5 Questions People Have About Saving Electricity

People are always looking for ways to save more on their power bills, and this leads to a lot of questions, especially since there are so many misconceptions out there about how to save electricity. We’re here to clear everything up and answer five of the most common questions people have about saving electricity. Hopefully these answers will help you cut down on your usage and on your energy costs.

Does unplugging electronics make that much of a difference on the power bill?

It might seem like a small thing, insignificant even, but standby power, also known as phantom energy drain, occurs when devices that are powered off or put on standby continue to draw electricity. The amount of electricity adds up more than people realize. 

Devices like computers, TVs, gaming consoles and chargers continue pulling small amounts of electricity even when they’re not being used. Unplugging these devices or using a smart power strip is a simple way to cut down your energy consumption by up to 10%. And yes, it can make a noticeable difference on your power bill, potentially saving you $100-$200 a year.

Is it cheaper to leave the AC running all day or turn it up when no one’s home?

There’s a common myth that many people believe that it takes more energy to cool your home back down than it does to just leave it at the same temperature all day. It simply isn’t true. It’s generally more efficient to turn your thermostat up a few degrees while no one is home rather than leaving it running at the same temperature all day. Your AC will use less total energy to get your home back down to the desired temperature than it would running continuously at a lower temperature all day.

Does the time of day I use electricity matter?

Yes, the time of day you use electricity makes a difference on your power bill. Time-of-use rates refer to the rates power companies charge for electricity based on the electricity demand during certain times of the day. Peak hours are times when electricity demand and rates are the highest. Off-peak hours are the times of day when electricity demand and rates are the lowest. It’s best to save washing laundry, running the dishwasher, cooking and other energy-intensive tasks for off-peak hours.

Can small habits help me save on the power bill, or do I have to make big changes?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to overhaul your entire routine to see savings on your power bill. Actually, small habits are usually more effective because you’re more likely to be consistent and stick with them. While bigger changes can certainly help, small habits are often the easiest place to start and can make a noticeable dent in your power consumption. Here are a few ideas for small changes to start making today:

• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Adjust your thermostat based on the temperature outside.
• Wash clothes in cold water and air dry them.
• Take shorter showers.
• Open the blinds to use natural light.

Are energy-efficient appliances worth the upgrade?

Yes, energy-efficient appliances are generally considered worth the upgrade. While the upfront costs can make people hesitant, the long-term savings on electricity bills far outweigh the initial investment. These appliances use less energy to perform the same tasks, which means lower monthly bills. They also have long lifespans, meaning you often get to enjoy the energy savings for 10-15 years or more.

Now that you know the answers to these commonly asked questions, you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to take control of your energy consumption. With prepaid power, you can track your usage in real-time and identify even more opportunities to save. Ready to get started with prepaid electricity from Pronto Power, a trusted Texas electric company? Call (844) 621-2852 or contact us online today, and we can have you connected within an hour!