Finding different ways to reduce energy consumption at home has great benefits for the environment and your budget.
As you already know, most of us rely on pricey energy generated by burning fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.
The energy industry is also one of the major causes of carbon emissions.
So if you can implement small changes to reduce our energy consumption, you can play a vital role in helping save Earth’s natural resources, minimize carbon emissions, and cut back on your monthly electric bill.
As a conscious consumer yourself, you’re probably already aware of some of the energy-saving tips we will share below.
Nevertheless, we are confident that you will learn a few more tricks to reduce your energy consumption at home effectively.
Let’s get started.
1. Switch to energy-efficient appliances
Old appliance models are not just energy-hungry, but some even cause harm to the environment.
For example, old refrigerators use a lot of electricity and are powered by CFC, which are known to harm the ozone layer.
We are not telling you to run to IKEA (or the appliance center near you) right now and get one of those energy-efficient appliances.
The idea is when it’s time to replace old appliances, find a model that will have less burden on your electricity usage.
And when shopping for energy-efficient appliances, one thing to look for is to check if they have an ENERGY STAR rating or certification.
ENERGY STAR is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that provides information on the energy consumption of appliances and promotes energy efficiency among consumers.
2. Use cold water during the laundry
According to ENERGY STAR, up to 90% of the electricity consumed when using hot water mode is used to simply heat the water!
So why not wash clothes using cold water?
This practice is one of the best ways to reduce electricity bill at home during your laundry day.
But we know what you’re thinking.
You’re worried that cold water might not kill germs in your laundry.
This is a valid reason, especially if you have a baby and you’re washing their garments and soiled cloth diapers.
No parent would jeopardize their family’s health, even if it means reducing your monthly electric bill.
But guess what?
A study by an American microbiologist and professor revealed that most germs in laundry are effectively removed even with cold water.
So unless the laundry was worn by someone who works in a high-risk field where contacting sick patients or animals is unavoidable, using cold water to wash their laundry should be fine.
Just make sure to use effective antibacterial laundry detergents.
And while we are on this topic, another great way to reduce energy consumption at home when doing laundry is to minimize your dryer usage.
Whenever you can, avoid machine drying your laundry, especially if you are not in a hurry and when the weather is sunny.
Instead, consider line-drying (or air drying) your laundry with a clothesline or by using hangers.
Besides reducing energy consumption, line drying will protect your clothes from wear and tear.
So, you get less expenses from electric bills and buying new clothes.
You can learn more money-saving laundry tips here.
3. Get an air fryer and reduce energy consumption while cooking
Air fryers are more energy-efficient compared to most convection ovens, but not in all scenarios.
Moreover, an air fryer can be used not just for “frying” but even to bake, grill, braise, and roast!
And there’s more!
We’ve done research and conclude that using an air fryer will allow you to reduce your energy consumption and cook healthier food.
You also don’t need to use a lot of cooking oil when using an air fryer, so less expenses on cooking oils as well.
Click here to discover 10 of the best air fryers to buy today.
You can also consider switching to an electric stove as they are more energy efficient than gas stoves.
4. Utilize renewable energy sources
Generating your own energy from a renewable source is one of the best ways to reduce energy consumption in your home.
And don’t worry because you don’t need to be an engineer or have a Ph.D. to be able to do so.
You can install solar panels in your home to generate free, clean energy from the sun, for starters.
While solar panels can be expensive, they are a long-term investment.
Some of the best solar panels can supply you with free solar energy for up to 25 years!
Alternatively, you can also install solar-powered devices in your home.
Thanks to the advancement of technology, you can find a solar-powered version of almost any electronic appliance you use in your home today.
And if you live in a less sunny area, you can consider getting a wind turbine.
5. Stop ironing clothes (unless you have to)
We all know that ironing consumes a lot of energy.
But did you know that frequent ironing also deteriorates the fabric of your clothes?
So unless you really have to, don’t iron your clothes.
Only iron those that you need to wear for work or school uniforms.
For the other clothing, you can hand them immediately after the washing so that the water in the fabric will work with gravity and pull most wrinkles out.
You can also stack clothes with each other and place the important ones at the bottom so the weight will press them straight.
6. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
According to Energy Saving Trust, lighting makes up 15% of the average U.K. household electricity consumption.
