Spring has sprung! But as the temperatures start to rise, so can your energy use (if you’re not careful). Taking a walk or going for a drive sounds like the perfect way to get out of the house, and you might assume that means you’re using less energy. However, the use of “phantom” energy can still add up while you’re away. Before you head out, check out our quick spring energy checklist to reduce hidden energy use and make the most of the season while still saving at home.
Phantom Energy: The Hidden Costs
Phantom energy—sometimes called vampire energy—is electricity consumed by appliances and other electronic devices while they’re plugged in but not in use.
While leaving appliances plugged in may seem harmless, many people don’t realize that phantom energy can significantly affect your energy bill. For most homes, it accounts for 5-10% of energy use. That may not seem like much, but if your average electric bill is $300 a month, that means you’re wasting between $180 and $360 every year on energy that you never use.
Phantom Energy Checklist
Spring is the perfect time for cleaning, cleansing, and starting new habits—like ensuring you’re not wasting a single kilowatt of energy! To make sure your home is as efficient as possible, follow these easy tips:
Unplug, Unplug, Unplug
Every night, or before you leave for an extended period (like vacation), make sure to unplug any electronic devices, chargers, or appliances that are not in use. This includes TVs, gaming systems, toasters, air fryers, phone chargers, and computers. This may feel tedious, but it will soon become a normal part of your routine. We recommend making it a habit of unplugging devices as soon as you’re finished with them. This minor inconvenience will be worth it in the long run.
And if you don’t have power strips, please consider investing in them! They will make powering off much easier. For example, instead of unplugging and replugging your TV, gaming system, soundbar, and charger every time you use them, you can cut the power with a single flick of a switch.
Monitor Your Home’s Temperature
For most of spring, we can get away without turning the HVAC on at all. As one of the milder seasons in northeastern Pennsylvania, it’s the perfect time to open your windows and let the fresh air flow. This is the best-case scenario for your energy bill!
However, with the natural progression of the seasons, we’re bound to get some warmer days here and there. If you need to turn on your AC, don’t just “set it and forget it”—make sure to monitor the temperature often. This means turning it up a few degrees when you’re sleeping, a few more when you’re at work or the house is empty, and even higher when you’re away for a few days. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
Turn Off the Lights
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people leave lights on at all times. And when they’re always on, you’re less likely to remember to turn them off.
So when you leave a room, turn off every light—including decorative or accent lights you forgot were plugged in, like lava lamps, string lights, wax warmers, and LED strip lighting.
Turn Off Fans
Did you know that fans cool people, but they don’t actually affect the true room temperature? The reason you feel cooler is because of the air the fan is generating—the wind chill effect—which accelerates the evaporation of sweat and breaks up the warm air layer around the body. So, while you’re trying to keep your rooms cool this spring before you finally turn on the AC, make sure fans are running only in occupied rooms.
And while you’re at it, double-check that your fans are rotating the right way. During warmer months, your fan should be set to rotate counterclockwise. This pushes the air downward, creating the nice breeze you feel.
Check Your HVAC
Spring is the perfect time for an HVAC tune-up and a fresh filter. Regular maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency—and you might be surprised at what a technician can catch. A small issue you don’t even know about could be making your system work harder than it needs to, and since heating and cooling are one of the biggest drivers of your energy bill, that adds up quickly.
Spring Into Energy Savings with UGI EnergyLink
Ready to take your savings beyond this spring energy checklist? At UGI EnergyLink, we offer customized plans designed around your actual usage, so you’re never paying more than you should. Let’s find the right solution for your home or business. Contact us today!