October is Energy Awareness Month. Apparently this is a federal initiative that seeks to “Turn Words into Action; Turn Action into Results.” With the suggestion to promote “Wise energy attitudes, behaviors, and organizational decisions (to) ensure results. Take time to review your daily routine to conserve energy, empower others to take action, and join together to save energy and money.”
Ok, well that is a noble goal. But please believe me I completely understand what it is like to blithely plug in two iPod touches, three cell phones, and a laptop before bed as I listen to the sound of the dishwasher and the dryer running with the TV on. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to energy consumption. We don’t really think about how we CONSUME power, because where I live its relatively inexpensive (well at least in this month, when the airconditionaing and the heat aren’t needed).
It is interesting to learn that total residential energy consumption rose approximately 13% over the past quarter century (hello central a/c and computers). While Waldt Renewables clearly has a vested interest in promiting clean power, it is even more important that we consider how to reduce our overall power consumption.
Start with simple ways. According to the government’s ENERGY STAR program, 40% of the electricity that home electronics use is consumed while the products are turned off. The “phantom load,” or one of my favorite energy terms, the “energy vampire” (note the connection to Halloweeen), is a result of many different household items draining energy while “off” such as your computers, printers, TVs, cell phone chargers, Tivos or DVRs (see the chart below). These items typically use 10 to 50 watts each while “off” or in standby mode (6 to 30 kilowatt-hours a month, if they’re off but not unplugged 20 hours a day).
One way to combat these energy vampires is to try and plug more than one appliance or electronics into power strips that can be switched on or off easily with one switch. For more information about how to employ “wise energy bahaviors” (geeze) please visit this fun website for kids.
courtesy of http://www.technical-schools-guide.com/careerguide/2011/07/vampire-energy/