And according to the data from Energy.gov, lighting accounts for 15% of global electricity consumption and 5% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
Hence, switching to a more energy-efficient lighting will lower the energy consumption in your home and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Some of the most energy-efficient lighting options are:
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
The first energy-efficient bulbs on the market which only use around 70-80% less electricity than the equivalent traditional bulbs.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Residential LEDs (especially those rated by ENERGY STAR) use more than 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting; they also come in almost all types and fit pretty much any light fitting in the home.
Energy Saving Trust added that if you replace all the bulbs in your home with LED lights, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40kg a year (equivalent to the carbon dioxide emitted by driving your car around 140 miles).
Strip lights or linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs)
One of the most energy-efficient lighting options in offices or industrial settings.
With that being said, LED is the most energy-efficient lighting option currently available in the market during publication of this guide.
7. Use ceiling or stand fans more
Instead of relying too much on air conditioning, ceiling fans and stand fans can also cool down your home temperature.
But the great thing about using ceiling fans and stand fans is that they are more energy-efficient than an air conditioning unit.
According to 101 Appliance, average electric fans cost an average of 80% less compared to aircon units, and they only use about 5.4% of the energy most air conditioners use per hour.
Of course, we understand that switching to using an electric fan can be difficult, especially if you and your family have been using an aircon unit ever since.
But what you can do is make gradual changes in the appliance you use.
For example, you can start by using electric fans during the day and aircon at night.
You can also schedule certain days of the week when you only use the electric fan.
Another thing you can do is to use a timer and sleep mode on the A.C. overnight.
It’s up to you.
8. Practice smart water usage
We bet you already know that saving water is important.
But did you know that it takes a lot of energy to produce tap water and bring them to our homes?
As a reminder, here are some simple tips on how you can use water wisely to reduce energy consumption at home:
- Take shorter showers
- Don’t leave the water faucet running when not used
- Only use the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load
- Turn off the water when brushing teeth
- Don’t let the water run while washing dishes
- Water plants using leftover bathwater or laundry water
- Fix leaky faucets
Taking extra steps to conserve water and using it wisely is a great way to reduce energy consumption at home.
The more water you use, the more energy you consume.
9. Make use and be mindful of natural temperature and lighting
Is it daytime and sunny outside? Open the window and let the natural light in instead of turning on the electric lights.
Too hot at night? Again, open your window and let the cool breeze in. (just don’t forget to close them before going to sleep)
Is it barbeque weather? Cook outside and don’t use cooking appliances inside to reduce the heat in your home and save on your home cooling costs.
Is winter coming? Make sure windows are sealed properly so cold winter air can’t go inside, and add extra work to your heater.
10. Turn off and Unplug unused electronics
It is common sense, and most of us are diligent enough to turn off our appliances when we are not using them.
But still, we included this on the list as a reminder.
It’s the simplest thing sometimes that gets forgotten.
And believe it or not, many people worldwide are still leaving various appliances ON (like T.V., fan, light, chargers, aircon, computer, etc.) even when they are not using them.
And building on this topic, make sure to unplug the appliances after turning them off.
Because even if an electronic device is OFF, it will still consume a tiny amount of energy if they are left plugged into the power source.
If you live with children and teenagers, make sure to remind them of the importance of turning off and unplugging electronic devices when not used.
There are great benefits to finding ways to reduce your energy consumption.
Not only is it eco-friendly, but it is also budget-friendly.
We hope that you now have more simple ideas and creative ways save electricity and reduce energy consumption at home with this list.
And we would like to hear from you too!
If you know other practical and brilliant ways to be more energy-efficient at home, please share in the comments section below.
