It’s that March break time of year, and for many families that means a much needed vacation. However, did you know that this is the perfect time for a home energy vacation as well?
Before you head off to enjoy your time away from the daily grind and cold weather, first take the time to unplug your home. Vacations present homeowners with the perfect opportunity to power down and cut back on home energy consumption. Since everyone is away from the house, powering down and unplugging is completely pain free.
You can reduce the drain on your heating and cooling system, prevent phantom load (we will touch more on this in a moment), and even save some money on your energy bill.
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6 Opportunities for Home Energy Saving
- Heating and Cooling System
- Lighting
- Water Heater
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Blinds and Curtains
What is Phantom Load
The term phantom load (or standby power) refers to home energy that is consumed by an electronic device while it is switched off. Phantom load does not occur in all electronic devices, and is most often found in devices that have digital clocks or remote controls. However, there are some devices that consume power without offering any features.
Devices Guilty of Phantom Load
- Televisions
- Gaming Consoles
- Computers
- Kitchen appliances
- Cordless Phone Bases
- Rechargeable Toothbrush
These days, many households have placed home energy saving as a high priority. Incandescent light bulbs have been traded for LED versions, we shop for Energy Star rated appliances and have long-since installed programmable thermostats. It seems that trying to reduce home energy consumption is practically second nature here in Canada. So, before you and your family head across country, down south or across the ocean to relax and unwind, be sure to unplug your electronics and reduce your heating and cooling. Your home and your wallet will thank you!
