How to save electricity at home?

Updated on December 13, 2023

Payment of public utilities in these times can significantly affect the family budget. And the most part of this cost is account for electricity. So how do you reduce costs and save energy?

To make sure that everyone turns off the light after themselves, cook on a small fire – this is good, but it is not an exhaustive solution to the problem, since such measures do not bring tangible results. There are some simple tips, after doing that, you will significantly reduce the “load” on your wallet.

First, you need to know what technique is most “gluttonous” – these are devices with heating spirals and thermocouples: flow-through water heaters, boilers and storage tanks with heated water, electric floor heating.

Also, they include: electric kettle, electric stove, oven, electric fireplace, all kinds of heaters, hairdryer and iron. Effective “assist” in the winding of kilowatts of powerful engines that consume a lot of electricity. Leadership can boast: air conditioning compressor, punch and drill, refrigerator, dishwasher, as well as a washing machine that has both an electric motor and heating elements.

If you do not have time to install energy-saving lamps , consuming 4.5-5 times less electricity, then it’s time to purchase them. Values ??for them, of course, are higher than for conventional ones, but their service life is several times longer than incandescent lamps and they consume less current.

Remember: five energy-saving lamps of 20 watts consume the same amount of electricity as one traditional “weaving”, and each of them is capable of producing the same, and sometimes even brighter, light flux.

A modern man who does not imagine himself without the benefits of civilization can not do without a multitude of all kinds of gadgets, electric light, warm batteries and household appliances, creating for him a familiar “comfort zone”. The issues of saving energy and generally reducing the cost of maintaining your home are quite relevant for him. Therefore, it is useful to know about devices that help to save.

Televisions and multimedia devices. Less modern energy consumption is “flat” – plasma and LCD, this applies to monitors from computers. The 17-inch CRT monitor, which is switched on unnecessarily, can “wind” more than 190 kWh per year. Using the “economy mode”, which is equipped with all modern models, for a computer monitor allows you to save 130-135 kWh per year.

Computers. The last generation of computers equipped with power saving function. It should be activated (if it is not activated automatically). Thus, the amount of energy consumed by the computer will decrease by approximately 50%.

Some “hardware” of the computer, such as graphics or sound card, the processor, consume more energy than other components. Therefore, when you purchase a new element for a computer, you need to pay attention to its energy efficiency.

Vacuum cleaner. In order for the vacuum cleaner to work in the most energy-efficient mode, it is necessary to clean or replace the dust bag in a timely manner. Do not forget to also change or clean the air purification filters.

Mobile devices. It should be remembered: the “recharging” left in the socket consumes energy even after the smartphone is disconnected. When the charger is plugged in permanently, up to 95% of the energy is wasted.

Copiers, printers, multifunction devices. A continuously switched Xerox can consume more electricity per 1000 kWh during the year. A lot of electricity copying machines consume at the first power-up and when they do not work in the switched-on mode. To reduce power consumption, it is worthwhile to start devices only for copying a large number of materials and turn them off at the end of work.

Electric stove. Using cooking utensils, the dimensions of which do not correspond to the plate of an electric stove, 5-10% of energy is lost. To save electricity when using electric stoves, use a dish with a bottom of the correct shape, which is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the heating surface. When preparing the first dishes, cover the pan with a lid. Intensive evaporation of water increases the cooking time by 20-30%, and, accordingly, the same amount of electricity consumption increases. Using a pressure cooker will reduce cooking time, and dishes with thick walls will allow food to stay warm longer.

Washing machine. The main reasons for not efficient operation of washing machines are the excess of the maximum load norm, and also, the opposite action – incomplete loading. In the second case, the overexpenditure of electricity may amount to 10-15%. If the washing program is incorrect, the overrun of electricity is up to 30%. Ultrasonic washing in some cases can greatly facilitate the work, and these devices consume about 15 watts.

Air conditioning. In order for the power not to be wasted, the air conditioner should work with closed doors and windows. Otherwise, the split system will cool the street or neighboring rooms, and where there really is a need for cool air, there will be heat. In addition, when planning the purchase of such a device, remember that today there are modern models of inverter-type air conditioners, the power consumption of which can be lower by 50% than traditional systems with similar performance.

Fridge. The refrigerator should stand in a cool place, preferably away from sunlight. Also, do not place it near a stove or other device that emits heat. If the temperature in the place where the refrigerator is standing reaches 30 ° C, then the power consumption can increase by 100%.

It is also important not to put warm food in the refrigerator, you need to wait for their temperature to drop to room temperature. The freezer should be periodically defrosted. A thick layer of ice and frost degrades the cooling of frozen foods and increases energy costs.

===== Power consumption in standby mode =====

It’s no secret to anyone that a trickle of water from a broken or loosely closed faucet pours into the tens, sometimes hundreds of liters of water, with the resulting consequences in the form of receipts for payment with a huge number of zeros. And if we talk figuratively, then in each dwelling there are a lot of such loosely closed “cranes”, through which continuously “leaks” electricity, and with it, finance. It’s about household electrical appliances, which consume energy even in the “sleeping” mode or in the “waiting” mode. And if you take into account that in every household there are up to ten such devices, then in a year a thin trickle can turn into a fairly significant “outflow” of funds from your own pocket.

It is best illustrated by the senselessness of spending electricity “off” TV, which can be observed in almost every family. You might think that if the screen does not show anything, then the energy is not wasted. However, this is not the case. Certain electronic circuits and the power supply of the TV are under constant voltage, to provide interaction with the remote control. In this case, electricity is consumed in the form of heat emanating from the power supply. In winter, such a “heating” may be useful, but summer time too much heat can become your headache.

