Checklist to Lower Your Energy Bill

Below you can find a helpful checklist to reduce your energy usage and lower your impact on the environment. 

Step 1: Identify Phantom Loads

•  Survey Your Home
  •  List all electronic devices and appliances in each room.
  •  Note devices that have standby modes (e.g., TVs, computers, game consoles, microwaves, coffee makers).
•  Use Energy Meters
  •  Purchase an energy meter (e.g., Kill A Watt, Belkin Conserve Insight).
  •  Measure the standby power consumption of each device.

Step 2: Implement Simple Solutions

•  Unplug Unused Devices
  •  Unplug devices when not in use, especially those with high standby power consumption.
•  Use Power Strips
  •  Plug multiple devices into power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once.
  •  Use power strips with switches to cut off power when devices are not in use.

Step 3: Upgrade to Advanced Solutions

•  Install Smart Plugs
  •  Purchase smart plugs (e.g., TP-Link Kasa, Wemo Insight).
  •  Use smart plugs to monitor and control the power usage of connected devices remotely.
•  Invest in Smart Home Systems
  •  Integrate smart home systems (e.g., Amazon Echo, Google Home) to automate device management.
  •  Set schedules for devices to turn off automatically during inactive periods.

Step 4: Replace High-Consumption Devices

•  Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Devices
  •  Replace old devices with ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and electronics.
  •  Choose devices with low standby power consumption.

Step 5: Develop New Habits

•  Increase Awareness
  •  Educate other household members about the impact of phantom loads.
  •  Encourage habits like unplugging devices and using power strips.
•  Automate Power Management
  •  Use timers and smart plugs to automate the turning off of devices at night or when not in use.
  •  Set up routines in smart home systems to manage energy use efficiently.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

•  Regularly Review Energy Usage
  •  Use energy meters and smart plug reports to regularly check for high standby consumption.
  •  Adjust power management strategies as needed to ensure continuous improvement.
•  Track Energy Bills
  •  Compare energy bills before and after implementing these measures.
  •  Look for reductions in energy consumption and cost savings.