The category that has the greatest energy use in our home is on heating.
With upgrades, the category where we can realize the greatest savings is on lighting.
The total potential energy savings that could be realized if we would implement the suggested energy saving measures is $197.
If all the household energy use categories will be upgraded based on the suggested measures to be able to save energy, we could cost $1262 against the current cost of $ 1459.
To be able to save energy in our home, we make the necessary changes. In terms of lightning, all the incandescent bulbs must be changed to energy efficient bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs must be used instead of the incandescent bulbs that are currently installed. In addition to the changing of the bulbs, windows must be open during day time to so the light bulbs can be turned off. The whole household must also make a habit of turning off or unplugging all appliances when they are not in use to conserve energy. The refrigerator and water heater’s thermostat must be turn-down since one appliance that is connected to heating is one of the biggest consumers of energy. Ironing and washing of clothes must be scheduled once a week instead of ironing clothes just before using them.
After the small energy saving measures has been done, we could start changing the electrical appliances to their respective energy saving versions like changing the refrigerator, air conditioner and washing machines to ENERGY STAR® which have been tested to help in reducing energy consumption. After the appliances have been changed, the insulating the walls and ceiling would be the next thing to be applied. Insulation will save about 20% to 30% of the total household energy use.
If this plan could be implemented, a lot of energy saving would be realized in our home which aside from lowering our electric bills will also help reduce our carbon dioxide emissions.
References:
Home Energy Saver (2012). Retrieved from http://hes.lbl.gov/consumer/
