Power for Progress…A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority Energy Efficiency Does Not Need a Vacation
You may be headed out of town for vacation, but energy efficiency in your home does not need a break. This week, GRDA shares some tips that can help your house maintain efficiency, even when you are away.
It is late July, and school will be starting soon, but some of you may still be planning a summer vacation. If that is that case, keep in mind that energy efficiency never needs a break. So, while you are working through that get-away checklist, consider taking a few steps that will help with energy efficiency at home, even while you are away.
Turn down the water heater to "vacation mode." Because water heating can account for 14% – 25% of the energy consumed in the home. Since a large percentage of the cost of running a water heater is due to the "stand by" losses, this is probably the easiest and most cost-effective money-and energy-saving tip for a home when it is vacant. Just remember to leave yourself a note to turn it back on when you return home.
Set the programmable thermostat at a higher temperature than usual, as long as there are no pets in the home.
Unplug “energy vampires.” Even when turned off, many electronic appliances still utilize a small amount of electricity. Called phantom loads, these can include items such as a coffeemaker, headset chargers, laptop computer, TV, cable box, rechargeable toothbrush, and printer. Americans can waste up to one month's electricity bill each year on vampire energy.
Keep window shades drawn to help keep the house cool from the afternoon sun.
Make sure all lights are turned off. For lights on a security timer, use LED bulbs.
These are just a few ways to save energy and money at home while you are away on vacation. Your friends at GRDA hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency.
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