AS the mercury plunges experts are urging consumers to be aware of electricity sucking devices which may be jacking up household bills.
Consumers can save over $430 by switching off “energy vampire” appliances” which are devices which continue to use electricity even when they are not in use.
Energy expert Don Whaley says consumers can save $430 on their energy bills[/caption]
Freezing woman at home wears sweater as energy experts explain to consumers how to save money on their power bills this fall (stock image)[/caption]
Energy expert Don Whaley has exclusively told The U.S. Sun that devices must be unplugged from the wall to prevent them from using energy all day long.
Whaley, who has more than 40 years of experience in natural gas, electricity, and renewable industries, said devices such as coffee machines, TV consoles, microwaves, and powered toothbrushes actually suck energy even when they are turned off.
He said these devices can account for 40% of a person’s monthly electricity bill.
“The truth is that just because you turned the device off, doesn’t necessarily mean it stops using electricity,” Whaley told The U.S. Sun.
“Some electronic devices that are off but remain plugged into a power source will continue to draw electricity – these devices are called energy vampires.”
Heaters in a coffee machine typically consume up to $8 extra in energy costs per month, wasting up to $96 a year.
Newer, single-serve coffee makers tend to keep water hot all day long, sucking another $5 of energy per month, totaling $156 a year.
Consumers should also consider installing smart thermostats, which can save an average of 10% to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, or about $145 annually.
Experts say making homes smarter can help people control their energy usage and keep their bills low.
Ensuring that homes have good insulation and that there are no gaps exposed to the outside cold is also important.
HELPFUL HACKS
Energy expert Clement Feng said consumers could request an energy audit from their local utility company, often free of charge.
“If your home has leaks, you’ll be losing the cold or hot air that your AC unit or furnace has worked hard to produce,” Feng told The U.S. Sun.
“Homes may also be consuming excessive power to run older appliances like refrigerators, electric stoves, washers and dryers.
“An audit will identify ways to improve your home’s efficiency.”
Feng also said people should leave the lights off and put the AC down a few degrees when no one is home to save power.
Households may also consider taking advantage of a home’s existing elements, such as opening the blinds during daylight hours in rooms that receive the most sunlight.
Some experts believe homes should consider a backup energy supply to ensure homes are never out of power.
This can be particularly helpful in the fall when powerful thunderstorms and hurricanes can cause power outages.
Consumers could also consider switching their energy supply to renewables, with many states offering generous energy rebates.
Renewable energy expert Shawn McLaughlin said consumers should consider shifting energy use off peak hours, such as using a washing machine or dishwasher during the day.
“Reducing peak hour energy use by 75-80% can lower a household’s electric bill by 30-40%,” McLaughlin told The U.S. Sun.
Energy experts suggest consumers should consider switching to renewables (stock)[/caption]
