Energy saving devices are designed to reduce energy use. Which can reduce your energy bill and save you money. These devices perform the same function as their less efficient counterparts while saving energy using technology and behaviors.
They also have environmental benefits because as these products reduce the amount of energy you use; natural resources are needed less.
The most popular energy saving devices are LED bulbs, smart power strips, high efficiency faucets and shower heads.
Survey Question: Which of the following does NOT promote energy savings?
- Using a space heater (57%) [CORRECT]
- Using a high-efficiency shower head (17%)
- Keeping your furnace filter clean (13%)
- Using LEDs (13%)
As seen above, more than half of surveyed high school seniors understand that using a space heater does not promote energy savings. But what about the other 43% that do not think that LEDs, high-efficiency shower heads and keeping your furnace filters clean can save you energy and money?
Energy Saving Devices
A LED (light emitting diode) bulb is today’s most efficient lighting choice because they last longer, are more durable and offer better lighting quality. Residential LED bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Using a 9 Watt LED bulb costs much less to use than a 60 Watt incandescent. (energy.gov/energysaver)
High efficiency shower heads use less water. Even without a loss of water pressure they perform the same as the higher flow rate shower heads. Showering is one of the leading ways you use water in the home, accounting for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use—for the average family, that adds up to nearly 40 gallons per day. (epa.gov/watersense) Energy saving shower heads reduce the amount of water you use. When you save water you also save energy that is used to transport, purify and heat your water.
Heating or cooling a home can account for almost 50 percent of your home’s total energy use. Space heaters provide immediate warmth around a small area but are inefficient at heating your home. To save energy on heating, make sure your home is well insulated and maintain your heating system and furnace. Changing or cleaning your filters regularly will help you increase the efficiency and life expectancy of your furnace. A clogged or dirty furnace filter can rob your furnace of energy efficiency. A furnace filter whistle easily attaches to a new furnace filter, sounds when your filter becomes 50 percent clogged letting you know it is time to replace the filter and are reusable.
Phantom Load Devices
When many appliances are switched “off” they continue to draw a small amount of stand-by power. These “phantom loads” occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as televisions, stereos, computers and kitchen appliances. Most phantom loads will increase the appliance’s energy consumption. These “phantom loads” are avoidable by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance. Advanced and smart power strips are energy saving devices that continue to decrease the likelihood of “phantom loads”.
By choosing energy efficient appliances and electronics and reducing the amount you use them, you can save money and energy at home. Energy saving devices are more accessible and affordable then ever before, make sure you’re using them to power your home.
During the 2016-2017 school year, NEF launched an unprecedented initiative call the National Energy Literacy Survey. The energy survey measured high school students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. For more information regarding the National Energy Literacy Survey please reach out to [email protected]