These Home Appliances Suck Up a Surprising Amount of Electricity!

When we think of energy consuming appliances, big ticket items such as refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines tend to top the list. However, some of the most costly appliances in your home are actually the smallest. Small devices like cell phone chargers and computer printers use lots of energy, and as these gadgets become more common in our homes the amount of energy they use grows exponentially.

What is the main reason so many of these small appliances use so much power? It is because they are almost always plugged into electrical outlets, even when they are not in use. They draw energy constantly, even when they are turned off or the devices they power have been disconnected.

Check out our list of the most energy inefficient small appliances. How many do you have in your home?


Plasma TVs:
You know you want one. Plasma televisions are on most of our home entertainment wish lists, but these hot items are quite literally hot. They use a lot of energy and throw off a significant amount of heat, too. The average 42-inch plasma screen uses as much as 325 watts of electricity; that old-fashioned CRT TV you have lying around uses just 120 watts. LCD TVs are a good compromise, using about 200 watts of electricity.

Digital Photo Frames:
Once a novelty item, digital picture frames are quickly becoming more commonplace as they become more affordable. However, according to a recent estimate from the Electric Power Research Institute, if every home in the US had one of these frames operating 24 hours a day it would take five entire power plants to keep them all running.

Video Game Consoles:
Video games have come a long way since Pac Man and Pong. Today’s games require high level digital processors to control all of those stunning graphics, and those processors require tons of energy. Compounding the problem is that energy-efficiency standards have yet to catch up to video game consoles like Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox 360. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that game consoles consume around 16 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year. This is roughly the same amount of yearly energy usage as the entire city of San Diego.

Set-Top Boxes:
Cable and digital converter boxes for your television may seem like pretty innocuous devices. While they only draw about 30 watts of energy, these boxes are always on—even when the TV is turned off. A single box can use as much as 265 kilowatt hours of electricity in a year. This is equal to the annual energy consumption of a 28-inch tube television.

Battery Chargers:
It seems that everything that rings, beeps or clicks now comes with its very own battery charger. Although these small devices do not use much energy—only about 10 watts—most of us simply plug them into the wall and leave them there, connecting them to the phone, camera or portable DVD player only when we need a charge. Even when there is nothing attached to them, battery chargers continuously draw power if they are plugged in. Consider the fact that most American homes have at least half a dozen chargers, and our total energy consumption adds up to the output of several large power plants.



Related Energy Efficiency Information from Horizon Services...

• Horizon Heating Services
• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home
• Air Conditioning Alternatives
• Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
• Do The Math…High Efficiency Air Conditioners Drastically Reduce Energy Costs!
• Home Energy Myths Debunked!
• Frugal Fridge Maintenance Can Save You Energy...and Cold Hard Cash!
• A Precision Tune-Up is Your Air Conditioner's Best Friend!
• 14 Web Sites That Can Save You Energy, Money and Time

Energy Conservation Tips for Your Air Conditioner

With summer in full swing, you are probably tempted to run your air conditioner as frequently as you can. But while your air conditioner can take the edge off of the sweltering heat, it can also take a significant bite out of your wallet. If you find that you can't do without air conditioning, here are some very important things that Horizon's air conditioning technicians suggest that you can do to maximize your comfort while minimizing your energy use and cooling costs .


Raise Your Thermostat Setting

Be sure to increase the thermostat if you’re going to be out of the house during the day. Every degree you raise the thermostat can results in a 5%-8% savings on the cost of cooling your home. And when you are at home, try setting the thermostat a degree or two higher than you normally would. Chances are you won't even notice the diffence in your comfort...but you will in your energy savings!

Often, when people first come into their house from being outside in the hot weather, they turn on their air conditioners at a colder than normal setting, thinking this will cool the house off faster. But guess what...it doesn't work. Your house will not cool any faster...but your air conditioner will work much harder. This will result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. Doing this overtime can also lead to frequent air conditioner breakdowns or reduce your air conditioner's life span.

A great idea is to install a programmable thermostat which will automatically raise or lower temperatures at preset times to allow for times when you won’t be at home. These items are inexpensive and they can save you about $100 every year in energy costs.


