Save Electricity at Home

You can save electricity at home, without sacrificing your comforts - all you need to do is be vigilant of the electricity usage practices of your family, and you can ensure reduced consumption with a few easy-to-do techniques.

Understand usage

First, understand the usage patterns of your home. Learn to read the electricity bill. There are two types of charges imposed - fixed charges and energy charges. Energy Charges are those that vary depending on the quantum of consumption. You can figure out the consumption of each appliance by multiplying its watt capacity by the number of usage hours. (1,000 watt hours = One unit of electricity)

One can save energy even without sacrificing comforts. There are only three important issues - taking care of ghost consumers; use of energy efficient electric appliances; and the appropriate sizing and positioning of appliances with scope for flexibility of usage.”

Ghost consumers

Identify the “ghost consumers” which consume power - not because they are in use, but because they are plugged in and are in stand-by mode.

All appliances including cell phone chargers, CD/DVD players and microwave ovens should be switched off from the mains after use, to prevent unnecessary drawing of power.

Usual measures - like switching off lights, fans and mosquito mats when not in use - are beneficiary. Remember, mosquito mats consume 5 watts per hour.

Efficient gadgets, smart use

Using electrical gadgets that are energy-efficient is very crucial. Using CFL bulbs instead of a regular bulbs or tubelights is one such measure.

Install LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps for night, area lighting. Maintain minimum light level with LED lamps to delay switching on the main lights

Install two 23 watt CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights) at opposite walls of the room, instead of a single 40 watt tube-light.

If possible, changeover to a smaller capacity fridge. A small family of up to 4 persons can easily manage with a fridge of 80 litres capacity

Alternatives

Using available alternatives to conventional electrical energy is a great step. Use a Solar Water Heater or Gas Geysers, instead of spending high quality electricity for hot water generation. Plan your work at the computer to keep it on for a minimum number of hours. You can also switch off the fridge in winter, or during cold nights.

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