Keeping up with the times has its many advantages. Consider CFL bulbs that most people have been using recently. Compared to the traditional incandescent bulbs that everybody grew up with, CFL bulbs consume 75% less energy. An ordinary bulb creates 90% of heat rather than light! Fluorescent tube lights too are preferable to the ordinary bulb, consuming 70% less electricity. Since lighting is common to every home, task lighting and spot lighting would save on costs dramatically. For light on the study table, the entire room need not be flooded with light. Lighting devices should be dusted regularly. Dirty bulbs and tube lights waste a lot of energy. Dark walls and lamp shades would also waste energy, invest in lighter walls and shades. Timers and dimmers work automatically too and help Energy Saving.
Cooling the room in the summer heat
Many people simply manage the summer heat with fans that are the most cost effective in Energy Saving. Yet, if air conditioners are felt absolutely necessary, observe a few do's and don'ts to reduce energy consumption. Plants along the walls and windows of the building will reduce energy consumed drastically. The sun's heat will not impact so much. Research reveals that 25 degrees centigrade for the air conditioner is most effective in terms of costs. Using a timer, switch off the air conditioner after thirty minutes. Keep the doors closed to avoid heat entering and cool air escaping. Clean the air conditioner filter often.
Manage computers, refrigerators cleverly to save energy
It is very common to see computers switched on the whole day, especially during office hours. The computer is consuming a lot of energy that could have been saved. Switching off the monitor would save half that energy. Using the sleep mode option when not in use also reduces energy consumption considerably. Battery chargers should not be left plugged into sockets as they drain energy all the time. Screen savers require more energy while startups and shutdowns do not. Switching off computers after the task is done would be good for both the computer and the energy bill.
The refrigerator should be protected from any source of heat which is obvious. Allow enough space around the fridge for the heat from motors and compressors to escape. Minimize keeping the door open as it would result in loss of cooling. Do not pack the fridge excessively, since air must circulate within. Whatever is placed inside must be cool enough, not even warm, that will result in more energy being used. Check the door seals and clean coils regularly. Defrost the freezer in the manual fridge. Energy Saving is an environmental duty!
