Reducing your electricity bill not only save you some extra bucks but also brings you one step closer to being an ideal resident of our dear planet. Lower energy bills mean less energy consumed, which means less harmful emissions are released into our ecosystem. Reducing consumption not necessarily means baking yourself in the scorching heat or taking bath in freezing water, there are many other easy and effective things you can do with little investment and little or no experience. Here are the 5 little ideas you can start with.
1. Reducing the phantom loads
This refers to the load (electricity) that an appliance or electronic device consumes when it is not actually turned on. A report says that phantom loads account for about 6 percent of all national residential electricity consumption. Phantom loads can be eliminated by unplugging appliances and electronics when they are not in use.
2. Energy efficient appliances
Buying a new appliance, make sure to look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label before making a purchase. These appliances use between 10 and 50 percent less energy and water than their conventional counterparts. Star labelled appliances may cost more than the appliances without the Energy Star designation, but they sure make up that additional cost through energy savings.
3. Changing your light bulbs
This is one of the least expensive and most effective changes you can make in your home. Fluorescent bulbs are things of the past. Now the CFL technology is replaced by LED. Longevity, efficiency and less consumption of energy are some of the many benefits of LED lights over other types of lights. Clear white light with less consumption and even lesser heat emission makes it ideal for home use. The LED light can be also used in ways that can complement your interior design and architecture.
4. Use Fans for Cooling
In the summer, instead of AC use stationary, ceiling and whole house fans to cool your home. This will reduce the need for air conditioning and thus the electricity consumption.
5. Proper insulation for air conditioning
Proper insulation will prevent cool air from escaping from your air-conditioned room. Any small cracks and gaps where the air is leaking into and out of your home should be sealed. Doing this you could potentially save 10 percent on the annual energy bill.
Effective and efficient use of electricity is not just about saving on bills but reducing the stress on the environment. India’s electricity sector consumes around 72% of the coal produced in the country. Coal consumption by utility power is 608 million tons in the year 2017-18. Each unit we save now contributes to a better environment and to a better tomorrow.
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