Save Electricity at Home with Easy Tips
Electricity is something which we can’t live without in this present day modern world. But like anything else in this world even electricity doesn’t come for free. So if you are struggling with your monthly electricity bills and at the same time want to contribute towards the protection against climate change then stay tune as we together explore some of the most innovative ways to save electricity and for you to have a piece of mind.
Using less energy not only reduces your electricity bills, it also cuts down your carbon emissions, which is better for our planet and future generations. However, there are also all kinds of gadgets and energy-saving devices for homes that can help you reduce the amount of energy, heat or water you use – some more useful than others. So let’s explore about some of them:
LED Lighting
Lighting roughly accounts for 20% of your electricity bill. Energy saving light bulbs are some of the best energy saving devices around to save electricity. They use up to 80% less electricity than standard bulbs and last around ten times as long.
Now depending on how long you keep your lights on every day, an energy saving light bulb can save you around $6.66 per year. So by replacing all the old-style bulbs in your home and running the energy saving light bulb over their full lifetime, you could save around $655 and save the planet from three tonnes of CO2.
Just to put in perspective, if every UK home installed three energy-saving light bulbs, it would save enough energy to power all the UK's street lights.
Eco button
Eco buttons are modern age energy saving device for your computer. It’s a smart device which can be plugged into a USB port and can stop your computer using excess energy and therefore save electricity. It flashes to tell you to press it when the computer is not in use or when you are on a break and puts your computer into the most efficient energy saving mode. It’s so cool that it shows how much money and carbon emission you saved on your screen when you start your computer again. It will save you around $50 per year but it depends on usage habit.
Smart Power Strips
There is something knows as ‘Phantom Loads’ or the electricity used by the electronics devices which are on standby mode, such loads are actually a major source of energy waste. As a matter of fact it is estimated that 75% of the energy used to power the electronics at home is consumed when they are either switched off or on standby and can easily cost $200 per year.
To take care of such problems smart power strips also know as advanced power strips are used to eliminate the problem of phantom loads by switching off the power supply to the electronics when not in use. They can also be set to turn off at an assigned time during a period on inactivity or based on the status of the master device.
Smart Thermostat
This kind of thermostat are very useful when it comes to saving energy at home. They can be programmed to automatically turn off or reduce cooling when you are asleep or away. This is a smart way of saving energy since it can help to eliminate wasteful energy use from heating or cooling without the need to upgrade your HVAC system. Additional features like indication to change the air filters or any HVAC system problems can help you to increase the overall efficiency of your heating or cooling system.
It is estimated that by using a programmable thermostat you can save up to $180/year.
Rooftop Solar System
Have you ever considered installing solar panels on your rooftop? Many homeowners are wary to do so because of the upfront costs associated with it. But the good news is the upfront costs will be soon covered because of money that you save on the electricity bills with the installation of the solar panels.
Embracing a rooftop solar system marks a sustainable shift and opens doors to long-term savings. Harnessing the power of the sun through a home solar setup is akin to investing in your energy independence. As the popularity of residential solar power systems grows, more families realize the economic benefits of this eco-friendly solution. Opting for a photovoltaic system for your residence is akin to unlocking a steady stream of energy savings while contributing to a greener planet. So, consider the enduring advantages of integrating a rooftop solar system and take a significant stride towards a more energy-efficient and cost-effective home.
According to one estimate, power generated with the solar panels can reduce your electricity bill by almost 50%. For example, the average annual electricity use required for a U.S. household is 10,972 kilowatt-hours (kWh) multiply that by the national average electricity rate of $0.1284 per kWh equals to over $1,408 a year on electricity alone. Over the past decade, national electricity costs have increased at a rate of approximately 2.2% per year. Utility rate inflation is an added incentive for solar: when you generate your own energy with a rooftop PV system.
Therefore a 50% saving equals to $704/year and over the lifespan of the solar panels which is 20 years will save you $14080.
If you have any innovative idea for saving electricity so please do share with us in the comments below and we shall feature the best one with the world.
We look forward to your feedback and innovative ideas!
Happy Engineering!