How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

(Page 6 of 7)

October/November 2008
By Dan Chiras 
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Other examples of phantom loads include the power adapters (that heavy little box right by the power plug) for cordless phones, answering machines and keyboards; microwave ovens and coffee makers equipped with LED clocks; stereos, radios, audio receivers, satellite receivers and power strips; even hard-wired smoke detectors and some GFIs (the electrical outlets with built-in circuit breakers). And don’t forget your cell phone charger; it may draw power even when the phone isn’t hooked in or after the phone is fully charged.

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Your home is full of phantom loads that, although tiny on their own, collectively consume significant amounts of electricity over a year’s time. When I first moved into my solar home, I discovered that there were about 125 watts of cumulative ghost loads. That’s the equivalent of two 60-watt light bulbs running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

I set out to eliminate the phantoms from my life, and so can you. Make a note of each phantom load, and then devise a strategy to get rid of them one by one. For example, you can plug televisions, stereos, microwaves and similar electronic devices into power strips that can be switched off easily when the electronic device or appliance is not in use.

You can gradually reduce your energy consumption by making your home more efficient and simply avoiding wasteful use of electricity. The goal isn’t to live without conveniences, but to live wisely.

Home Energy Consumption

Heating and cooling: 44%

Refrigerator: 9%

Lighting, cooking and other appliances: 33%

Water heating: 14%

Resources

ORGANIZATIONS

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; 202-507-4000
Find ways to save energy and learn about U.S. energy policies.

Energy Star program; 888-782-7937
Learn about Energy Star-certified homes, and energy-efficient appliances.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse
Find consumer information, tips for renters and recommendations for how much insulation to use in your climate.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Contact your utility or state energy office to learn more about local incentives. For information on federal tax credits visit The Tax Incentives Assistance Project; for information on state incentives visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

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