse-and-costs.