Energy efficiency is accomplishing more tasks by using same amount or lesser energy by a similar device from its traditional version.

You should pay great attention to the following in your homes, because from these systems, energy can be constantly wasted and thereby increasing your energy bill:

• Mechanical & electrical systems;
• Lighting;
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning;
• Building envelope etc.

Energy Saving Initiatives

The following are practical ways you can save energy in your facilities:

• Educate everyone on the benefits of the energy saving initiatives.
• Encourage the use of natural light than the artificial light. Use daylight more often, by arranging your desks near windows.
• Use artificial lights only in dark areas.
• When possible, use cold water instead of hot water.
• Do not leave water heaters on for too long.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps with light emitting diode (LED). LED use less energy and last longer.
• Paint interior walls with lighter colours because lighter colours reflect light better.
• Switch off all lights when no one is left in the room.
• Disconnect all unnecessary lights.
• Install timers or photocells on outside lights.
• Automation and regulation of energy consumption.
• Switch off all equipment and appliances when they are not in use and possibly plug them out. They consume energy when they are left on standby.
• Set your air conditioners to auto mode and leave at your comfort temperature. Always switch the air conditioners off when leaving the home.
• Set the right for temperature for the clothing materials when ironing. It is advisable to iron clothing in bulk as against in small quantities at a time.
• Set your refrigerator temperature to 4 degrees and freezer temperature to -15 degrees. Or as recommended by their manufacturers.
• Do not put hot food items into the refrigerator and freezer. Allow them to cool down first.
• Installation of low energy consumption devices.
• Equipment that are no longer working efficiently will consume more energy and should be replaced with energy efficient ones.
• Regular maintenance should be carried out on all equipment.
• Carry out energy audits to know where energy is being waste in your facility.

Reasons to save energy

The following are benefits of adopting energy saving initiatives:

• Save on energy bill.
• Reduce frequency of bulb replacement.
• Reduce energy consumption.
• Lower energy demand leading to fewer investments in new energy infrastructure.
• Environmental protection.
• Increase energy efficiency.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improves quality of lives.

Image by Colin Behrens from Pixabay