I finally checked my home's energy report and the numbers were shocking

I got my utility's annual breakdown and saw my house in Portland used 40% more electricity than the local average. The big tip-off was the line item for 'always-on' devices, which was costing me over $700 a year. I unplugged a bunch of old chargers and a second fridge I barely used, and my next bill dropped by $80. Has anyone else done a full home energy check and found a stupid waste like that?

4 comments

4 Comments

seth_singh203mo ago

Always thought it was just the AC.

quinncarr1mo ago

Man @seth_singh20 you're right that the AC is a big one but its those little things that really sneak up on you. I got a cheap power strip and started turning off my TV and gaming stuff completely when I'm not using them, that alone dropped my bill like 15 bucks. Those vampire loads are no joke.

jennifer8333mo ago

My energy report basically called me a sucker. Turns out my fancy coffee maker was on a permanent vacation, just sipping power all day.

miles_hall3mo ago

Check for those old cable boxes and DVRs, they're absolute power hogs even when you think they're off. My buddy had three from different providers he never canceled properly, and they were just sitting there, warm to the touch. I got a simple plug-in meter to check my own stuff, and the biggest shock was an ancient gaming console on standby. It wasn't even being used, just waiting for a signal that never came. Unplugging that and a dusty dehumidifier in the basement made a real dent.