Growing Family, Growing Energy Expenses?

Q:Our energy bill has been higher than normal for the last little while, and I’m realizing now that it started around the time our son was born. Do you have thoughts on how to keep it in check?

A:First off, congratulations! And it’s true: Among all the advice and “heads-up” we get from friends and family when a baby is on the way, preparing to pay more for electricity isn’t typically on the list. But a new person at home, no matter how small, does affect how we use energy.

Here are a few areas that are likely contributing to your steeper bills (and maybe sleepless hours) and some things you may be able to do about them.

Laundry

Obviously, this is a big one. You’re likely washing more clothes, and doing so more often than before (thanks for another blowout, kid).

Fortunately, there are behavior changes that may help you save. For example, if you’re not doing it already, aim to run a full load and choose cold over warm water if you can. Maybe there are also clothing items that can be washed less frequently.

Next time you’re in the market for a new washer, don’t rule out a front-loading version. These tend to clean better, be gentler on clothing, and use less energy and water than top-loaders, especially ones with an agitator. Models with an Energy Star^® label will save you even more.

On the drying side, units that use heat pump technology are more efficient than conventional equipment, and you could also try air-drying as weather permits.

Heating and cooling

Heating and cooling make up the largest chunk of your monthly energy bill, and having a new baby in the house may have affected how you set your thermostat, particularly overnight. See if there are other opportunities, or times of day, to optimize your system’s usage. For instance, maybe you could bump the temperature up or down, as appropriate depending on the season, when you’ll be out and about for long periods. If your system is older, you may also be able to take advantage of rebates to help fund a more efficient replacement.

Water heating

If you’ve never checked the temperature of your water heater, now might be a good time. Water heaters typically come with default temperature setpoints up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but lowering that to closer to 120 degrees could save you in energy and reduce the risk of scalding.

One thing to be aware of, however, is that going much lower with the temperature may provide better conditions for the potential growth of Legionella bacteria. If you’re unsure about adjusting your water heater settings, you could first consult with a professional or your electric co-op.

Another way to conserve energy with your water heater is to insulate its tank and any exposed pipes. And like with dryers, there are more-efficient heat pump water heaters to consider when you’re in need of a replacement.

Phantom loads

You’ve likely already invested in new baby equipment or toys that plug in. Some of these may be consuming electricity even when they’re not being used (that’s where the “phantom load” name comes from). The amount of power being drawn isn’t much, but it can add up.

Certain devices may not need to be constantly plugged in. For ones that are trickier to unplug, see if they might have a power-save mode you can enable. Also, this guidance doesn’t just apply to kid-related gadgets — look for opportunities to eliminate phantom loads with your own technologies, too.

Hopefully the above ideas provide food for thought (apologies if that food ends up on the floor). Have fun navigating this new adventure!

Find Available Rebates

To learn about Energy Saver North Carolina rebates and more, explore this interactive home from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

FIND REBATES