Kupata njia tofauti za kupunguza matumizi ya nishati nyumbani kuna faida kubwa kwa mazingira na bajeti yako. Kama unavyojua, wengi wetu hutegemea nishati ya bei ghali inayotokana na kuchoma mafuta ya visukuku na rasilimali nyingine zisizoweza kurejeshwa. Sekta ya nishati pia ni mojawapo ya visababishi vikubwa vya uzalishaji wa kaboni. Kwa hivyo ikiwa unaweza kutekeleza mabadiliko madogo ya kupunguza matumizi yetu ya nishati, unaweza kucheza jukumu muhimu katika kusaidia kuokoa rasilimali za asili za Dunia, kupunguza uzalishaji wa kaboni, na kupunguza bili yako ya umeme ya kila mwezi. Kama mtumiaji mwenye ufahamu mwenyewe, labda tayari unajua baadhi ya vidokezo vya kuokoa nishati ambavyo tutashiriki hapa chini. Hata hivyo, tuna uhakika kwamba utajifunza ujanja mwingine wa kupunguza matumizi yako ya nishati nyumbani. Hebu kuanza. 1. Uwe na mtazamo wa kweli Kuchukua vifaa vya umeme vya hali ya juu sio tu kwa sababu ya matumizi ya umeme, lakini pia kwa sababu ya mazingira. Kwa mfano, friji za zamani hutumia umeme mwingi na hutumiwa na CFC, ambazo zinajulikana kuharibu tabaka la ozoni. Ikiwa unajua kuwa IKEA ni moja ya makampuni ya vifaa vya nyumbani karibu na wewe, basi unaweza kuamua kununua moja ya vifaa vya umeme vya karibu. Wazo ni wakati ni wakati wa kubadilisha vifaa vya zamani, kupata mfano ambayo itakuwa na mzigo mdogo juu ya matumizi yako ya umeme. Wakati wa kununua vifaa vya umeme, ni muhimu kuangalia ikiwa vina cheti cha ENERGY STAR. Nishati ya Nishati ya Nishati ni mpango unaoendeshwa na Shirika la Ulinzi wa Mazingira la Marekani na Idara ya Nishati ya Marekani ambayo hutoa habari juu ya matumizi ya nishati ya vifaa na kukuza ufanisi wa nishati kati ya watumiaji. 2. Uwezekano wa kupata Kwa mfano, katika hali ya maji baridi, kulingana na ENERGY STAR, hadi 90% ya umeme hutumiwa wakati wa kutumia hali ya maji ya moto hutumiwa kupasha maji joto. Kwa hiyo kwa nini usisue nguo kwa kutumia maji baridi? Hii ni moja ya njia bora ya kupunguza bili ya umeme nyumbani wakati wa siku yako ya kuosha nguo. Lakini tunajua unachofikiri. Una wasiwasi kwamba maji baridi huenda yasikuue vijidudu katika nguo zako. Hii ni sababu halali, hasa ikiwa una mtoto na unasafisha nguo zao na vitambaa vya kitambaa vilivyotiwa uchafu. Hakuna mzazi ambaye angehatarisha afya ya familia yake, hata ikiwa hilo lingemaanisha kupunguza bili yako ya umeme ya kila mwezi. Lakini nadhani nini? Utafiti uliofanywa na mtaalamu mmoja wa maumbile na profesa wa Marekani ulifunua kwamba vijidudu vingi katika nguo huondolewa kwa ufanisi hata kwa kutumia maji baridi. Kwa hivyo, isipokuwa nguo hizo zilivaliwa na mtu anayefanya kazi katika uwanja wa hatari ambapo kuwasiliana na wagonjwa au wanyama ni lazima, kutumia maji baridi kuosha nguo zao inapaswa kuwa sawa. Hakikisha tu unatumia dawa zenye kuzuia bakteria. Kwa kuwa tunajua kwamba kuna njia nyingine ya kupunguza matumizi ya nishati ya nguo ni kupunguza matumizi ya dryer. Wakati wowote unavyoweza, epuka kuifuta nguo zako kwa mashine, hasa ikiwa huna haraka na wakati wa jua. Badala yake, fikiria kukausha nguo zako kwa kutumia kamba ya kufulia nguo au kwa kutumia vitambaa. Mbali na kupunguza matumizi ya nishati, kukausha kwa mstari kutalinda nguo zako zisivunjike. Kwa hiyo, unapata gharama chache kutoka kwa bili za umeme na kununua nguo mpya. Unaweza kujifunza vidokezo zaidi vya kuokoa pesa kwa ajili ya kufulia nguo hapa. 3. Uwe na mtazamo wa kweli Kupata fryer hewa na kupunguza matumizi ya nishati