When homeowners receive their energy bill each month or so, they’re likely scratching their head and wondering why so much power is being consumed in their home. According to the Energy Information Administration, homes account for 30% of the total amount of electricity used in the United States. That’s more than either the industrial and commercial sector. At Lightning Bug Electric, our Marietta electrical contractors understand that household appliances are the true culprits.
The following is a list of the top energy-consuming appliances possibly in your home:
- Refrigerator – This appliance runs all day, every single day, making them the largest energy consumers. Check your unit to see if there is a power-saver switch available.
- Furnace – During the winter months, it is the biggest consuming of energy in your home. Make sure your house has great insulation, particularly around the doors, windows, attics and basements. Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature of your home throughout the day.
- Air Conditioning – If you have a central air system, a large amount of energy is needed to change your home’s temperature. Again, a programmable thermostat will enable you to limit the amount of energy used to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
- Microwave – This appliance consumes the most energy when they’re not being used, requiring power to illuminate the clock and maintain the electronic push button controls in standby mode. If you have an old model, it’s time to upgrade and take advantage of the energy efficiency capabilities.
- Chargers – In today’s society, we almost completely rely on our smartphones and computers for practically everything. If you’re looking for a charger that saves power, check if they advertise energy efficiency.
- Cable boxes – Another device that continuously uses power since they communicate with external sources. Ask your cable provider for an ENERGY STAR-rated set-top box if possible.
- Gaming Consoles – While Playstation and Xbox consoles are equipped with energy saving standby modes, using these devices to play games or watch movies results in a hefty energy bill every month.
Contact our Marietta electrical contractors to schedule your service today.