Reducing your energy consumption at home is the best way to minimize environmental pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels. It helps to save a lot of money in the long run as well. There are various energy saving methods that can be followed easily at home. When they are implemented you can benefit greatly. Listed below is how to save energy.
Complexity level: Moderate
Resources required:
Energy efficient devices
Instructions:
1. Fix the drafts
In most of the homes there is heat loss through the drafts. At least 50% of heat is lost in this way. In order to check the area, place your palm against a window or door. You may feel cold air coming through and warm air escaping. By fixing the drafts you will be able to save on your heating bills. Use draft excluders around the interior and exterior of the doors. If there are any cracks on the window frames, fill them using a sealant.
2. Turn down thermostat
Turn the thermostat down by at least one degree. This can help you to reduce your energy usage by about 5%. There will not be much difference in the temperature inside the room. At the same time, do not use the heating device when you are not using the room.
3. Reduce hot water temperature
The hot water temperature need not be more than 60 degrees centigrade. If the temperature is more you will require more cold water to bring down the temperature. Do regular checkups for the device so that it works well without any problems.
4. Turn off lighting and appliances
When you are not using it is better to turn off the lighting and other appliances. When you are not in a room, switch off the lights and other heating and cooling devices. Do not leave the door of the refrigerator open for a long time. Defrost your refrigerator regularly so that it works efficiently. Avoid using the standby function of your DVD player, stereo and TV. If you need good lighting during the day, open the windows and curtains to let in natural lighting.
5. Wash economically
Use your washing machine only when you have full load. In case you need to use partial load, use the half load or the economy setting. Most of the washing machines available these days work efficiently even at 40 degrees. Choosing the temperature makes a lot of difference in the energy consumption. If you want to buy a washing machine try to buy the front load type because its uses less amounts of water and energy.
Frequently asked questions:
Which appliances use the most electricity?
A home may have various kinds of appliances. Of all, the refrigerator uses large amount of electricity. Other appliances that require more energy are clothes dryer, water heaters, ovens and dishwashers.
Is it true that computers and TVs use electricity even when they are turned off?
The computers, DVD players, TVs and microwaves do use electricity when the power is turned off. The electricity is used for powering the clock and remembering the settings that you program. When the television is turned off, it draws power to retain the last channel you saw and to switch on instantly.
Quick tips:
- Be attentive always. Whatever be your lifestyle, remember to switch off the lights and other appliances to save energy.
- If you have a dripping hot water tap, fix it immediately. Or else you will be wasting a lot of energy and hot water too.
Things to watch out for:
1. Instead of using the tumble dryers for drying your clothes, it is better to use the cloth line for drying your clothes.
2. Take a shower instead of bath. This can save more than 50% of the energy.
3. Always buy energy efficient devices for all your home needs from lighting bulbs to your washing machines.
