Energy efficiency is consumption of less energy to achieve the same amount of useful output. It happens when you use less energy to do the same jobs; it reduces or eliminates your home’s energy waste and saves money. It is also known as efficient energy use. To effectively increase your energy efficiency it requires you becoming aware of how energy is used, where it’s wasted, and how it can be used more effectively and efficiently in everyday life. Efficient energy use has been a trend in all countries. The energy efficiency has become an integral part in of everyday life; that is why the products and appliances sold to consumers are becoming energy-efficient from year to year. You will notice that homeowners are starting to request energy ratings before deciding to purchase property.
The price of a holistic approach to energy efficiency may seem daunting, but keep in mind the potential savings and home value appreciation from such upgrades. You can save a lot on your annual utility expenditures through comprehensive home improvements.
Energy efficient tips for Homeowners
- Use of insulated glass for exterior windows gives excellent energy efficiency, helps you maintain the heating and cooling prices down.
- Uses of LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs are clear winners in terms of their environmental and financial benefits.
- Electricity used by electronics when they are in standby mode, are a major source of energy waste. Switch off appliances and electric consuming devices when not in use.
- Purchase smart electronic appliances that can automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during the times when you are asleep or away. Through this you can eliminate wasteful energy from heating and cooling, thus saving environment and pocket.
- Use of ENERGY RATED certified appliances can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Consider changing of older electric appliances as they are generally less energy efficient.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Your clothes washer and dishwasher are designed to run most efficiently with full loads. And more than that, if you run them only when full, you run them less often, which really cut energy use.
- Keep your appliances clean. Every appliance runs more efficiently when filters are clear of dust and air vents are free of gunk.
- There’s nothing quite like the smell of sheets, towels and clothes that have been dried out in the fresh air. Consider air-drying clothes on an old-fashioned clothes line or even hanging them inside the house.
- Make the most of natural light with bright decorating choices, strategically placed mirrors and putting workspaces near windows so that you don’t need to keep the lights on all day.
- Cut the energy used by your hot water heater by taking shorter, cooler showers. Consider that a typical shower uses 2.5 gallons of hot water a minute. Cutting your daily shower by four minutes will save 3,650 gallons a year.
- Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use. Many chargers draw power continuously, even when the device is not plugged into the charger.
- Raise or lower your room temperature slowly to keep your bills lower.
- Install low-flow showerheads. Shower heads that give good water pressure with fewer gallons per minute will cut water and energy consumption.
- Add aerators to your faucets for water and energy savings.
- Seal air leaks. Sealing air leaks around doors, windows and gaps can save between 5% and 30% of your energy use.
- Insulate and clean air ducts in your house meant for hot/cool air circulation regularly. In a typical house, you can save 25%-40% on the energy your HVAC systems.
- Clean/replace air filters in appliances. It is recommended to change the air filters every three months. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes the system work harder.
Some important points to remember
1. Energy efficiency doesn’t require you to change your habits: Energy conservation calls for a certain degree of sacrifice, such as using the clothes dryer less often or turning down the heat in the winter. Energy efficiency, on the other hand, maintains the same amount or quality of output while using less energy. Instead of using conventional tube lights use an LED light. It will give you brighter light with less energy consumption. Energy efficiency does not inconvenience you with inhibitive restrictions, and it requires no change in behaviour on your part to reduce your utility bills.
2. Energy efficient options are worth the investment: Another misconception is that energy efficient options are not worth buying because they are more expensive than their conventional alternatives. Indeed, efficient options, whether for appliances or home specifications, often come with a high price tag. However, energy efficiency should be considered an investment that accumulates savings over time, rather than a typical purchase that is evaluated based on up-front costs. Check your savings at the end of the year and you will be surprised.
3. Big energy savings require a significant investment: A common misconception about energy efficiency is that replacing a couple appliances will result in significant savings. For substantial utility savings, you should consider a holistic approach that strategically targets the most significant sources of energy waste in your home or business. Like installing an energy efficient air conditioner/s at home or offices. For example, electricity consumed by appliances that are turned off or in standby mode, known as the “phantom load”, can add hundreds to your annual utility bill. While your first instinct might be to replace appliance with a more energy-efficient version, consider first using a smart power strip. Smart power strips prevents plugged-in appliances from drawing power by turning off when it senses the appliances are not in use, and effectively eliminates their phantom load.
We need to save energy for our future generations. There will always be a high and unending demand for energy. In such a scenario efficient use of energy resources and their conservation assume tremendous significance and are essential for curtailment of wasteful consumption and sustainable development. Energy Efficiency Conserves Our Environment for Sustainable Development and is friendly for the economy too. Energy saving is a national cause and all of us will have to join hands and make all out efforts in making India an energy efficient economy and society so that not only we remain competitive within our own market but also are able to compete in the international market.
