What’s Considered “Wasting Electricity?”

Most of us grew up hearing our parents say, “Don’t do that. You’re wasting electricity.” But have you ever stopped to think about what that really means? While not every habit is a major energy drain, some everyday behaviors can quietly add to your usage and, ultimately, lead to higher electricity bills. The good news is that once you know what to look for, it’s easy to make changes that will help you save money. Read on learn about what “wasting electricity” really looks like.

Leaving Lights On in Empty Rooms

The first habit that probably comes to mind is leaving lights on in empty rooms. How many times did your parents tell you growing up to stop leaving the lights on? Probably a lot. That’s because it’s one of the most common habits we forget we do. While one light may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, it adds up over time, especially if it’s one light in multiple rooms. Making it a point to turn off lights when you leave a room can help you cut back significantly on your energy usage. Using natural light during the day is another helpful change you can make.

Keeping Electronics Plugged in When No One’s Using Them

Even when they’re turned off or in standby mode, electronic devices can still draw power if they’re plugged in. This is called standby power, and it quietly increases your energy usage. In fact, standby power can account for up to 10% of a household’s total energy consumption. The most common offenders are TVs, gaming consoles, chargers and lamps. Since these devices are using electricity even when they’re not being used, it’s definitely an energy waste. 

Unplugging devices when you’re not using them or using a power strip with an easy on/off switch can reduce standby power in your home. You can also get smart power strips, which automatically cut off the power supply to devices that are turned off or in standby mode.

Running Appliances When You Don’t Need To

Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers are huge energy drains, mostly due to the fact that they’re all heat-producing. Running dishwasher or washing machine cycles before you have a full load is a classic example of wasting electricity (and water). These appliances use roughly the same amount of energy whether they’re full or half empty. Waiting until you have a full load is a more efficient use of electricity. 

It’s a similar case with the dryer, although it’s a bit more nuanced. You don’t want to overfill the dryer, or else your clothes won’t dry effectively and will require more drying time. On the flip side, starting a full dry cycle when there are only a couple of clothing items in there is a huge energy drain. To avoid wasting energy when using the dryer, ensure the drying time and heat level make sense for the load of laundry you’re doing. You can also try air drying your clothes to save even more electricity.

Cranking the Thermostat Up and Down

Texas sees some pretty intense summers and winters, and this makes it tempting to crank the thermostat up and down to stay comfortable indoors. However, your HVAC system is the number one energy drain in your home, accounting for 40-50% of your total consumption. Cranking the thermostat up during the winter instead of bundling up in sweaters and blankets can be considered a waste of electricity. During the summer months, turn on the fans and wear loose, breathable clothing instead of turning the thermostat down to avoid your HVAC system from working overtime.

Leaving Doors Open

Yet another classic. Growing up, we often hear our parents say things like, “Shut the door. You’re letting all the cool air out.” During the colder months, it probably sounds more like, “You’re letting all the heat out.” Either way, leaving exterior doors open can lead to wasted energy, as letting the outdoor air in can make your HVAC system have to work harder to regulate the temperature inside. 

The fridge door is another door you don’t want to leave open for long periods. Much like HVAC systems, refrigerators are programmed to stay at a set temperature. Every time you open the fridge door, some of the coolness is let out, making the fridge have to work to regain that coolness. When you approach the fridge, have a plan. Grab what you need and close the door.

Now that you know a few habits that could be considered “wasting energy,” you’re better prepared to identify and change them. Prepaid electricity makes it even easier to see exactly how your habits impact your energy consumption in real time. Learn how Pronto Power offers visibility and control over your electricity usage by visiting our website or contacting us online.