Join the Fan Club

Combining a ceiling fan with a central air conditioning system is a great way to maximize yor cooling comfort. While it won't actually reduce the room temperature, a ceiling fan creates enough air movement in a room to make it feel about four degrees cooler -- just like the wind chill factor makes the outdoor winter air feel colder to your skin. This allows you to to set the thermostat a little lower than you normally would and feel just as cool. Also, the average ceiling fan only uses about as much electricity as a 100-watt light bulb; so it only costs pennies per day to run.

If you're going to use a ceiling fan, make sure that it is set for summertime operation: the high edge of the blade should go forward first, to force the air downward. You should feel the air blowing down on you when you stand beneath the fan when it’s on. And only run the fan when you’re in the room! It doesn’t actually make the room cooler; it just feels cooler when you’re in the breeze.


Apply Some Sun Block

Direct sunlight can really do a number on your ouside air conditioner by making it work significantly harder. In fact, an air conditioning unit operating in the sun uses as much as 10% more electricity than the same one operating in the shade. Do your air conditioner a favor: planting trees or shrubs nearby to shade the unit. You can also purchase and install canopies that you can place over your air conditioner unit to shield it from the sun's rays.

In addition, it is important to keep unnecessary sunlight and heat from getting inside your house. Direct sunlight streaming through windows and baking through walls during the summer months can significantly increase your air conditioning costs. Be sure to look for ways to shade sun-exposed windows and exterior walls of your house. Be sure to draw shades and curtains during the brightest hours of the day. Consider using exterior window coverings or awnings. Plant trees or bushes in front of walls or windows. You can even apply reflective film on windows that prevents much of the sun's rays from entering your home's interior.


Other Ways to Keep Cool Around the House

This may sound obvious, but be sure that all windows and outside doors are shut when the air conditioner is on. After all, you don’t want to “cool the whole neighborhood.”

Avoid placing lamps, TVs, appliances or other heat sources near the air conditioner thermostat. Heat from these items may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.

Make sure that no furniture or large objects are obstructing ducts or fans. You want to allow the cool air to circulate freely.

Cut back on indoor activities that generate heat such as laundry, cooking and dishwashing. If you must do these chores, wait until later in the evening when it is cooler.

If you have any unused rooms, turn off the cooling in these areas and keep the doors closed.


Related Air Conditioning and Energy Saving Information from Horizon Services...

Summer is the time of year when most homeowners' electric bills hit the roof. Air conditioning is the primary culprit in causing summer electric bills to rise, but other appliances in your home also get heavy usage in the summer and can cause your electric bill to skyrocket. In honor of today being the first day of summer, here are 52 easy tips that you can do all summer long to keep your electric bill in check, stay cool and still enjoy the summer season to its fullest.

1. The ideal thermostat setting is between 75 and 78 degrees in the summertime. Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature when using your air conditioning. Moving the thermostat up just one degree could lower your electric bill as much as 3 to 5 percent.


2. Keep air conditioner filters clean. Aluminum mesh filters may be washed; fiberglass filters should be replaced, usually on a monthly basis.


3. Get an air conditioning tune-up. Your air conditioner will run more efficiently with a lower risk of breaking down.


4. Keep air vents and ducts clear of obstructions.


5. Use duct tape to seal cracks and leaks on any sections of air duct on your central air conditioning system.


6. Close the drapes on the sunny side of the house during the day.


7. Leave storm windows and doors in place when the air conditioner is running.


8. If you leave your home for vacation or extended period, leave your air conditioner off.


9. If you cool your home with window air conditioning units, place them on the north side of the house. Keep window air conditioner vents free from obstructions.


10. Keep lamps, TV sets and appliances away from your thermostat. Heat from these devices can cause your air conditioning system to run longer or unnecessarily.


11. When you turn on your air conditioner, do not set the thermostat at a lower than normal temperature. It will not cool the room any faster, but it will use more electricity.


