I have a “low baseline” in OhmConnect terms, meaning my home doesn’t use much energy. Here’s how I still earn big rewards.
We started off by making sure we are not running our washer dryer or dishwasher during #OhmHours and charging and unplugging devices with batteries, like laptops and phone.
Next we started using smartplugs for our appliances that draw energy in standby mode and our device charging station to automate savings when #OhmHours happen when we are away from home. By setting these on schedules for when we are asleep or on vacation we have also lowered our already low energy bill.
I keep a small set of devices charged in a kitchen drawer so we're always ready after dark: my camping headlamps, a usb backup battery for my phone, wireless headphones and speaker for entertainment.
If we can be home near the start of #OhmHours we sometimes shut the circuit breaker off. That helps us maintain our platinum status and streak when we have a particularly low baseline.
Since we usually know about #OhmHours a day in advance we sometimes plan to be away from home during that time, eat dinner later, do candle light yoga or read during that time.
I once had an #OhmHour scheduled for when I was hosting book club. I didn’t want to loose my streak or status, so I made sure I had enough ice for beverages the night before, prepped and laid out food and drinks right before it started, lit a few candles throughout the living room, kitchen, hall, and bathroom, opened all the windows, and shut off the circuit breaker.
It made for a fun topic of conversation and I made $80 on referrals that night!
During our first big summer #OhmHour we unplugged everything besides the fridge, prepared a picnic and headed out to the park. Unfortunately by refilling our ice cube trays and letting warm air into the fridge and freezer right before the #OhmHour they ended up having to work harder during the #OhmHour, resulting in us exceeding our baseline use and killing our hard earned streak.
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