PAGE 2 | JULY 2013
Stop summer energy drains Try these tips to keep costs down when temps rise
BY MAGEN HOWARD, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
pool is in use. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that 9 percent of Americans’ household energy costs are dedicated to air conditioning alone, so try these tips to keep costs down when the temperature rises.
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Avoid ‘phantom’ load Get your family in the habit of
turning electronics on and off via power strips as they move from one activity to the next. As electronics and appliances become more technologically savvy, they often draw power even while turned off. A good indicator of this—called “phantom load”—is to check the device for a light that stays on all the time. Phantom load will add a few watt- hours to energy consumption, but a few watt-hours on each of your many electronic devices adds up. To avoid this silent power draw, unplug the device or invest in a “smart” power strip, which allows certain electronics—like a cable box, which takes time to reboot after it’s been unplugged—to continue using electricity while others can be completely shut down.
Air-conditioning units
More people in the house plus doors hanging open from the last trip to play outside plus high temperatures equals an air-conditioning unit that has to work harder to keep the house cool. Be sure to adjust settings to maximize efficiency, such as using the “auto” function instead of keeping the fan running all the time. Regular maintenance to keep your air conditioner or heat pump in good working order is a good idea, as is checking and changing the air filter every
ummer vacation can be a recipe for high electric bills if kids are home all day and a swimming
few months or if it’s dirty. Also, set your thermostat as high as
A good indicator of phantom load is whether the device has a light that stays on all the time.
you can while maintaining your comfort level—the smaller the difference between indoor air and the great outdoors, the lower your cooling costs will be. And make sure to rearrange your furniture so that appliances that put out a lot of heat aren’t near the thermostat.
Keep the pool covered About 70 percent of the heat lost from swimming pools results from evaporation, caused by both wind and water. That means tap water goes to refilling the pool, which means higher electric bills to reheat the water.
To save energy, cover a pool when it’s not in use. Pool size and shape factor into choosing the right cover. The most expensive pool covers are incorporated into the pool structure and can come with an automatic retraction and storage system. Manual covers may be cheaper, but removing them can be a dirty job. You can also choose solar covers resembling bubble wrap.
Ask an expert for help As you work this summer to stop
energy drains, don’t forget about Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Our experienced serviceman can help you determine the right steps for your home. You can also visit
TogetherWeSave.com to find out how little measures around the house add up to big energy savings. n
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Cooperative Research Network.
Magen Howard writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Michael Kahn contributed to this story.
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