Energy-Saving Tips
As we all know, the buzzword today is ‘global warming’ and ‘energy depletion’. All this is the outcome of the increase in population and many related factors like increase in traffic, factories, forest degradation etc. India is currently facing an energy deficit of approximately 18000 million units. Therefore, it has become all the more important to save energy. Each unit of energy saved is equal to 1.25 units of energy consumed, considering the transmission losses.
If we look around, we can realise that it is not difficult to do our part in saving energy. It would cut our daily costs, as well as benefit the society at large. Some energy saving tips are listed out below
HOME APPLIANCES:
Electrical appliances like refrigerators, lights, TVs, computers etc account for more than 30% of the household energy consumption.
Turn off everything-lights, fans, TVs-when not in use. In case of TVs/any remote-controlled device and computers, it is wise to turn off from the plug point in order to ensure zero power consumption. Activate the ‘sleep’ feature, if available, on computers and laptops; this keeps the power down when not in use for a while.
It is better to employ rechargable batteries, especially the lithium ion or zinc ones, which are more energy efficient than the conventional disposable batteries. Use electronic regulators for fans rather than conventional regulators. If exhaust fan is available, it needs to be a greater height than the ceiling fan.
Always prefer energy-efficient fluorescent lighting or LED lighting rather than sodium incandescent bulbs or table lamps. Also, clean the bulbs frequently as dirty bulbs, absorb most of the light. Paint the walls of the room with lighter colours, preferably green, as these reflect most of the light. Also, allow the day light to penetrate the room. Make use of task lighting, where needed, which focuses the light on the area of work. You can use electronic dimmers to adjust the intensity of the lighting in the room depending on the usage.
Refrigerators: Do not open the refrigerator too often as this would cause the hot air form outside to rush in. Also, avoid putting hot foods into the refrigerator; this which causes the compressor to consume more energy for working. Cover all the foods which are kept into the refrigerator; uncovered ones release moisture, again causing the compressor to work hard. Ensure that you clean the condenser coils to prevent dust from accumulating on them. Defrost the freezer regularly(or buy one with a self defrosting feature) for preventing the accumulation of ice as this gives more work to the condenser.
Washing machines: Always load the washing machine to the brim for washing clothes. In case of less quantity of clothes, ensure to change the setting accordingly. Front loading machines, though costlier, prove to be energy efficient in the long run; hence, it is better to go for a front-loading washing machine, rather than a top loading one.
Geysers and Motors: These two gadgets are common in almost all the households. Always run the geyser only as needed in order to fill a bucketful of hot water, instead of taking a half-bucketful of boiling water and mixing it with cold water. If only one person, it is better to boil water on the gas stove, rather than switching on the geyser. Also, for less number of people, small geysers (on-demand/tankless hot water systems) prove to be highly effective when compared to the big ones which consume more energy. Lubricate motors and pumps at regular intervals for efficient running.
Air conditioners: Firstly, remember that double-glazed windows and shades can cut the sun’s heat from entering into your room, thus, minimising your need for home-cooling. Secondly, look out for other areas to get your room cool like fixing air-leaks or using blinds. If extra cooling is desired, table fans are preferable to air-conditioners as the former are economical, both in cost as well as energy consumption. If absolutely required, install air-conditioning equipment in the shade as a unit operating in the shade uses up to 15% less electricity than that operating in the sun and keep them low-say at about 58-59, with regular cleaning of the coils and filters.
Gas stoves and Ovens: Usage of flat-bottomed/deep-bottomed vessels- preferably with a copper bottom- rather than round bottomed ones, ensures that heat is spread uniformly, which in turn helps in energy saving. Wherever possible, use a pressure cooker for cooking food. When you cook pulses, soak them overnight in water before putting them into the cooker. It is still better to use a Microwave Oven as this results in faster cooking with the micro waves directly reaching the food.
VEHICLES
Always prefer cycling or using a public transport like a bus, when going through crowded areas. The reason is that your motor vehicle consumes more energy, in the form of petrol, while braking. Further, it is better to maintain a steady speed while driving and to use the recommended motor oil. A vehicle with a 4-stroke engine is more energy efficient and also gives more mileage. Also, keep the tyres properly inflated and replace clogged air/fuel filters to increase mileage. Clean the carburettor when needed to minimise energy waste.
If you are a regular user of cars, choose lighter ones and avoid engine idling (by putting in neutral at signals and other short-waiting places) to minimise fuel consumption.
Finally, use solar energy wherever possible, as this is the best form of renewable energy which is abundantly available in our country. Also, if possible, it is better to have a rainwater harvesting system in place in the home.
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