12. Clean your outside condenser coil once a year by spraying with a hose at low pressure.


13. Plant shade trees and shrubs around your home to shield from sunlight and heat.


14. Apply reflective film on all south facing windows to reduce solar heating of your home's interior.


15. Use window or whole house fans to ventilate your home. Use ceiling fans to cool kitchens and other hot indoor rooms and to evenly distribute conditioned air.


16. Take brief, cool showers with minimal hot water. Showers use less water and energy than baths.


17. Install a low-flow shower head; it can reduce water usage by 50-70 percent.


18. Set your hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees.


19. Insulate the pipes going into and out of the hot water heater tank. Add an insulated blanket around your water heater if it's an older model.


20. Turn the water heater off when you're gone longer than a weekend.


21. Run your dishwasher only when it's full.


22. Replace conventional light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent lLght (CFL) bulbs. This will save up to 75 percent in lighting energy, produce more light and last up to 10 times longer.


23. Use one large light bulb rather than several small ones. A 100-watt bulb produces more indoor light and uses less energy than two 60-watt bulbs.


24. Switch to tungsten-halogen incandescent bulbs; they cut lighting costs by about 15 percent.


25. Use low-watt bulbs where lighting is not critical.


26. Use dimmer switches in as many rooms as possible.


27. Dust your light bulbs. Dust on bulbs can reduce light output by up to 50%.


28. Place floor lamps and hanging lamps in corners. The reflection off the walls will give you more light.


29. Turn off all lights, TVs, stereos and radios if no one will be in the room.


30. Set your refrigerator temperature between 36 degrees and 40 degrees. Set freezer temperature between 0 degrees and 5 degrees. Use a refrigerator/freezer thermometer to check the settings.


31. Wash full loads of clothes in the coolest water possible. Rinse clothes in cold water.


32. Toss a dry towel into your dryer to absorb moisture from the load of moist clothes. Your dryer won't have to run as long.


33. Be sure to clean your dryer's lint filter after every load


34. Place full loads of clothing in the dryer, but don't overload.


35. Don't over-dry clothes. Stop running the dryer as soon as clothes are dry, or use the moisture sensor control to automatically shut ohe dryer off.


36. Dry multiple loads of clothing one right after another. The dryer is already heated so, you'll use less energy because the dryer is already heated.


37. Skip the dryer altogether. Hang your clothes on a clothes line to dry in the sun.


38. Let warm foods cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator.


39. Place the refrigerator away from the stove, dishwasher, heat vents and direct sunlight.


40. Keep refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Don't make unnecessary trips to the fridge.


41. Keep the freezer full. A full freezer loses less cold air when you open the door.


42. Defrost freezers when the frost builds up to 1/4" thick.


43. Vacuum dust and dirt from refrigerator coils so refrigerator runs more efficiently.


44. Try to cook several items in the oven at the same time.


45. Avoid pre-heating your oven whenever possible.


46. Use the microwave for items that need a quick cooking or reheating.


47. Use crockpots and slow cookers whenever possible.


48. Defrost foods before baking or microwaving; it will use 1/3 less energy than starting with frozen food.


49. If you're going to clean your oven, use the self-cleaning cycle right after you finish baking. That will give the self-cleaning cycle a head start in heating the oven.


50. Give your oven and stove a vacation. Barbecue or grill outdoors whenever possible.


51. Switch from a desktop to a laptop computer. Laptops use much less electricity and throw off much less heat.


52. Go outside! Take advantage of the warm weather and extended sunlight. Eat, read, talk and have fun outside as much as you can!

• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• Summer Heat Wave Survival Guide
• Seasonal Energy Saving Tips

The energy industry is changing steadily. Consumers concerned about the environment and their own bottom line are looking for newer, more efficient, more economical energy sources. Nowhere is this more apparent than with electricity.

Today, almost 50 percent of electric customers have the ability to buy renewable energy straight from their power distributor, and every consumer has the option to purchase green energy certificates.

Most states offer at least one of several different programs that let consumers buy green energy.

