Electricity has become an essential factor in our lives that we can’t live without. That is why saving electricity is quite important. Here’s how you save electricity from home!
CFL is a wonderful idea!
When you replace any standard incandescent bulb with an Energy Star rated Compact Florescent Lamp (CFL), you can save from Rs. 1000 or more on your electricity costs over the life of the bulb. You get more hours of illumination (compact fluorescents have a life expectancy of 8,000 hours, compared to 750 to 900 hours for standard bulbs) and three to four times more lighting efficiency. Start by replacing bulbs that are on for more than three hours per day. If you use Linear Florescent Lamps (LFLs / tube lights), use them with electronic ballasts.
Clean the bulbs!
Keep light bulbs and fixtures clear of dust and other particles. Clean bulbs give off more light than dirty ones.
Manage brightness!
Use brighter bulbs or task lighting in areas where you do close-up work such as reading, cooking or similar work. Use less-bright light in other areas.
Optimum use of natural light!
Be smart enough to get the optimum use of natural light, it’s so bright and it’s free. Arranging desks, reading chairs and work benches closer to windows so you wouldn’t have to switch on lights during day time. Use lighter colours for walls, ceilings and floors as they reflect more sunlight.
Halogen lamps & motion detectors!
Use halogen lamps for outdoor floodlights in place of standard reflector bulbs. A 50- or 90-watt halogen lamp can replace a standard reflector bulb that has twice the wattage. Use motion detectors as they save energy and money by turning on lights only when needed.
Unplug them all!
Don’t forget that computers, fax machines, TV’s, VCR’s, CD players, cable boxes, cassette decks also consume energy even if they are in their standby modes. Some will continue to consume energy even when turned off if they are plugged in. Consider unplugging them when you don’t use them or when you leave home or go on vacation.
Right load, water, temperature & detergent on the washing machine!
Don’t overload washers and dryers, but load them to capacity. Overloading can cut down on efficiency. Use the water level control on clothes washers. Use less water for smaller loads. Use the right water temperature for washers. Washing clothes with cold water usually does not affect cleaning results and may reduce shrinkage. Follow detergent instructions carefully. Using too much soap makes the washing machine motor work harder. Remember that delicate clothes don’t require as long a wash cycle as dirty work clothes. So wash them separately or hand-wash. Use the dryer if it is essential only, otherwise opt to dry clothes in the sun. If the dryer has an automatic cycle, use it. Over drying wastes energy and wears clothes out faster. Remember to clean the dryer’s lint filter after each load to help keep the machine running efficiently.
Iron all clothes at once!
Keep the surface upright when ironing.
Fans over Air-Con!
Consider using fans, which use much less energy as an alternative to an air conditioner. Pedestal fans and table fans are more energy efficient than ceiling fans. When using the air conditioner, use the fan setting whenever possible. Keep windows closed whenever the air conditioner is on. Use the air conditioner’s timer and set it to turn on no more than 30 minutes before you expect to use it. Set the temperature of the air conditioner to 26 degrees Celsius. The lower you set your temperature, the more it will cost.
Right care for the refrigerator!
Set the temperature of your refrigerator compartment at 3° to 4°C and the freezer at minus 15° to minus10°C. For older models, check temperatures with a thermometer. Make sure the fan vent is clean and keep the coils at the back of the refrigerator clear of dust. Dirty coils make the compressor work harder and use more electricity. Check and ensure that the refrigerator door gasket (the plastic strip surrounding the door) is airtight and in good condition. If needed, you may be able to repair or reattach it with glue. If not, the manufacturer or a local hardware store can supply you with a new one. Defrost whenever more than one-quarter inch of frost accumulates. Arrange items in the refrigerator compartment to allow air to circulate freely. Keep liquids capped so they don’t add to the humidity and make the compressor work harder. Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as you can. Organizing items makes it easier to find what you need quickly. On humid days, use the “power saver” switch, if you have one. When this switch is on, small heaters keep the outside of your refrigerator from “sweating.” On other days, turn the switch off. Defrosting frozen food in the refrigerator helps keep the refrigerator cold.
Efficiency matters!
Use efficient cooking sources. A pressure cooker cuts cooking time by about two-thirds, and a microwave uses less than half the energy of a conventional electric oven. When using the oven, cook many dishes together. If the dishes call for separate temperature settings, just set it in the middle. Adjust cooking times rather than using the oven twice.
Cook with lids on your pans!
For example, cooking certain food without a lid on the pot can use three times as much energy. Don’t open the door of the oven as you cook. Every time the door is opened, a lot of heat escapes.
Hand-wash & energy-saving wash cycles!
Remember that delicate clothes don’t require as long a wash cycle as dirty work clothes. Many dishwashers have energy-saving wash cycles that use less water and electricity. Using these cycles can save a lot. Clean the dryer’s lint filter after each load to help keep the machine running efficiently.
Smart use of the dishwasher!
Avoid running small loads in your dishwasher. A no-heat air dry feature also can save energy by as much as 15 to 50 percent. If you have an older dishwasher, turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse cycle is complete and open the door. This allows air drying.
