Making your apartment more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be a lot of work. But you have to start somewhere. So keep these five tips in mind as you look for ways to reduce your apartment’s energy consumption.
Ensure Your Appliances are Energy Efficient
When you’re looking to buy an appliance, take a look at its energy efficiency rating. You can find this information on the EnergyGuide label on every appliance package.
Use only as much heat and air conditioning as you need. Set your thermostat between 68 degrees and 70 degrees, and keep it there. This will help you save money because you won’t need to use much energy to reach comfortable room temperatures.
Turn off lights when you leave a room. Many people don’t realize how many light bulbs they leave on each day. By turning off lights when you leave a room, you’ll cut down on your electricity bill and save some carbon dioxide emissions as well. If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s lighting, you’ll need to factor in your energy usage as well. Luckily, there are plenty of electric providers you can look for and compare rates on the Power to Choose Houston website that can help you create an energy plan that matches your needs.
Anything that uses electricity or gas should be turned off when not in use: computers, televisions, radios and so on. Even items plugged into an “off” outlet can still be drawing power while they are plugged in.
Avoid using disposable dishes and utensils whenever possible, since they will have been manufactured using lots of fossil fuels during their production process and also once they have been thrown
Minimize the Use of Energy Guzzling Appliances
Invest in an Energy-efficient Refrigerator: Experts recommend that you use an energy-efficient refrigerator as they consume less electricity than conventional refrigerators. Since they have sensors and some models even have doors that automatically close, these refrigerators are typically more convenient to operate.
Use Energy Efficient Lights: If you have incandescent bulbs, replace them with compact fluorescent lamps or LEDs. These are more energy-efficient and cost-effective over the long run. The same goes for your light fixtures. If the bulbs are fluorescent or LED, consider replacing your fixtures as well
Opt for Energy Efficient Cooking Appliances: If you use gas or electric stoves or ovens, choose those that are highly efficient. Similarly, opt for microwaves with better wattage ratings. This help reduces electricity bills considerably since they consume lesser electricity than other models.
Install Energy Efficient Windows: This is a great way to reduce utility costs since windows account for about 20% of heating and cooling costs during winter and summer respectively. Even you can install a double-pane also for your apartments in Thrissur.
Power Down When Not in Use
Lights are the biggest culprit. Even when you think they’re off, many lights are still drawing power, so unplug appliances and electronics when you’re not using them. If you can’t unplug them, turn them off at the switch or flip the circuit breaker.
The same goes for your computer, TV and other electronics, including chargers and cell phones. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 30 per cent of all electricity consumed by households goes to devices that are turned on but not in use. To combat this energy waste, the department has offered a “Kill-A-Watt” meter for purchase ($25 on Amazon) that allows you to monitor exactly how much electricity your electronics use while they’re turned off. Use it before you unplug something to make sure it’s drawing power; if it is, check your power bars or plugs to see if anything else is also drawing power.
Try to take advantage of natural light by opening blinds and curtains during the day and turning on lights at dusk rather than during the day. At night, keep curtains closed to block out any outside light that would otherwise be entering your home through windows.
