Home Energy Usage: Key Insights on Electricity, kWh, and Appliances
Posted on September 28th, 2015 by Devine Bros
Every month, a big chunk of your paycheck goes straight towards your various utility bills: electricity, gas, heat, hot water, etc. If you have ever wondered just how your utility bills break down, this infographic from Bob Jenson’s Air Conditioning & Heating does a great job of illustrating it. It also gives some helpful tips on how you can save money and the environment by reducing your carbon footprint!
1. Heating and Cooling – 40% of Your Energy Usage
This shouldn’t be a surprise – space heating and cooling is responsible for more energy usage (by far) than any other category, with the number sometimes as high as 50%. Some ways to reduce this cost include adjusting your thermostat, changing your air filter, getting your HVAC system tuned up, and sealing air leaks around the home.
2. Water Heating – 28% of Your Energy Consumption
After space heating, water heating accounts for the second-highest total use of energy; about 28%. Save money on your water heating costs by installing low-flow faucets, taking shorter showers, or upgrading to a tankless water heater.
3. Appliances and Electronics – 14% of Your Electricity Usage
The various electronic devices around your home account for about 14% of your total energy consumption. This category includes TVs, appliances, alarm clocks, and any other gadgets you may have. The biggest way to save money here is simply by turning things off when they are not being used.
4. Lighting – 8% of Your Total Electricity Consumption
Just keeping your home well-lit could be costing you almost 10% of your utility bill. Cut back on your lighting costs by upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs, installing dimmer switches, and making a conscious effort to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
5. Standby Voltage – 4% of Your Electricity Usage
Even when some of your electronics are turned off, they can still use energy. For instance, even when it is “off”, your cable box draws electricity in order to power the time display and IR receiver for when you hit the “power on” button on your remote. The only way to reduce this number is by physically unplugging these devices from the wall when you aren’t using them.
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How else can you save energy in your Connecticut home? One quick and easy way is by choosing Devine Bros. as your electricity provider! Connecticut has a deregulated energy market, meaning you are free to choose who supplies you with your power. On average, our electricity customers save 10-15% on the supply portion of their electric bills. A $50 instant rebate is available for those who qualify – click here for more information or call us at (203) 866-4421.