Green pricing programs require customers to pay a small fee in exchange for electricity produced by green energy sources. This optional service is offered through many traditional power companies; the premium fee helps offset costs for the supplier that come from increased expenses related to renewable energy generation.

Competitive electricity markets give customers a lot of choice when it comes to energy efficiency and low environmental impact. Through competitive markets, customers can select to have their power delivered by an independent green energy supplier rather than buy it from the traditional provider active in their area.

The competitive market model works a lot like the restructured long distance telephone call system of years ago. Instead of allowing a single default supplier to provide power to all consumers in a specific geographic area, some states have allowed alternative energy producers in to market green energy products and services to customers. This has increased competition among service providers in these markets, giving consumers renewable energy options and in some cases even lowering prices for traditional electric customers.

Green certificates can be purchased by anyone, regardless of their access to green pricing or competitive markets. Sometimes called green tags, renewable energy certificates, or tradable renewable certificates, green certificates are essentially the environmental benefits that come from producing clean energy. In buying green certificates, consumers are able to help alternative providers produce clean, renewable energy no matter where they are. These contributions make it possible for companies producing green power to generate more of it, thereby feeding more renewable energy into the country’s electricity supply.

The process starts with clean power companies that separate the power they sell to suppliers from the environmental attributes associated with that energy. These attributes are the green certificates. The certificates are then sold to both businesses and individual consumers who want to help increase the amount of green energy entering the power grid.

The separation makes it possible for alternative energy suppliers to sell their products to traditional suppliers at competitive prices. Selling the green certificates helps cover the additional costs associated with producing renewable energy, as well as stimulating the research and development of more green energy initiatives.

There are many organizations that offer renewable energy certificates. No matter where you live, you have the opportunity to contribute to these alternative providers and, in turn, increase the amount of green energy that circulates through our nation’s electric systems.

For more information about buying green electricity or participating in renewable energy initiatives in your area, contact your local electric company or your state’s Department of Environmental Protection.



Links to Local Electric Utilities in DE, PA and MD:

• Peco Energy
• Delmarva Power

Related Information from Horizon Services...

• New PECO Rebate Program Means Big Energy Savings for PA Customers

Rising home heating costs have many homeowners scrambling for affordable heating alternatives. If your utility bills skyrocket when cold weather strikes, you may have considered purchasing a space heater to offset the cost of whole home heating. Using a portable space heater can definitely help you save money and energy -- especially if you generally spend time in one room of your home or office. However, there are some very important points to consider before you buy a space heater.

• Horizon Heating Services
• Horizon Heating Equipment - Sales, Installation, Replacement

"Going green" is an inescapable buzz-phrase these days, and we’re all looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. And in today's economic climate, "saving green" -- ie. cash -- is just as important. When it comes to energy usage and savings in your home, "waste not, want not" should be your mantra. Thus, it's imperative that you become aware of those items, areas and behaviors that are causing you to needlessly waste energy.

• PECO Energy Estimator Tools
• Delmarva Power Online Energy Audit Tool

Some of the most common recommendations that result from energy audits are really simple changes you can make almost immediately that can have a significant impact on your home’s energy consumption.

• Inspect lamps and light fixtures. Consider using traditional bulbs with lower wattage or switching to compact florescent bulbs. These last longer than regular light bulbs and can save more than 3% on your electric bill.


• Take a look at your heating and cooling equipment regularly. Look for problem areas, replace filters often, repair tears in ductwork right away, and have units professionally cleaned at least once a year. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly insulate pipes that pass exposed through unheated places.


• In older homes, inspect insulation levels in basements, attics and walls. Check for any signs of deterioration, animal activity, gapping, or moisture accumulation. Damaged or insufficient insulation can increase your energy usage and cost you money.

Horizon Can Help You With Your Energy Audit Needs!

Contact Horizon Services to schedule a FREE, no-obligation In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation. An experienced Horizon Comfort Advisor will come to your home to discuss with you your energy-saving needs. He/she will inspect and measure your home, assess your current heating and air conditioning system (including ductwork) and review heating and cooling options that will use energy more efficiently and can save up to 35% off your utility bills!

