8 Ways You’re Unknowingly Wasting Electricity and Money

"Uncover the hidden money-draining mistakes you're making every day. Are you unknowingly wasting your hard-earned cash on your electricity bills? It's time to shine a light on these common household errors and take back control of your finances. Prepare to be enlightened and empowered!"

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1. Keeping the Fridge Door Open While Deciding What to Eat

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences estimates that 7% of the total energy consumed by a refrigerator is due to keeping the door open.

So, when you’re getting food out, try to do it as quickly as possible. It’s best to plan what you need and where it is in the fridge before opening the door.

2. Storing Warm Leftovers in the Fridge

Putting a pot of hot soup in the fridge can waste energy, up to a hundred times more than simply opening the door to get something. This example alone shows how wasteful it is to put warm food in the fridge.

3. Plugging in Devices That Aren’t in Use

Leaving devices plugged in when not in use wastes energy. According to the US Department of Energy, electronic devices still use power even when turned off. So, remember to unplug chargers, laptops, TVs, irons, and kitchen appliances after use.

4. Cooking Without a Lid on the Pan

The US Department of Energy advises that keeping a lid on what you’re cooking will help food cook faster. You’ll use less energy overall.

Using a pan that fits the size of the electric/induction cooker is also an energy-saving tip.

5. Setting the TV Brightness Too High

If your room isn’t too bright, turn down the brightness on your TV. The US Department of Energy suggests that changing the screen brightness setting to “standard” can reduce energy use by up to 30%.

6. Taking Long Showers

It’s tempting to linger and enjoy the warmth of the shower, but those extra minutes increase your water and electricity bills.

According to the US Department of Energy, water heaters can account for up to 12% of a household’s energy bill. So, keeping shower time short helps reduce energy waste.

7. Using the Dry Cycle on Your Dishwasher

The US Department of Energy notes that the drying cycle on your dishwasher is a sneaky energy waster.

Instead of using valuable energy to dry your dishes, simply air-dry them on a rack or give them a quick wipe with a clean cloth. To save even more time, just open the dishwasher door and let them air-dry before putting them away.

8. Washing Clothes in Hot Water

Modern washing machines are designed to clean your clothes effectively with cold water. Heating water can use up to 90% of the energy needed to run the machine. So, unless your clothes are particularly dirty, opt for a cold water setting to save energy.

Even for greasy stains, warm water (not hot) will do the trick.

According to Nhịp Sống Việt

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to reduce wasted electricity and lower your energy bills. First, unplug appliances and electronics when they’re not in use instead of leaving them on standby. Second, replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs. Third, ensure your home is properly insulated, especially in attics and basements, to prevent heat loss during winter and keep heat out during summer. Fourth, seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to prevent air leaks and improve energy efficiency.

Some common ways include leaving appliances and electronics on standby instead of unplugging them, using outdated incandescent light bulbs, failing to properly insulate their homes, and neglecting to seal gaps or cracks around windows and doors.

You can check for proper insulation by ensuring there is an adequate amount of insulation material in your attic and basement. Common insulation materials include fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. You can also hire a professional energy auditor to assess your home’s insulation and provide recommendations for improvement.

Sealing these areas prevents air leaks, which can lead to significant energy loss. By preventing hot or cold air from escaping, you improve the energy efficiency of your home, reducing the workload on your heating or cooling systems, and lowering your energy costs.

Yes, LED and CFL bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing the frequency of replacement. They also produce less heat, which can help keep your home cooler during hot months, potentially reducing air conditioning costs.