Below is a list of devices, leaving it turned on and you can not hope for any energy savings. The technique that “secretly” consumes electricity (meaning the amount per hour)

electric stove with electronic control – 3 watts;
Inkjet and laser printers – from 2 to 4 watts;
wireless phones (consumer-base) – 1 watts;
chargers of various types, primarily for mobile phones – 1 watts.

How to save electricity at home – this question can be found on the network of many answers, tips and recommendations. It is also important to remember that a reduction in electricity consumption has a positive impact not only on your wallet, but also causes changes on a more global scale, in particular:

 * Stimulating the development of new energy-saving technologies ;* Reduces the level of harmful emissions into the environment;* Improves comfort in the room;* The energy intensity of the country’s economy is decreasing;* Saving energy resources and preserving the environment for future generations.

10 Simple and Effective Ways to Save Energy

1. Use energy-saving lighting

The most elementary way to save light is to replace conventional incandescent lamps with energy-saving ones. Recently, in addition to the more common luminescent with reduced mercury content, new LED lights are appearing on the market. They have some advantages – higher mechanical strength due to the absence of a fragile glass bulb and tungsten filaments, durability and independence from frequent switchings. The only drawback of LED lamps – this is a high price, but over time they are significantly cheaper.

2. Exit the room, extinguish the light

Also one of the easiest methods to save electricity, which for some reason we neglect. If you do not have a very good memory, then write a note with a reminder and secure it in a prominent place at the exit. Over time, this will develop a stable habit for you.

3. Follow the instructions supplied with the household appliances and monitor its condition

For example, periodically clean the electric kettle of scale: solid layers of salt on the internal walls of the device create a large thermal resistance, which at times reduces the efficiency of the heating element and therefore increases its power consumption.

Also, if you place the refrigerator next to the heat source, the power consumption can increase several times, since the device will have to work in forced mode to maintain the set temperature. The freezer on the glazed balcony will do more good than in a warm kitchen, where one refrigerator is enough, which in turn needs to be defrosted in a timely manner and dusted off the heat exchanger on the back wall.

4. Make the house redecorating

“Simple” cosmetic repairs will also contribute to energy savings. Simple manipulations, such as gluing light wallpaper and painting ceilings in light colors will allow your room to reflect up to eighty percent of the sun’s rays. The darker the material, the less light it reflects, which means that more electricity is needed to illuminate rooms with a dark interior. In addition, make the most of natural light.

5. Clean the bulbs from dust

One of the effective options, how to save electricity in the apartment, includes a simple procedure for cleaning bulbs. Few people seriously take this recommendation, because it is much easier to change the faded light source to a more powerful one. And in vain – as one must bear in mind that dust can “absorb” up to 20% of the light from the lamp. In addition, do not forget about cleaning the chandeliers and lighting fixtures.

6. Use heat reflectors (thermal mirrors)

A sufficiently large amount of electricity is taken by heating appliances used in the cold season. To reduce the waste of heat and energy, for example, heat reflecting screens for batteries made of expanded polyethylene (ecologically clean polyethylene foam, dubbed with lavsan or polypropylene metallized film) will help. This will help to increase the temperature in the room by several degrees, and excess heat will not be given to the walls and through them to the street.

7. Use a two-zone counter to pay differentiated tariffs

In Ukraine, the tariff for electricity during the night hours (from 23.00 to 7.00) is half that of the day. Therefore, those who work at night or just prefer to sleep during the day by installing a two-tariff meter can not only save money on paying for electricity, but also reduce the likelihood of emergency de-energization. Unfortunately, the system of differentials is not popular, and many simply do not know about its existence. More information on the differentials and the transition to them can be found in this article .

8. Purchase household appliances with energy consumption of class “A” and higher

Energy efficiency is indicated by classes – from A to G. Class A has the lowest energy consumption, G is least effective. Most modern household products, light bulbs and even cars should have an EU energy efficiency label. A more economical technique is usually marked with a green label. Energy-saving devices consume much less energy than other equipment. And the difference can sometimes be up to fifty percent. In addition, today there is a technique of class A + and A ++. Accordingly, its energy-saving capabilities are even higher.

9. Insulate the apartment / house / room

Also one of the most effective methods. In addition to all of the above, you can save energy by taking simple measures to warm the room. First, heat the windows and fix all the cracks, and ideally – replace the obsolete double-glazed windows with better plastic ones, preferably with energy-saving glasses. It is known that up to 50% of the heat can be lost through the windows. Also, in winter it is better to hang warm dense night curtains on the windows, and also to insulate the entrance doors and balcony (loggia), it is worthwhile to think about the insulation of the floors in the room.

Insulate the facade of your house or apartment. This will also significantly reduce the “load” on the electric meter, as effectively increasing the thermal insulation capacity of the walls and eliminating the so-called “cold bridges” will allow not only spending less electricity for heating in winter, but also keeping cool in the summer. As a heat-insulating material, mineral wool or polystyrene can be used.

10. Use smart technologies and renewable energy sources

In the modern construction industry, there is the concept of “smart” house, which implies a system that provides, first of all, resource-saving and safety with the help of high-tech devices and automation. Of course, laying “smart” features for your home is recommended even at the design stage. However, some elements of smart technologies can already be equipped with living quarters. For example, you can remotely control heating, air conditioning and lighting with special applications on your smartphone.

The most common alternative sources of energy are the sun and wind. Therefore, for homeowners, solar and wind power plants are the most attractive. There are many examples where, for example, solar panels, helped private households save electricity and become energy-independent, but the final economic effect of their installation should be calculated in each case separately. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that anyone will dispute the fact that for the future RESE and their accessibility to ordinary Ukrainian users the issue of the next few years – this is clearly evidenced by the successful foreign experience.