• Schedule Your FREE In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation Now!

2010: A new year and a new decade have begun. No better time than to give your home a quick inspection and address those household projects or problems you have been putting off, ignoring or just have not noticed yet. If your house is starting to feel like less of a home and more of a leaky, drafty, moldy money pit, it could be due to any one (or more) of the following common household problems.

• High Energy Bills: We all know the drill: The utility bill arrives in the mail and we brace ourselves for the inevitable monthly sticker shock. If you heating or cooling bills seem higher than usual, it could be because of air leaks in your HVAC system, inefficient or poorly insulated windows and doors, incorrectly installed heating and air conditioning systems, or badly sealed and insulated air ducts.


• Mold and Mildew: Noticing a musty, unpleasant smell? It could be mold or mildew accumulation resulting from water leaks or high levels of humidity inside your home. Excess water can cause wood rot; bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper; structural damage; staining on walls, floors, or ceilings; and health problems like allergies and asthma. If your home has a central air conditioning system, the problem could be linked to components that are the wrong size or that have been improperly installed.


• Water in Basement: Dampness in the basement is usually caused by water that seeps in through your home’s foundation. Any time standing water is present in your yard, like after heavy rain or when winter snow and ice begin to melt, there’s an increased chance of moisture coming in your basement. Cracks or breaches in the foundation make it easier for water to get in, causing higher levels of indoor humidity and promoting the growth of mold.


• Cold Floors: If you wouldn’t think of touching a toe to the bare floor during the wintertime without layers of wool socks and slippers, it could be due to insufficient insulation or invisible drafting through improperly sealed windows and doors. Obviously, certain floor coverings (hardwood, stone, ceramic tile, concrete) will feel colder on bare feet during the winter months, but excessive frigid temperatures might indicate a more serious problem.


• Drafty Rooms: When you can’t seem to keep your house a consistent temperature or notice that certain rooms are always much hotter or colder than the rest of the house, it could indicate drafts coming in through poorly sealed windows and doors. Air leaks in the attic, crawl space, or basement can also make a house feel drafty.


• Excessive Dust: Wearing out that duster and furniture polish? Excessive amounts of dust or a sudden increase in dust could mean it’s time to change the air filter on your heating and cooling system. It could also point to a problem with your home’s HVAC system or ductwork.


• Ice Dams: These nasty ice formations are caused when warm air from inside your home leaks out through attics and ceiling crawl spaces that are poorly insulated. As the air escapes, it warms the snow and ice on your roof and makes it melt. The water refreezes as it moves away from the air leak and forms icicles and ice dams. Ice dams can seriously damage your roof, eaves, gutters, shingles, and trim, thus it's important to remove snow and ice from these areas as soon as you can.
  

• A FREE, No-Obligation In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation: A Horizon Services Comfort Advisor can come to your home and perform a FREE audit and assessment of your present heating and cooling system. He or she will also answer all of your questions about heating and cooling, discuss your existing system (including duct work), measure your home to determine the right size equipment and discuss options that are best for your home and budget, and show you how to save up to 35% off your utility bills. Learn More!
  


• A Precision Tune-Up for Your Furnace: Want your furnace to perform more efficiently? Want to avoid costly breakdowns this winter? For just $89 and in just one-hour, Horizon Services can perform a 21-point precision tune-up and system cleaning for your furnace. It’s like having your furnace rejuvenated to factory fresh condition! Then…if your system breaks down this winter after our tune-up, we will either refund your $89 or credit it to the repair necessary to get your furnace back in working order. IN ADDITION, if you don’t see a savings on your utility bill — or don’t feel that the furnace tune-up was worth the money — we will also give you a refund…NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Learn More!

With so much media coverage of green initiatives these days, you may find yourself feeling guilty just flipping on a light switch in your home or turning on your heating or air conditioning system. For many people, "going green" is an overwhelming and intimidating prospect; but there is one simple thing we can all do to make a significant difference.

• Learn More About Energy-Efficient Heating and Air Conditoning Systems from Horizon Services!
• Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
• Home Energy Myths Debunked!