As cold, dark evenings settle in, more time indoors can mean more time gaming – and more energy use. A few changes and a closer look at electricity use could help trim energy costs.
Streaming video on a game console can use up to 10 times more power than watching on a laptop or tablet, according to Energy Star, which is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Game consoles can use power even when no one is playing, but a few settings can help cut energy use without interrupting the game, federal energy officials said. To begin, enable power-saving features, switch off accessories you don’t use, and choose more-efficient devices for streaming.
On Xbox One, selecting Energy-saving mode can disable features such as voice-activated startup and network access while the console is on standby, according to tips offered by Energy Star. The original information says this can reduce standby power use by 98%.
On PS4, gamers should check the settings for Rest Mode: Set the console to enter it after a period of inactivity, choose how long USB ports supply power, and have controllers shut off automatically after 10, 30 or 60 minutes, Energy Star said.
Gamers should disconnect the Xbox Kinect accessory if it’s rarely used; it can draw power while the console is on. Keeping system software up to date can also help; updates may improve power management, including reducing power to USB ports after controllers finish charging, according to Energy Star tips.
For better efficiency, connect a cable box directly to the TV rather than routing it through the Xbox. Otherwise, the console may use power even when there’s no game.
With roughly 19 million PS4 and Xbox One consoles installed in 2014 and 2015, if gamers had made these tweaks, more than 800 million kilowatt-hours – enough to avoid greenhouse gas emissions comparable to those of more than 120,000 cars – could have been saved, according to Energy Star.
Other tweaks in the home may also help lower energy costs, according to tips from Atlantic City Electric.
To begin, the company recommends setting the thermostat to 68°F or lower, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and opening curtains on sunny days to let in warmth (this only works if windows are energy efficient, not leaking heat to the outside).
When doing household chores, remember to run full loads of laundry and dishes, and wash clothes in cold water when possible, the company said. Unplugging electronics – or using a smart power strip – when they’re not in use also helps, according to ACE.
A Whole Home Energy Assessment can identify where energy is escaping and provide practical recommendations. The company says the strategies could help customers save up to 20% on energy costs each year. Customers can also find rebates on selected ENERGY STAR appliances and discounted smart thermostats through the Atlantic City Electric Marketplace.
Energy Bill Watch offers high-usage alerts, projected monthly bills, hourly usage information and weekly reports. Customers with eligible smart thermostats may also earn up to $100 through Energy Wise Rewards for enrolling and participating in programs that help reduce demand on the electric grid.
Customers having trouble paying their bill are encouraged to call Atlantic City Electric at 1-800-642-3780 as early as possible. Eligible customers may be able to get bill assistance, flexible payment arrangements or energy-efficiency support, including through programs such as LIHEAP and the Universal Service Fund.
The Assistance Finder can help identify programs a customer may qualify for. Single Stop offers a quick online check for possible help with expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, child care and utility bills.
