Energy-Saving Tips from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

Phantom Load Energy Vampires
Your TV, DVD player, computer and other electronics draw power even when they’re turned off. It’s called a phantom load. Devices that use power even when switched off include those with electronic clocks or timers and remote controls. Around 75 percent of all electricity in a home is used by appliances that are turned off, but are still plugged in.
To save electricity, unplug your cell phone, iPod, or BlackBerry chargers and other adapters when not in use. For example, a clock radio costs about $1.20 to operate per month; a PC costs about $1.50 per month; and a 35-inch TV costs about $2.55.

Other areas to check around your home:
Hot water heater
Thermal blankets that surround your hot water heater help to maintain the temperature of the hot water.
Smart water heaters can be programmed to use less energy based on your needs and schedule. The unit is also self-cleaning, making the elements work more efficiently.
Insulate exterior, uncovered hot water pipes.
Take shorter, cooler showers. Showers can account for more than 50 percent of your hot water usage.

Pools and spas
During the summer, a pool heater will account for the highest portion of your natural gas bill.
Filter pools and spas before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Keep the pool and/or spa covered when not in use to minimize heat loss.
Limit the time you run your pool pump: in the summer run it no more than six hours a day and in the winter no more than four hours a day.

Computers
Powering down your computer at night saves about $70 a year in energy costs.
A computer left on night and day eats as much electricity as an efficient refrigerator – 70 to 250 watts each day.
It costs about $60 a year in electricity to keep a typical personal computer running around the clock. Most of that energy is used when no one is sitting at the computer.

Refrigerators
Your refrigerator consumes about 20 percent of your household’s annual energy costs.
A second freezer in the garage can add an additional 15 percent.
A 19-year-old refrigerator costs about $288 a year to operate, while an energy efficient model costs only about $91 a year. The resulting savings can add up to about $197 per year.
At least twice a year, clean the dirt on refrigerator coils to help the compressor work faster and run less often. This simple step will save electricity and result in fewer service calls, which may mean a longer life for your appliance.
Your refrigerator temperature should be set between 30 and 40 degrees. Freezers should be set at 0 degrees.
Check the seals on your refrigerator doors. If they are cracked or you feel cold air leaking out, they should be replaced.
If the refrigerator is not balanced, the door may not seal properly, and could allow cold air to leak out.
Avoid overloading the capacity of your refrigerator or freezer.

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