from Wendy in Claymont, DE:
#940
Can I save money running my appliances at night after a certain time?
When it comes to saving energy, you have choices. Read on!
Yes! The electricity you use during your utility’s off-peak hours (typically between late evening and overnight hours and weekends) is billed at a significant discount. Why? Off-peak hours are when the demands for electricity are lowest. By using less electricity during the day, you're helping to keep the power flowing, and you're helping the environment! By shifting your significant electricity use from times of high electric demand to when demand is low (off-peak), you will save. The more you shift to off-peak, the more you can save. Utility off-peak programs and rates vary. To determine the best times and savings, you’ll want to check with your utility to find out when their off-peak hours are.
Energy-efficient appliances will also save you money because they use less energy compared to standard models. If you need to replace your appliances, be sure to purchase only ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances and lighting, installing a high-efficiency water heater and furnace with an electronically commutated motor (ECM), and ensuring your central air conditioner is at least a SEER 15 will all go a long way in making your home as energy efficient as possible.
To find out more about your household appliances and how much energy they use, view our appliance energy use fact sheet. Or you can use a watt meter, an electronic instrument that measures the power (watts) used by devices. When you plug the appliance into the watt meter, you can measure how much electricity your appliances/electronics are using and what they are costing you. Plug the watt meter into an outlet, and then plug a device into the watt meter. Try it with the device on, then turn it off to see the difference—and to catch a glimpse of "standby power” at work! Visit your local library to see if they have a watt meter you can borrow. If your library does not have a watt meter at that location, they may be able tp get one through inter-library loan.
Published Monday, November 29, 2010