Energy Saving Tips
Energy Saving Tips
The importance of saving mother earth and all its resources cannot be stressed enough. One of mother earth resources that is slowly being depleted is energy. Although there are alternative sources of energy that is being developed such as wind and solar energy, the fact is the greatest source of energy is still fossil fuel. It takes million of years to create and form fossil fuel. At the moment supply or reserves are being used up much faster than it is being formed. Coal, petroleum and natural gas, are fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are non-renewable resources and its production, use and eventual depletion have raised environmental concerns. It is the responsibility of everybody to help conserve energy and save mother earth. There are a lot of ways to help in the energy conservation efforts and these we can all do.
Here are some household tips to help save energy:
Lighting and other household appliances
• Make sure to turn off the lights when they are not in use
• During the daytime open the windows and take advantage of the day light
• Use low energy light bulbs
• Don’t leave appliances such as computers, video and television when not in use
• Unplug charging devices when not in use
• Only switch on the dishwasher when it is full
• Set the washing machine at 40⁰ rather than 60⁰
• Limit the opening and closing of the refrigerator doors
• Position the refrigerator at least several inches away from the wall to allow the motor to breathe and not be overworked. Also, keep it away from heating appliances such as a stove or oven.
• Don’t put hot food in the refrigerator, allow it to cool first.
• If the suction of a refrigerator’s door is weak or damaged, fix or replace it.
• Thaw frozen food inside the refrigerator, rather than using a microwave or thawing it in water. Thawing food helps in the cooling.
• Replace old refrigerators, those that are 10 years older or more. New models have energy saving features and motors that are energy efficient
Heating and cooling the house
• During summer or when the weather is sunny and hot, close the curtains and blinds to keep the house to lessen the need for air conditioning and fans
• In winter or during the colder seasons, keep the doors closed, use weather strips to prevent drafts and don’t leave doors open longer than it will take to get out or in
• If the windows of your home have no double glazing, heat will escape through the windows. Close the curtains at night to keep the heat from escaping
• Lower the temperature of the thermostat an hour before leaving the house of before sleeping
• Set the thermostat one degree lower during the day
• Some areas in the hose such as the staircase, storage spaces, empty rooms and the entry hall do not require heating or at least a lower temperature
• Use alternative source of heat such as a fireplace every once in a while
• Lower the thermostat and wear warm clothing inside the house
• Don’t leave large objects in front of the radiator
