Saving Energy Learning from California
The recent electricity problems that happened in
California made them rethink the manner in which energy is used and
saved. The effort conducted at conserving this resource made many people
to reevaluate their choices on energy consumption. The truth is there is
really not that much energy to waste. The examples made by Californians
about thoughtful ways where less should suffice. The following energy
saving suggestions were part of smart choices that was made.
1. Refrigerators that were manufactured 20 or 30 years ago gives off
1,100 lbs. of CO2 emissions per year. Keeping an old model refrigerator
increases your monthly energy bill by as much as $80. The newer models
are energy efficient.
Manufacturers print this on the fridge. But even the newer ones could
not save you as much energy as it should if it is positioned near heat
radiating appliances like the dishwasher or ovens and stoves. This is
why, to allow for saving energy, interior designers and architects make
it a point to have separate areas for cooling and heating appliances.
If you maintain the temperature of the refrigerator at the right level,
you can save as much as 25% on energy consumption than when the
temperature higher than what is required.
2. Air drying your dishes will save energy instead of putting them
inside the dishwasher.
3. Clothes dyers spend much energy that whenever possible, air or sun
drying should be done. Washing in cold water also saves energy by 75%.
This could also prevent the dryer from emitting 500 lbs. a year in
carbon gasses.
4. More than 50 degrees of heat is lost whenever you open the oven
during cooking, Study the cooking instructions and preheat the oven as
required. Open the oven only when needed.
5. While shades and curtains are good practices to regulate the
temperature and let the light in a room, adding e-films gets you far in
saving energy during heating and air-conditioning the space. Storm
windows are good energy saving devices so are high performance double
paned windows.
6. Extra work will be required from your heater or air-conditioner when
you have air leaks and drafts around your house. Sealing the home is one
of the cheapest ways to conserve energy. Limiting the use of ventilating
fans and closing the damper in the fireplace when not in use keep the
desired temperature inside the home.
7. In many parts of the country, ceiling fans are enough to cool home
that is well insulated. If using air-conditioners is a must, planting
shrubs and trees on the surrounding areas of the room to be cooled will
you give you as much as 10% savings on energy consumption.
8. Trellises, overhangs and especially trees help so much in cooling the
home during the summer months. It also serves as a good wind breaker
during winter.
9. Unplug appliances that are not in use. Keeping appliances plugged in
and keeping them on standby modes consume about 10% of the power it
requires when in operation.
Buy only stuffs that are really necessary. The seemingly innocent stuffs
that fills our home was manufactured using energy that translates to
greenhouse gas emissions from the sorting of raw materials to
manufacture and the freight it required to be delivered to the stores
and eventually to the end user.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters, portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop online at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube