Energy is an important part of everyday life in the modern world. We use it daily in the forms of electricity for lighting, heating and cooling, cooking, and in recreational activities. However, as energy use increases, so do household costs and environmental impacts such as pollution and climate change.
The good news is you can begin improving energy efficiency without great sacrifices. By changing a few daily routines, you can reduce your energy use, save money, and create a better environment for everyone. The following ideas showcase simple and practical ways to save energy at home.
Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
Natural light is a free and renewable source of light. By thinking about how to incorporate natural light into the space, the family may be able to decrease the use of electric light during the day. Some ways to increase natural light are keeping curtains and blinds open, placing a desk or sitting area near a window, and using light, semi-transparent curtains.
Switch to LED Lighting
Conventional incandescent bulbs use much more energy than other options. One of the most efficient things you can do as a homeowner is to switch to LED bulbs. Besides lasting longer and providing the same or better brightness, LED bulbs can also save money on lighting. Of course, one way to save even more energy is to turn off lights when you leave a room.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Many electronic devices still consume a small amount of electricity even when off. This phantom energy use happens with chargers, televisions, laptops, and many other items. Unplugging these devices when you’re done with them, or at least connecting them to a power strip that you can easily turn off, is an easy way to avoid wasting energy without any effort.
Using Home Appliances Properly
Once the big and small appliances account for a big portion of total household energy. A few simple adjustments can make you appliance use more efficient:
- Be sure to close the doors on your refrigerator tightly.
- Only run your washer and dishwasher with full loads.
- When possible, wash your clothes in cold water.
- Use your microwave instead of your oven, because it will use less electricty.
- If you buy, choose a new appliance with high energy efficiency rating to save money in the long run.
Managing your thermostat settings
Heating and cooling are the 2 highest-level energy practices in the household. You could possibly see good reduction of energy if you practice utility management:
- Set your air conditioning system at a moderate temperature settings.
Use fans when the outside conditions are mild and comfortable when not using AC - Leave doors and windows open when you’re heating the space with heating appliance or air conditioning, for example, a space heater.
- Wear warm clothing during the winter months, and don’t turn the thermostat up.
Doing all of these practices shows you are working on your comfort, while working on not using energy.
Utilizing Energy-Efficient Cooking Habits
The kitchen is another location where efficiency can be improved. Covering pots to trap heat, matching the size of pans and burners, and allowing food to defrost naturally, will help reduce energy wastes. And turning off the stove a few minutes prior to food completion will allow the heat of the pan to finish cooking.
Use Less Water to Reduce Energy Consumption
No matter how water is supplied and heated, energy is involved at every stage. When water is saved, households save energy indirectly. Easy improvements can include fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, using buckets to clean, and squirrel the tap while cleaning (washing vegetables vs running the tap to clean them). Additionally, consider only using water efficient taps and showerheads.
Encourage More Family Participation.
The effectiveness of sustainable energy-saving habits is enhanced through everyone adopting them. Families can include children by teaching them to turn lights and fans off. They can also be all responsible to a common goal, reduced energy use, to help support these behaviours. Doing it as a family gives broader awareness and lends to community to come along with these behaviours.
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