Hidden Energy Users at Home

Out of sight, out of mind. It’s easy to overlook the hidden energy users in our homes. Yet, every plugged-in device and ready-to-use appliance can lead to higher electric bills.

Let’s see if we can find some hidden energy savings for you.

Your water heater could be using more energy than necessary.

Storage water heaters heat water to a preset temperature. When hot water is used, cold water replenishes the tank, lowering the overall temperature. The water must then be reheated to that preset level. If the water heater is set higher than needed, it wastes energy.

Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees at the factory. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. Do not set it lower than 120 degrees to prevent bacteria development in the tank.

Exterior security lights, porch lights and barn lights can use more energy than needed. Supposing they are on every night, that adds up to 4,380 hours—half the hours in a year. If those lights use outdated, inefficient technology, they waste energy. With that many hours, even a slight increase in efficiency can yield big energy savings.

Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. If lights need to stay on, consider upgrading to motion sensor lights so you aren’t drawing energy all night.

Pools and hot tubs can also be big energy users. Since you don’t see the pumps or heaters by design, it’s difficult to know when they are operating and consuming energy. Pumps filter water to keep it clean and safe for swimming. Energy Star-certified pumps run at lower speeds and can be programmed to match your pool’s filtering needs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They can pay for themselves in two years, are quieter and can prolong the life of your pool’s filtering system.

Set your hot tub to a lower temperature when it’s not in use to reduce energy consumption. If your electric utility has time-of-use rates, consider scheduling accordingly.

Plug load is anything in your home that is plugged into an outlet. As we use more appliances and technology in our homes, plug load energy use increases. Check outlets around your home. Unplug any items you aren’t using.

For computer stations and entertainment centers, consider using smart power strips. These devices sense when energy is being used and turn peripheral devices on or off as needed.

Gaming consoles are another hidden energy user. Gamers often put them in rest mode when not in use. This allows them to complete updates and reduces startup time for the next session. It also means they are still consuming energy, even when not actively used. Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy. Ask the gamers in your life to power off. It may require a bit more time for updates, but every kilowatt-hour counts in saving energy.

It’s easy to make a habit of powering down and unplugging once you identify everything drawing power in your home. For upgrades, reach out to your electric utility about available rebates to help cover costs.