10 Terms To Know to Save Money on Electricity

Most people who want to help you learn how to save money by wasting less electricity will provide you with tips and how-to guides for cutting back on your energy use. This is definitely important. However, you can’t actually benefit completely from these tips unless you already know the terminology that is included in them.

Here are ten important words and terms that you should know if you want to really save money on electricity:

1. (Kilo)watt and (kilo)watt hours. A main thing that you need to know is how electricity is measured. This will help you understand what your electric company is actually charging you for. A watt measures how much electricity is being used at any given moment. A watt-hour is a description of the amount of energy that you use in total. Electricity companies charge by kilowatt hours (1000 watts/hr) because you use so much electricity that it would be ridiculous to charge you by watt-hour.


2. Alternative energy. This term refers to energy that is created without using fossil fuels. Any renewable energy resource (such as solar or wind power) is a form of alternative energy. These resources are less wasteful and are greener than fossil fuel energy.


3. Fossil fuels. In case you were confused by the last definition, make sure that you know that fossil fuels are carbon-based fuels and include natural gas, coil and oil


4. Carbon footprint. The amount of carbon dioxide that you emit. If you use coal and oil then you emit more carbon dioxide than you do if you use solar power and wind power. Understanding how to lower your carbon footprint will help you understand how to reduce electricity waste.


5. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). These are amazing light bulbs that save you a ton of electricity compared to traditional light bulbs. They waste less while in use and last a lot longer. If you want to save money on electricity in the home then get to know more about these.


6. Standby power. This refers to what happens when devices use electricity even though the device itself is turned off. Your television and your cell phone charger both use standby power. Learn to unplug things that use standby power and you’ll save a lot of money over time.


7. Radiant heating. This is a method of heating that heats direct elements and individuals through a wall or floor rather than heating up the air in the house. Radiant heating is a great way to save money on electricity waste especially during cooler months of the year.


8. Bed fan. This is a super-cool device that you attach to your bed to keep it cool at night. This allows you to stay cozy under the cover while still turning off the AC in the rest of the house. For people who love to sleep under the blankets this device can save a lot of money.


9. Surge protectors. These are devices that divert electricity whenever there is a surge in use. This helps protect computers and other electronics equipment from damage. Some companies try to tell you that you can cut back your electricity costs by using surge protectors; don’t believe them because it isn’t true. It’s great to use them to protect technology but it has nothing to do with saving you money or reducing electricity waste.


10. Energy Star. This term is used no products to signify that they have met a certain standard of energy efficiency. If you want an easy way to choose products that are energy-efficient then look for this label.