wakati wa kupika: fryer hewa ni zaidi ya nishati ufanisi ikilinganishwa na oveni convection, lakini si katika matukio yote. Isitoshe, kifaa cha kuchoma hewa hakiwezi kutumiwa tu kwa ajili ya <unk>kuchoma<unk> bali hata kwa ajili ya kuoka, kuchoma, kuchoma, na kuchoma! Na kuna mengi zaidi! Tumefanya utafiti na kuhitimisha kwamba kutumia fryer hewa itaruhusu kupunguza matumizi yako ya nishati na kupika chakula afya. Pia huna haja ya kutumia mafuta mengi ya kupikia wakati wa kutumia fryer hewa, hivyo gharama kidogo juu ya mafuta ya kupikia pia. Angalia hapa ili uone 10 ya mashine bora za kupikia hewa za kununua leo. Unaweza pia kufikiria kubadili jiko la umeme kwa kuwa ni lenye matumizi ya nishati ya chini kuliko jiko la gesi. 4. Uwe na uhakika Kutumia nishati mbadala: Kutengeneza nishati yako mwenyewe kutoka kwa chanzo cha mbadala ni moja ya njia bora za kupunguza matumizi ya nishati nyumbani kwako. Na usijali kwa sababu huna haja ya kuwa mhandisi au kuwa na Ph.D. kuwa na uwezo wa kufanya hivyo. Unaweza kuweka paneli za jua nyumbani kwako ili kupata nishati safi kutoka kwa jua. Ingawa paneli za jua zinaweza kuwa ghali, ni uwekezaji wa muda mrefu. Paneli za jua za hali ya juu zinaweza kukupa nishati ya jua bila malipo kwa miaka 25! Vinginevyo, unaweza pia kuweka vifaa vinavyoendeshwa na jua nyumbani mwako. Kwa sababu ya maendeleo ya teknolojia, unaweza kupata toleo la umeme wa jua la karibu kifaa chochote cha elektroniki unachotumia nyumbani leo. Ikiwa unaishi katika eneo lenye jua kidogo, unaweza kutumia turbine ya upepo. 5. Uwe na mtazamo mzuri. Kuacha kusugua nguo (isipokuwa ni lazima) Sisi sote tunajua kwamba kusugua hutumia nishati nyingi. Lakini je, unajua kwamba kusugua mara kwa mara pia huharibu kitambaa cha nguo zako? Kwa hiyo, isipokuwa kama ni lazima, usifanye hivyo. Futa tu zile unazohitaji kuvaa kazini au shuleni. Kwa nguo nyingine, unaweza kuzitoa mara tu baada ya kuosha ili maji katika kitambaa kazi na nguvu ya uvutano na kuvuta wrinkles zaidi nje. Pia, unaweza kuweka nguo moja juu ya nyingine na kuweka zile muhimu chini ili uzito uzishike moja kwa moja. 6. Uwe na uhakika Kwa mujibu wa Energy Saving Trust, taa ni 15% ya matumizi ya umeme ya wastani ya nyumba nchini Uingereza. Kulingana na Energy.gov, taa ni sehemu ya matumizi ya umeme duniani na asilimia 5 ya uzalishaji wa gesi ya chafu. Kwa hiyo, kubadili taa kwa njia inayotumia nishati kidogo itapunguza matumizi ya nishati nyumbani mwako na kupunguza uzalishaji wa kaboni dioksidi. Mwanga wa Compact Fluorescent (CFL) ni moja ya bulbs za kwanza za nishati ya umeme kwenye soko, ambazo hutumia karibu 70% ya umeme chini ya bulbs za jadi. LEDs za makazi (hasa zile zilizopimwa na ENERGY STAR) hutumia nishati kidogo zaidi ya 75% na hudumu mara 25 zaidi kuliko taa ya incandescent; pia huja katika aina zote na zinafaa karibu na vifaa vyote vya taa nyumbani. "Kama ungechukua taa za LED na kubadilisha taa zote za taa za taa za taa, unaweza kupunguza uzalishaji wa kaboni dioksidi kwa hadi 40kg kwa mwaka, sawa na kaboni dioksidi inayotokana na kuendesha gari kwa maili 140.""" Taa za mstari au taa za fluorescent za mstari (LFL) ni moja ya chaguzi za taa za ufanisi wa nishati katika ofisi au mazingira ya viwanda. Kwa hiyo, LED ni chaguo la taa la nishati ya ufanisi zaidi inayopatikana katika soko wakati wa kuchapishwa kwa mwongozo huu. 7. Uwe na mtazamo gani? Kwa sababu ya hali ya hewa, badala ya kutegemea sana hali ya hewa, mashabiki wa dari na