|
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Gas & Electricity - Power Consumption and Cost of Common Domestic Appliances
Some household appliances, such as stoves, kettles, washing machines and heaters have a high power consumption but are used infrequently, while others are used frequently but draw less power, such as PCs, TVs, video machines and sound systems.
An average 1990s fridge will draw about 0.88kWh in 24hrs, while a fridge/freezer that's less than 10 years old will use approximately 0.80kWh in 24hrs. A small chest freezer built in the 1970s, however, will use a whopping 2.58kWh in 24hrs. A kettle will use 1900W while boiling water, but averages out to about 0.75kWh in 24hrs. A rice cooker will draw 495W while cooking, but only about 0.43kWh in 24hrs. The total for a fridge/freezer, a kettle and a rice cooker is therefore only 1.98 kWh in 24hrs.
Computers and TVs add up over time. A wireless ADSL router will use 0.29kWh, and an average PC will draw 2.42kWh in 24hrs even if it's mostly idle. Add to that your TV, at 0.42kWh in 24hrs, and you've got 3.13 kWh in 24hrs. Therefore, on average, your TV and computer equipment will cost you more than your cooking or refrigeration appliances, purely due to their constantly being in use or on standby.
Lights
It is an expense, but one that will pay dividends. Change your existing light bulbs to low voltage ones. They last longer and use only a very small percentage of electricity compared to a normal light bulb.
Many people leave room lights on even when no one is there. This is a substantial waste of electricity and should not occur in your house anymore. Also, many people often leave outside security & garden lights on even in the daytime. If you have outside lights on a timer, make sure you change them as the nights become lighter.
Aging Appliances
Replacing older, energy-depleting appliances with eco-friendly, efficient appliances is a great way to save energy and reduce your electric bill.
If you are using an ageing fridge, you would be amazed at the difference in running costs between that and a newer eco-friendly model. Of course there is an initial purchase to consider but if your appliances are getting on, they will break down some day and, by changing, you start saving sooner rather than later.
Keeping cool whilst reducing your electricity usage
Energy saving air conditioning
The Number One way to lower your electricity bill is to reduce home cooling costs. Air conditioning zaps electricity, plain and simple! 20% of the average homeowner's electricity bill is for air conditioning during the summer months.
If you let your property and bills are included, the tenant often leaves the A/C on full and goes to the beach. There are many systems on the market to combat this, the best, in our opinion is www.air-conomy.com
Fans
In summer, it's normal to run the air-conditioning units or fans. That's pretty much okay, but what about when the fan is on and no one is there? For an A/C I can understand that when you come back home in an hour, you want the house cool. But what benefit do you get having a fan on and no one there?
Television
Many people tend to leave their TVs on even when they're not there. Short trips to the bathroom or kitchen, or even attending a doorbell ring are a few times when TVs are on unnecessarily. If you have a bigger sized screen, you're actually consuming a lot of electrical energy and thus you end up with a heavier electricity bill. Research has shown that 30% of electricity consumed in the home, is by television sets. Try not to leave the TV on when the couch is empty.
Huge Screens
When your current TV breaks down and you see an opportunity to upgrade to a flat screen, try not to go overboard with a massive screen. If you want a 42" screen, why not settle for a 37"? It all adds up.
PC monitors
Every night before sleeping, many people shut down their computers to save some electricity and to keep the system in better condition. If you do not want to do this, at least turn off the screen, they are actually one of the biggest electricity-consuming products.
Click Here To Switch NOW!
|
