Save Home Energy
The temperature of earth is increasing day by day, so are your energy bills. Many of you must have heard people saying ‘switch off the TV’ or ‘turn off the lights’ and other similar sentences at home. Ever wonder why you are advised to save home energy every now and then?
The reason is that the consumption of energy has increased drastically over the past few years. Amazingly, alone inU.S.the energy consumption doubles after every 20 years.
People can easily access electricity whenever they need it. That is why they do not care from where it comes what if our future generations do not get a chance to see a well lit world. There is a cost for everything and this will be the consequence of wasting energy.
Yes! Not all the energy you pay for is consumed effectively. In fact a lot of energy is wasted when you repeatedly open and close the refrigerator door, leave your lights on when there is no need for them or switch your television off when you are not watching it.
Why Save Energy?
It was only in 2009 that the world energy consumption was decreased about 1.1% in 30 years. It was due to global economic turmoil. However since then, the consumption has increased again drastically.
According to the American Energy Information Administration, the global energy consumption is rising at a rate of 2% per annum. This is expected to increase further until measures are taken. Moreover, more than 80% of oil producing countries are also facing decline in their production. This is an alarming stage as oil is the major source to produce energy.
Benefits of Saving Energy
Save home energy not just to reduce your electricity bills but for your community too. If you make your home energy efficient, you can save a lot on your hefty bills and you can encourage others to do so also.
Some of the most important benefits you can have by saving home energy are:
Healthy Environment:
Most of the appliances used in homes produce carbon dioxide. It is the most significant cause of global climatic change. It means that if you save home energy, you are actually contributing to fight this change.
In addition to this, appliances such as refrigerators emit chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) carbon. This gas is responsible for depleting the ozone layer.
The ozone acts as a protective envelope around the earth. It prevents harmful rays from entering the atmosphere. However, now ultraviolet rays can easily enter the atmosphere due to this depletion and cause skin cancer to the exposed areas.
Savings:
If you save home energy, you can save a considerable amount of money. Only by increasing or decreasing the temperature of the thermostat by a couple of degrees in summer and winter respectively, you can save up to 10% of your energy bills.
Moreover, by turning off home appliances which are not in use such as computers, televisions and lights during day time can significantly cut your electricity bills while saving energy.
Convenience:
You can save home energy by installing energy efficient appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers. They are more resourceful and convenient. In addition to this, they perform better and reduce your maintenance cost.
Energy efficient refrigerators use the latest technology so, they are quieter. Thus they prevent noise pollution and of course your energy bills. Likewise, advanced dishwashers perform tremendous cleaning jobs. For your convenience, they do not require any pre-cleaning of dishes.
Lower Consumption of Fossil Fuels:
Though there are other sources of generating energy such as wind and water, the need of fossil fuels for the survival of human being is undeniable. They are diminishing exponentially with the increased energy consumption. The more you save home energy, the more you contribute towards saving these non-renewable resources for the future use.
Things You Can Do To Save Home Energy
Charity begins at home. Start your bit to save energy from your home. Follow these guidelines to make a big difference towards a brighter tomorrow.
Turn Off Lights When Not in Use
One of the best ways to save home energy is to allow natural light to enter your home. It is healthy, cost effective and less stressful.
Regulate Refrigerators
Refrigerators alone contribute about 20% of your electricity usage. You can use a thermostat to set its temperature at around 37 degrees while 3 degrees for your freezer. Make sure your refrigerator is off when not in use or at energy saving mode when using. It is an efficient way to save home energy.
Set Your Washing Machines Temperature Wisely
Set your washing machine on moderate temperature. Use warm or cold water settings instead of hot. Not only will it reduce your bills but you can also contribute actively towards preserving the environment by switching temperature.
An electricity heater can save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) in two loads per week, if used efficiently. Similarly a gas heater can prevent up to 150 pounds of CO2 emission annually.
Run Dishwasher When Full
Always run the dishwasher when it is full to save home energy. Allow dishes to air dry. Turn off the drying cycle manually. It will save 20% of your total dishwasher energy consumption.
Turn Down the Thermostat of Water Heater
Turn down the temperature of your heater. Each 10 degree reduction in the thermostat temperature can save 600 pounds of carbon dioxide per annum for an electric heater, while 440 pound for a gas heater.
Maintain Temperate Room Temperature
Do not overheat or overcool your rooms. By lowering your thermostat to just two degrees, you can save 6 % of carbon dioxide emission.
Maintenance of Air Filters
Try to clean air filters on a regular basis and replace the filter after some time. It can save 5 % of the energy used. Moreover, it saves 175 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
Conserving energy is not difficult. Only by using energy efficient appliances and insulating home and other electric appliances, you can save a lot on your energy bills. Ask every one at your home to save home energy whenever it is possible.
Teach kids about environmental issues which may arise due to over usage of energy. Besides, tell them what they can contribute to save energy for a brighter tomorrow.