mashabiki wa kusimama wanaweza pia kupoza joto la nyumba yako. Kwa upande mwingine, mashabiki wa dari na wa kusimama ni bora zaidi kuliko vifaa vya hali ya hewa. Kulingana na 101 Appliance, mashabiki wa umeme wa wastani wanagharimu wastani wa 80% chini ikilinganishwa na vitengo vya aircon, na hutumia tu karibu 5.4% ya nishati ambayo vifaa vingi vya hali ya hewa hutumia kwa saa. Ni muhimu kujua kwamba ni vigumu kutumia kifaa cha umeme, hasa ikiwa wewe na familia yako mmeanza kutumia kifaa cha umeme. Lakini unaweza kufanya mabadiliko ya hatua kwa hatua katika kifaa unachotumia. Kwa mfano, unaweza kuanza kwa kutumia vichocheo vya umeme mchana na kiyoyozi usiku. Unaweza pia kupanga siku fulani za juma ambapo utatumia tu kipepeo cha umeme. Kwa mfano, unaweza kutumia kipima-wakati na hali ya kulala kwenye AC usiku. Inategemea wewe. 8. Uwe na mtazamo gani? Kwa hivyo, kwa kutumia maji kwa busara, unaweza kuwa na uhakika kwamba unajua jinsi ya kuokoa maji. Lakini je, unajua kwamba inahitaji nishati nyingi kutengeneza maji ya bomba na kuyaleta nyumbani kwetu? Kwa mfano, kuna vidokezo vichache vya jinsi ya kutumia maji kwa busara ili kupunguza matumizi ya nishati nyumbani: - Chukua maji ya kuoga kwa muda mfupi - Usiwaache bomba la maji likiendesha wakati hautumiki - Tumia mashine ya kuosha vyombo au mashine ya kuosha nguo tu ikiwa na mzigo kamili - Zima maji wakati wa kuosha meno - Usiwaache maji ya maji wakati wa kuosha vyombo - Tumia mimea ya maji kwa kutumia maji ya kuoga au maji ya kuosha nguo - Fanya marekebisho ya bomba la maji. Kadiri unavyotumia maji mengi, ndivyo unavyotumia nishati nyingi. 9. (a) Kwa nini? Tumia na kuwa makini na joto la asili na taa Je, ni mchana na jua nje? Fungua dirisha na kuruhusu nuru ya asili iingie badala ya kuwasha taa za umeme. Je, ni moto sana usiku? Kwa mara nyingine tena,fungua dirisha lako na kuruhusu upepo baridi uingie. (tu usisahau kufunga yao kabla ya kwenda kulala) Je, ni barbeque hali ya hewa? Kupika nje na si kutumia vifaa vya kupikia ndani ya kupunguza joto katika nyumba yako na kuokoa juu ya gharama za baridi ya nyumba yako. Je, majira ya baridi kali yanakuja? Hakikisha madirisha ni imefungwa vizuri hivyo baridi hewa ya majira ya baridi kali haiwezi kwenda ndani, na kuongeza kazi ya ziada kwa heater yako. Kumi. Kufunga na kuondoa vifaa vya elektroniki visivyotumiwa ni jambo la kawaida, na wengi wetu ni bidii ya kutosha kuzima vifaa vyetu wakati hatuvitumii. Hata hivyo, tulitia ndani hii kwenye orodha kama kikumbusho. Ni jambo rahisi wakati mwingine kwamba anapata kusahau. Naamini au la, watu wengi duniani kote bado wanaacha vifaa mbalimbali (kama TV, fan, taa, chaja, aircon, kompyuta, nk) Hata wakati hawajatumia. Kuongeza kwenye hii, hakikisha unashughulikia vifaa vya umeme baada ya kuzima. Hata kama vifaa vya umeme vimefungwa, bado vinatumia nishati kidogo ikiwa vimeunganishwa na chanzo cha umeme. Ikiwa unaishi na watoto au matineja, hakikisha kuwawakumbusha umuhimu wa kuzima na kuondoa vifaa vya elektroniki wakati havitumiki. Kuna faida kubwa za kutafuta njia za kupunguza matumizi yako ya nishati. Si tu kwamba ni ya mazingira, lakini pia ni ya bajeti. Tunatarajia kuwa sasa una mawazo rahisi zaidi na njia za ubunifu za kuokoa umeme na kupunguza matumizi ya nishati nyumbani na orodha hii. Na tungependa kusikia kutoka kwako pia! Kama unajua njia nyingine za vitendo na brilliant kuwa zaidi nishati ufanisi nyumbani, tafadhali kushiriki katika sehemu ya maoni hapa chini.