Even if you think your consumption is moderate, there are silent factors that make your bill significantly more expensive. Here are the most frequent ones:
1. Appliances in stand-by mode
Many people believe that turning off the TV or computer is enough, but if they are plugged in, they still consume energy. That small red light or blue light represents what is known as “phantom consumption”, which can represent up to 10% of monthly consumption.
- Estimated daily consumption: between 0.5 and 1 kWh per household.
2. Charge your cell phone overnight
Leaving the cell phone charging for 7 or 8 hours when it is charged in 1 or 2 is an unnecessary loss. In addition, the charger is often plugged into the socket throughout the day.
- Estimated daily consumption: 0.01 kWh per charger at rest.
3. Overuse of electric heater or water heater
Leaving the heater on all day or keeping the water heater at temperatures that are too high increases consumption considerably.
- Estimated daily consumption: between 3 and 6 kWh.
4. Misuse of the refrigerator
Constantly opening the door, placing hot food or having deteriorated weatherstripping forces the engine to work longer, increasing energy expenditure.
- Estimated daily consumption: between 1.2 and 1.8 kWh (depending on age and efficiency).
5. Inefficient lighting
Using incandescent lamps or leaving lights on in empty rooms is still one of the most common mistakes.
- Estimated daily consumption per old bulb: 0.06 to 0.1 kWh.
6. Washing with hot water or at peak times
Using the washing machine with hot water or during peak demand hours (between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.) can double the expense compared to efficient use.
- Estimated daily consumption per wash: 1.5 to 2 kWh with hot water.
Tips that help you understand and prevent
“Phantom consumption” is expensive
Avoid leaving chargers, TVs, microwaves, and consoles plugged in if you’re not using them. Use power strips with a switch to cut off the power to several appliances at once.
Thermotanks and heaters: a silent expense
Set your thermostat to a medium temperature (around 60°C) and turn it off when not in use for several hours or days.
Switch to LED lighting
LED bulbs consume up to 10 times less than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
Wash clothes cold and with a full load
I chose short cycles and with cold water. Do not put the washing machine on half load, as it consumes the same.
Tips to reduce electricity consumption
- Unplug anything you don’t use. Even the microwave at rest consumes.
- Check the weatherstripping on the refrigerator. If it doesn’t close well, spend more.
- Switch to efficient appliances (class A or higher).
- Use timers or smart plugs to turn off devices automatically.
- Take advantage of natural light during the day and paint the walls in light colors.
More conscious consumption not only takes care of your pocket, but also the environment. Reviewing your daily habits can help you reduce your next electricity bill by up to 30%.
