Using energy wisely saves money and protects natural resources. Conservation benefits the whole community.
Home Electronics—Energy Saving Tips
We all enjoy using our home electronic devices. What we may not know, however, is that household electronics use energy, even when turned off. This is called a phantom load. In the average home, 25% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. We can reduce phantom load by following a few simple steps:
- Unplug electronics, or use a power strip with a switch and turn the strip off, when electronics are not in use.
- Turn off home electronics, printers, computers, televisions and stereos when not in use.
- Unplug battery chargers for cell phones and cameras when the battery is fully charged.
Refrigerator Energy Savers
Refrigerators are one of the largest energy-consuming appliances in the home. 9% of energy used in the home is for the refrigerator. Improving its efficiency can save a lot of energy.
Check the Temperature: Use an accurate thermometer to make sure that the thermostat is set properly. The temperature should be 36º-38º F for the refrigerator compartment and 0º-5º F for the freezer compartment. A refrigerator set 10º F lower than these recommended settings requires 25% more energy.
More Energy Saving Tips:
- FULL—By keeping your refrigerator and freezer compartments full, you will use less energy. Use extra gallon jugs of water take up extra space.
- COLD—Wait for hot foods to cool before putting them in the refrigerator.
- COVERED—Place lids on liquid items. Extra humidity in the refrigerator makes it work harder.
- CLOSED—Keep the refrigerator door closed
By improving the efficiency of your refrigerator, you can lower your home energy consumption and utility bills.
Winter Heating Costs
The cost of home heating has increased and fuel oil prices are double what they were in 2003. To cut down on the cost of heating, make sure windows and doors are closed, set your thermostat a few degrees lower than you normally would, and bundle up indoors by wearing a sweater. If you need financial assistance paying winter heating bills, contact the Low Income Energy Assistance Program for New Castle County, (302) 654-9295.