Let’s all admit it, we sometimes purchase items online or from local stores without truly knowing whether they are energy-efficient or not. We just go with what the salesperson says or what is labeled on the packaging.
Of course, this does not mean that some salespersons lie in order to sell because some genuinely give good recommendations and advice on what gadgets to avoid.
However, the true information lies with the customers and you can only know the performance of a product or a gadget by reading customer reviews.
Visit Britainreviews.co.uk and see all the customer feedback you need to know about online electronic appliances stores.
This article will attempt to give a physics guide of what energy efficiency mean and how to choose energy-efficient products.
Glossary of terms
- Renewable energy – Renewable energy is also known as an alternative energy source. They come from natural sources like the sun and wind rather than Petroleum.
- Energy audit – This simply refers to an assessment of your home’s energy use.
- Home energy rating – It is ranked on a scale of A to G. With a home energy rating of A standing for very efficient and G to represent inefficiency.
- Energy Performance Certificate – This is the certificate awarded to you after a Qualified and Accredited energy assessor visits your home and conducts an energy audit.
Importance of energy efficiency
- Lower the emission of greenhouse gases
- Reduce energy waste
- Lower home utility bills
- Environmental protection
How to calculate energy efficiency
The easiest way to know whether you are home is energy efficient or not is by assessing your electric bills.
If your electric bills has been escalating over the last few months or weeks then it means your home is consuming more energy than normal.
You can also call in experts who will conduct an energy audit and give you your home energy rating score.
The good thing about having an expert audit on your energy consumption is that they will give you recommendations on what steps you should take to enjoy your home is energy efficient.
Ways to ensure your home is energy efficient
· Using energy-saving light bulbs
The best way to make your home energy efficient is by replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-saving bulbs.
The three most popular types of energy-saving bulbs are; halogen incandescent, light-emitting diodes, and compact fluorescent lamps.
All these produce the same amount of light as traditional bulbs but in turn, it consumes less energy.
They are also available at a pocket-friendly price.
· Install energy efficiency smart power strips
Another simple yet very effective way to save energy in your home is by the installation of smart power strips.
They work by reducing the amount of power going to waste when on standby mode.
With some of these smart power strips, you can even control the use and monitor the power efficiency of the devices connected to the power strips.
· Use energy-efficient appliances
Ensure your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, clothes dryer, space heater, water heater, humidifier, Smart home appliances, and other small home appliances are energy efficient.
The only way to having energy-efficient appliances is to be mindful when buying them as it can be very costly to replace them.
The small appliances draining energy in your home can be replaced with new ones.
Air conditioning and heating are the leading in every home’s energy consumption. And you should therefore ensure that at all times you are air conditioning is energy efficient.
Instead of having your air conditioner running throughout the day, you may consider upgrading to Greener options like cross ventilation.
Installing sealed windows and doors will also reduce energy consumption by the air conditioner.
· Reducing consumption of electricity
To have an energy-efficient home being mindful of the amount of electricity you consume.
Besides having electric efficient appliances it is also important that you reduce their power consumption.
Unplug appliances when not in use. Do not leave the air conditioner running unless it is necessary.
· Switching to renewable energy where possible
Solar energy is the most common type of renewable energy used at home.
Anaerobic digestion is also a good example of renewable energy where heat and electricity are produced through the breakdown of anaerobic material like food waste or animal manure to produce energy.
This form of renewable energy is encouraged for farmhouses.
Other forms of renewable energy like wind turbines and nuclear energy are way too expensive and impossible to be used installed for individual consumption.