Saving power or energy is one thing people tend not to pay much attention to. But the truth remains that electricity consumption is a very significant factor around the globe. It is almost impossible to do anything in a whole day without electricity. Our day-to-day living is dependent on it.
We use a lot of electrical appliances to make our work easier and faster. These appliances and even our lightbulbs may seem insignificant but they add up to the high electricity bill we tend to pay from time to time. Although this bill is unavoidable, there is a way you can conserve energy and also save your money.
Also, you need to know that saving energy in the home means you are playing an important role in the reduction of energy generation. This, in turn, means you are reducing the pollution of the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Now you may ask, how can I save energy? Let’s look into further details on that.
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Tips on Saving Electricity/Energy at Home
Below are a few energy saving tips to help you at home:
1. Look Out for Appliances that Drain Energy
Our homes are constructed or patterned according to our specifications, and this also includes the number of rooms we have. As a result of this, we tend to have appliances in almost every part. These appliances serve different purposes but some drain more electrical power than others.
Therefore, these appliances should be disconnected from the power source when they are not in operation. While plugged in they still draw a bit of electrical power while waiting to be used. So, taking a tour of your home will keep things in check.
2. The Use of Circuit Protection Unit/Smart Power Strip
What is a smart power strip you may ask? This is an energy-saving device that solves the issue of saving energy for those electronics that are not been used but yet drain power. Although switching off and unplugging our appliances is a good way to save energy, there are times when doing that will slip our minds.
That’s why the smart power strip is the best alternative. You can easily configure it and set a timer to switch off any appliances that are not in operation automatically. This will keep your minds at ease anytime we leave the house in a rush or we forget. But ensure your configuration shuts off the inflow of electricity when no one is at home.
3. Try Another Washing Method
Most people prefer washing their clothes in warm water instead of cold water. The use of washing machines is so prevalent that some find it difficult to wash with their hands. Although warm water is good for our clothes, cold water washing is also as good as that. Ensure that you use warm water when it is needed.
This method will prevent you from frequently boiling water now and then you need to wash which in turn is consuming electrical power. Also, less use of the washing machine is a way to save power and reduce consumption. This appliance can be used once in a while to do bulk washing.
4. Naturally Dry Your Dishes and Clothes
At times it is not a bad idea if you dry your clothes in the sun or use your napkin to dry a few dishes. When you try to do these from time to time, you will realize that electricity is conserved and money is saved as well. This does not mean you are abandoning your appliances.
5. Installation of Energy Saving Bulbs
The type of light bulbs you use also determines the amount of energy that is been consumed. Some persons see bulb as insignificant appliance but unknown to them the type of light bulb they use affect power consumption. Now this brings us to the different types of bulbs we have and how they function differently. We have different types of bulbs and they are:
LED Bulbs
These bulbs use 80% less electricity compared to the others. They are long-lasting and energy-efficient bulbs that provide directional light. LED does not give off heat, it does not contain mercury and it emits very bright light. You can use them in your dining room, bedroom, flashlights, etc.
Incandescent Bulbs
These bulbs are commonly used and less expensive. It emits heat and is not as energy-saving as LED. It wastes about 90% of the energy it uses as heat and converts only 10% into electrical power. Therefore, it’s not the best option for anyone seeking to save energy.
Though this may be a disadvantage, its heat is very useful to keep the house warm during cold weather. This is beneficial for folks who live in cold regions and need all the help they can get to warm their homes. Yes, you’ll use up more energy, but you get to stay warm.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen is usually tiny but can produce very bright white light. This type of light is not commonly used in the home as they are not household-friendly. Although it is energy efficient, it easily gets hot and can explode when touched with wet or oily hands. These bulbs are used as floodlights, car headlamps, track lighting, etc.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
This lamp comes in different spiral types and produces many colors depending on the one you purchase. It lasts longer and contains a small amount of mercury. You would have to be very careful when handling it. Another thing is that it uses 25%- 30% of energy but also produces as much as other type of bulbs.
This can be used in table lamps, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. As much as lightning is important in the home, knowing the ones that suit every room matters. Knowing about your bulbs will stop you from making random and indecisive choices when it comes to lighting in your home. Also, the above information will help you know the best part of the home to use the different types of bulbs you buy.
6. Adjust the Usage of Light
There is a particular feeling we get whenever light is present in the home than when there is darkness. As much as we enjoy the use of light, it is also good to switch it off when not in use. The usage of bulbs that has high watt should be reduced as well. It is advisable to buy a smaller number of bulbs with high watts if necessary.
If there must be bulbs in every room or corner, then get bulbs with low watts as doing this will cost you less on electric bills. Make as much effort as possible to turn them off when not in use. Although they may have low watts, they’ll still add up to the energy used when left on.
7. Regulate the Temperature of Your Refrigerator
People tend not to pay attention to their refrigerator temperature. However, this should not be the case of you’re interested in saving energy. It is advisable that from time to time you monitor your fridge or freezer as the case may be. These little changes will reduce energy consumption.
When the fridge has worked up to the point that it is clogged with ice, it’s better to turn it off for a while. Turning it off doesn’t affect the condition of the items there, as the clogged-up ice still works to keep things chilled and vegetables fresh. This leads us to the next tip…
8. Monthly Freezer Defrosting and Unplugging
When your freezer is clogged with excess ice, it tends to use more energy to work more than necessary to keep the ice in its form and continuous flow of cool air. If your freezer needs defrosting and you ignore it, this means more energy usage and more energy cost. So, what do you do when your fridge is at this point? Simple, you defrost it.
Once you are ready to defrost, ensure that it is not connected to the power source. Next, empty the freezer and open the door so the ice can melt quickly. Once all the ice has melted, ensure that the water is drained out completely. You can also clean out any unwanted stains, if need be, to avoid smell.
Connect the refrigerator back to the power source and repack all the items you removed. Make sure to arrange those items properly. Doing this will allow the cooling air to flow easily and work without much power usage.
9. Pay Attention to Your Appliance’s Maintenance
Maintaining your appliances is not something to be taken lightly. Appliances can sometimes be affected by sudden disruption in power, when ignored it can lead to greater problems or total damage. Once this happens, you’ll have to purchase a new one. Why purchase a new one when the old one can be fixed?
When you notice that your appliance is making a strange sound or its functionality level has reduced, it’s high time a technician comes to check it. A faulty appliance in the home when unattended can affect other ones. It’s like a pack of falling dominoes.
Using a faulty appliance will mean more energy usage and increased electricity bills. Visit www.bestestrøm.no/hvordan-spare-strøm/ and find out other efficient ways to save power. Fixing it immediately will save you on both sides. Therefore, it is necessary to have a maintenance plan and a professional technician for your electronics.
Conclusion
The changes you make to conserve electricity may seem insignificant, but at the end of every monthly expense, you’ll find out that money has been saved. This article has outlined certain tips you can apply. We’re sure you’ll experience positive results in attaining your electricity conservation goals.
