Archive for August, 2011

The world today is headed towards a major energy crisis. The ever-increasing population and high-energy consumption is not helping matters any. Fossil fuel and coal reserves are dwindling rapidly with no sustainable solution to replace them. Energy efficiency and conservation can stall the impending crisis for some more time but it cannot totally end our demand for energy. At this point of time, saving energy is a good idea as it helps the earth and saves you money. Reducing energy consumption is fairly easy and there are numerous ways in which it can be accomplished.

If you look at your daily routine, you can find many things that you can do to save energy.

For starters, you can switch off all the lights and fans, and everything else when they not in use.
We can use sleep features on computers and other equipment when they are not in use. This can be particularly useful in offices.
Take advantage of the daylight by using curtains that allow daylight to penetrate the room.
Keep the dust off lighting fixtures as they too contribute in increasing energy costs.
We can also save a lot of money in energy by using task lighting instead of lighting up the entire room.
Compact fluorescent bulbs can be used instead of incandescent bulbs as they are more energy-efficient than the latter.
If possible, the height of light fixtures can be lowered to increase usable light.

Refrigerator coils must be regularly cleaned to keep the compressor running efficiently.
The temperature of the fridge should be set at 36° to 39° F and freezer at 0° to 5° F.
The freezer should be regularly defrosted as frost build up increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running.
Aim to keep your fridge at least three-quarters full to maintain maximum efficiency. A full fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open, so it won’t have to work as hard to stay cool.
Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don’t really need it.
If possible, don’t place the fridge next to the oven or other hot appliances. Also, make sure there’s plenty of ventilation space behind and above it.
Liquids and foods to be stored in the refrigerator should be wrapped as uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
The refrigerator door shouldn’t be opened frequently and when opened shouldn’t be open longer than necessary as cold air will escape.
Also, hot food shouldn’t be put straight into the refrigerator, as it makes the fridge work harder and thus draws more energy.

To save energy, washing machines should be used when there are full loads only.
The quantity of water used should be optimal and timer facility should be used.
Whenever possible, cold water should be used to wash clothes.
If possible, natural drying can be used instead of electric dryers.

Get air conditioner maintenance each year. Make sure your service person checks the condenser coils, the evaporator coils, the blower wheel, the filter, the lubrication and the electrical contacts. Replace worn and dirty equipment for maximum efficiency.

The vents of unoccupied areas should be closed. The water in evaporative condensers should be treated regularly.

Replace air conditioner filters every month for maximum benefits. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing its energy use.

Install re-circulating systems like paddle fans to create air movement.

Keep central air conditioner usage to a minimum, or even turn the unit off, if you plan to go away.

Try increasing your air conditioner temperature. Even 2 degrees higher could mean significant savings, and you’ll probably not notice the difference.
Cracks should be fixed in forced-air heating ducts.
Insulate your home as it reduces the amount of heat that enters your home from outside. Less energy is consumed battling heat in a well insulated house as less energy is conducted in through the walls and ceilings.
In summer, set your thermostat at 78° or higher when the house is occupied and at 85° when vacant as for every degree you increase, the thermostat setting reduces the load on your cooling system.
In winter set your thermostat to 68 degrees F or lower during the day and 55 degrees when you leave the house for more than 4 hours or before you go to bed.
Clean or replace filters on a monthly basis as they increase the airflow and efficiency of air conditioners.
Weather-strip doors and windows. Caulk any holes or cracks in window frames, door frames, pipes and ducts.
You could also use microwave ovens as they use 70% less energy and cook food 75% faster.

These are some simple tips to save energy on a daily basis. Cut back unnecessary energy use. It is an easy way to keep your hard earned money in your pocket.

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