Cooperative Living June 2023 - 20

CLOSER LOOK
W
e're all more
energy efficient
than you might
think. And you may also be
surprised to learn that we can
do even better with a little
innovative thinking, and by
controlling hidden power
users.
Electricity touches our
lives nearly every minute
of every day and makes up
about 5% of the nation's
Gross Domestic Product. So,
it makes sense to use it wisely,
whether you're concerned
about how it affects the
environment or you want
to save money. Or both.
Here are three surprising
facts about energy efficiency
that can help you make the
best use of your electricity.
1. PROOF OF
EFFICIENCY
A little-known way of
Getting to the
Core of Things
by Paul Wesslund, Contributing Writer
Three surprising facts about energy efficiency
But when it comes to
appliances that consume a
lot of energy, it can make
dollars and sense.
The yellow Energy Guide
1
We're getting better at creating more
economic activity with less energy.
Energy intensity is down and productivity is up.
labels found on products at
your appliance store will tell
you how much you can save
with a new purchase. Another
way to compare the old to
the new is to Google " flip
your fridge. " That will take
you to an ENERGY STAR
calculator that will compare
the energy use of your current
appliances to what's available
in stores.
3. SLAYING VAMPIRES
Did you know you could
2
The money you can save on energy use
for a new appliance could pay for itself
in just a few years.
measuring efficiency is with
a statistic called the energy
intensity index. It shows
how much energy it takes
to produce a dollar of the
economy's Gross Domestic
Product. Another term
that's been used for that idea is energy productivity.
Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we're
3
Phantom power is energy consumed by
electronics and appliances when they're
in standby mode but not being used.
be spending $100 to $400
a year on energy you don't
even need? That frightening
fact even comes with scary
names - phantom power
or vampire electronics. It's
the TV and video games
that draw power so they're
ready to turn on instantly.
It's the digital clocks. It's
the computers and phones
plugged in even though
they're fully charged.
Getting rid of phantom
power can be tricky. You
getting better at creating more economic activity with less
energy - energy intensity is down and productivity is up.
Way up.
The numbers show that energy intensity is about half
of what it was 30 years ago. That's because we're making
strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs,
to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are
expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects
energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.
2. OUT WITH THE OLD,
IN WITH THE NEW
The old phrase " you have to spend money to make money "
is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn't make sense.
18 ● Cooperative Living ●
June 2023
probably don't want to regularly shut off your wireless router
or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several
devices into a power strip and turn them off when you're not
using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do
that for you.
Phantom power costs do add up, but it's also true that your
home has much bigger energy users. If you're concerned about
energy costs, make sure you're heating and cooling system is
up to date and working efficiently, and that your windows and
doors aren't leaking air.
Your electric co-op can advise you on the most effective
steps for energy savings - they're your local leading authority
on home energy use. And that's no surprise. 
Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs
for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
co-opliving.com
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living June 2023

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