Regardless of Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction this month, there’s one thing we can all agree on – no one wants to be an energy hog! Of course, energy is essential to our daily lives - at work, at home, and at school. But we can all do our part to be responsible consumers by being more intentional about our energy use throughout the remaining weeks of winter and all year round.
First, consider your usage. Are you a low, medium, or high-energy household?
- Low-energy users are typically households with one or two residents who may live in an apartment or condominium with small appliances.
- Medium-energy users often consist of a small family or residence with 3 to 4 members who run high-energy devices at a moderate rate.
- High-energy consumers tend to use the most energy with at least four people sharing a large residence where appliances, including gaming and electronics, are heavily used.
If you’re a high-energy household, consider these mindful tips for lowering energy use (and utility costs!) with a few simple suggestions.
- Streamline gaming device usage. The average mid-size gaming computer consumes between 300 to 500 watts of energy, which is comparable to the power needed to operate a refrigerator.
- Power down. Unplug all electronics when not in use to conserve energy.
- Seal it up. Keep drafts away by sealing any air leaks or gaps around windows or doors.
- Turn down the thermostat. It’s cold out there so it’s important to stay warm but lowering your thermostat just a few degrees can make a difference.
- Consider water usage. Energy is used to heat water for bathing, cooking, and laundry. Conserving your use, or switching to cold water, when possible, can conserve energy and lower monthly utility costs.
Remember, we can all do our part to be more conscious energy consumers – and every little bit matters.
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