Energy Efficiency: Reducing Energy Drains

Energy Thieves: The Silent Drainers of Your Utilities

Have you noticed your utility bill is higher than usual? Are your appliances or fixtures acting unusually? All signs point to energy “thieves” — silent stealers of power that operate in your home. Even if you are aware that certain appliances and electronic devices sap energy, knowing which devices are the main culprits is critical. 

Signs Something Is Draining Your Energy 

Sometimes, the only indicator that something is draining your power is an unexplainable uptick in your utility bill. However, there are typically many subtle signs you can check for to pinpoint the problem and make your home more energy-efficient. 

Here are several signs something is draining your energy:

  • Outlets or devices are warm: If your electronics are still warm after being off for a while, they’re still drawing power. A hot outlet signals faulty wiring or an overload.
  • Displays remain lit when not in use: Appliances and devices with displays should go dark when not in use. If the screens remain lit, they are still drawing power.
  • Lights keep flickering: Flickering lights may indicate a breaker box, voltage or wiring issue, which means your home’s electricity may be pulling too much power. 
  • Electronics give off small shocks: Small shocks, faint buzzing or pockets of static air around electronics may be signs of an improperly grounded electrical system.
  • The temperature fluctuates: Temperature fluctuations are often the result of leaks in exterior walls or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) issues.

Paying attention to these seemingly insignificant changes can help you determine where your home’s energy thieves may be hiding. Dealing with them is relatively straightforward once you find out where they are. 

The Importance of Addressing Energy Thieves 

Even if energy thieves only have a minor effect, they still add to your utility bill. Considering the average U.S. adult spends $176 each month on electricity, resolving the problem gives you a unique opportunity to save money. Depending on what you fix, your savings could be substantial. 

On a broader scale, using less power benefits the planet. Energy efficiency could provide over 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction needed by 2040, helping the world become net zero. You could play your part in making your city more sustainable by finding and fixing phantom power issues.

Where Are Your Home’s Energy Thieves Hiding?

Energy thieves can be appliances, fixtures or smaller electronic devices. You may even have multiple at once. Understanding where they may be hiding can help you fix them faster:

  • Heating or Cooling Leaks 

Your HVAC works hard to maintain your home’s temperature. Gaps, leaks and cracks that let air in from outside make your system work twice as hard. For example, your energy bills will increase if your garage door doesn’t fully close because it lets heat or cold escape. Gaps under doors and unsealed windows are other common sources.

  • Dirty Air Filters 

Air can’t pass through dirty filters seamlessly. Your HVAC system works overtime to compensate because it needs proper airflow to heat and cool your home effectively. When it does this, it uses extra power. 

  • Inefficient Appliances or Fixtures 

Devices that are plugged in use electricity even when you turn them off. They drain 1,800 kilowatts of power yearly, accounting for roughly 10% of your energy bill. If they’re inefficient, they use even more. If you use incandescent light bulbs, have an old, power-hungry oven or set your water heater temperature too high, you have an opportunity to be more energy-efficient.

  • Shadeless Windows 

In the summer, blinds prevent the sun from heating your home. In the winter, they provide a barrier between your rooms and the cold outdoors, preventing warm air from escaping. If the interior temperature fluctuates, your HVAC must use more power to compensate.

  • Thermal Bridging 

Thermal bridging occurs when an object conducts heat much better than the material surrounding it, creating a path of least resistance for heat to escape or enter your home. This makes your HVAC system work harder, draining energy. Common sources are gaps in insulation and metal hardware in exterior walls. 

How to Keep Devices From Draining Your Power

Energy thieves may be sneaky, but they can’t hide in plain sight forever. Once you know where they are and why they’re using too much electricity, you can fix them. You can use weatherstripping or calk for gaps that let heated or cooled air escape. This solution is as cost-effective as it is easy to complete. 

Insulation is another great way to keep your home at the right temperature. It resolves the issue of thermal bridging and an overworked HVAC, helping you be more energy-efficient. For example, insulating your HVAC system can improve efficiency by 20% or more. You should insulate your attic, exterior rooms, pipes, and floors. 

To make your appliances more sustainable, use ENERGY STAR-certified models. The star symbol means the federal government — namely the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy — has proven they are energy-efficient. 

You still have options if you can’t get a new ENERGY STAR appliance. Outlet timers, standby power killers and surge protectors make turning off or unplugging things much more convenient. This way, you don’t have to wonder if they’re draining electricity while inactive. A more modern solution is a smart home hub that monitors power consumption. 

For smaller fixtures and devices, opt for energy-efficient alternatives. For example, light-emitting diode (LED) lights are up to 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. They’re also typically cheaper, which makes them an all-around better solution. These minor upgrades add up, making you much more sustainable and lowering your utility bill. 

Energy Efficiency Is Sustainable and Cost-Effective 

Lowering your power consumption helps you save money each month. You could put these savings toward energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, or devices, amplifying the effects. As soon as you make these changes, you become more sustainable, reducing your indirect greenhouse gas emissions and bringing the world one step closer to becoming net zero.