How can I improve the energy efficiency of my home and save money?   

We often see stories on TV and print media about climate change and the disasters that global warming has been causing us and to our planet. Whether we admit it or not, we are collectively liable for the carbon emissions brought about by our use of energy.

Aside from vehicles and businesses which are two of the major contributors to these problems, our homes contribute about 40% to the total carbon footprint. So searching for ways to lessen the amount of energy we consume and making sure that we use it efficiently is of prime importance in our goal to reduce carbon emissions.

Also every time we receive our energy bill, it seems to be getting higher. It is about time for us to do our part to help save our environment and save a considerable amount of money along the way.

The most effective means to improve the energy efficiency of our homes is through installing insulation, and the use of energy efficient lightings and appliances.

Home Insulation

Home insulation lessens the amount of heat that gets away from a home during winter and guards the interior of a home from getting hotter during summer.

Fine threads of wool originated from liquefied fiberglass or mineral is the usual type of insulation used in homes. A fastening agent is also used to keep the threads collectively. It can then be fashioned into different shapes such as rolls that will fit between joists, beams, and studs. It can also be used on unfinished walls, floors and ceilings. You can actually do this task yourself.

Insulate the hot water pipes and tanks. By doing this, only a small amount of heat will be able to escape and the water tanks will maintain the water hotter for extended period of time.

Appliances and Lightings

Appliances of today are designed to be energy efficient. Modern appliances such as television sets, refrigerators, ovens, washer and dryers utilize smaller amount of energy than their older counterparts. By shifting to these latest models, you can save 40% of energy from the total you previously used with old appliances.

Using compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent bulbs can lessen the amount of energy needed to achieve the same level of light. Compact fluorescent lights often last an average of six to ten times longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs and they use 66% less energy.

More energy efficient ways

• Switch off lights when not in use – open your windows to let the sunlight in during daytime.
• Unplug appliances that has “standby mode” when not in use – they still use small amount of electricity and this could add up to around 55kg of carbon dioxide per year. You could save about 9% from your annual electric bill if you unplug these appliances.
• Do not use hotter programs on washing machines – when washing clothes, try to use cooler programs because it uses less energy. Wash with full loads also to maximize the energy used for each cycle.
• Hang your washed clothes outside – do not use tumble dryers because they use enormous amount of energy. So make the most of a sunny day and hang your clothes outside for drying.
• Don’t take a bath, have a shower – heating water needs great amount of energy. Since a shower consumes only 20% of hot water needed for a bath, it’s an effective way to cut on energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

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