December 14th is National Energy Conservation Day! The goal of this day is to spread awareness about the importance of energy efficiency. Oxford Languages define energy conservation as “the prevention of the wasteful use of energy, especially in order to assure its continued availability.” With this in mind, we must consider how we, as individuals, can limit our energy waste. In fact, there are plenty of small daily changes we can make that can help! To get started, check out these energy-saving tips.
Small Changes Go a Long Way
One of the simplest ways to cut back on energy usage is by making small adjustments to your daily life. For instance, when you leave a room, turn off all of the lights. Additionally, replacing your air filters frequently is another simple way to save energy because dirty filters restrict airflow. Or, use your air conditioning less in the summer and turn down your heater in the winter. What seems like a minor adjustment can save you a lot in the long run.
Look Out for Phantom Loads
Did you know that even when your electronics are plugged in but powered off, they can still use power? This phenomenon is known as a phantom load. In fact, an estimated 75% of the energy used to power household electronics occurs when they’re switched off. Some of these electronics include voice-activated electronic devices, computer monitors, printers, and TVs. While it doesn’t seem like a huge deal, over time, this wasted energy can certainly add up. The easiest way to combat this issue? Simply unplugging electronics when they aren’t in use!
Change Your Laundry Routine
There are many ways you can adjust how you do laundry to reduce energy consumption. One idea is to wash your laundry with cold water instead of warm water. In fact, doing mostly cold washes with all cold rinses can save up to $214 a year! Another way to cut back is to wash full loads to reduce the number of times you have to do laundry. Additionally, did you know that tossing a dry towel into the dryer with your wet clothes can reduce drying times? Give it a try next time before you throw your clothes in the dryer!
Adjust Your Thermostat
While cranking the heat during a chilly winter day and blasting the AC in the heat of summer are both appealing options, they require a lot of energy. Consider adjusting your thermostat during the day, at night, and when you’re away so that it isn’t working too hard for no reason! Did you know that turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours can save 5% to 15% a year on your energy bill? That’s a simple task if you’re gone at work all day!
For Energy Conservation Day, what steps will you take towards energy efficiency? If we each implement a new energy-saving habit, we can work together to benefit the environment, and of course, lower our bills while we’re doing it!
Adams Crossing provides residents with the top affordable luxury apartments in Waldorf. We love offering fun and useful information to our residents, helping them to enjoy all that apartment living in Charles County has to offer. Schedule a tour with one of our marketing professionals to see why we’re a 2019 Top Rated apartment community through ApartmentRatings!
