Saving energy means more rupees in your pocket, but it is also a green initiative that we can all practice to save our valuable resources and be kinder to our environment. Your electricity bills need not be as high as they are. Do follow these simple guidelines for saving electricity. Cut down your bills and help the nation make better use of its resources.
An energy efficient home is something we should all strive for. Not only can small steps be taken to lighten the "footprints" we leave behind for future generations, but these same steps can really save a bunch of money on your power bills. Something as simple as changing a light bulb can make a dramatic difference in the energy efficiency and COST SAVINGS within your home!
You can save up to 20% - 30% of your bill money by following these simple steps.
I. LIGHTING:
1. Do not forget to SWITCH OFF lights and fans when not required.
2. Utilise the SUNLIGHT wherever and whenever available.
3. A house should be designed in such a way that maximum sunlight and ventilation are obtained.
4. Light coloured walls reflect more light and hence minimum lamps are enough.
5. As far as possible, use task lighting which focuses light where it is needed.
6. Make use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) in place of incandescent lamps.
7. 36 Watt slim tube lights give equivalent light output as that of 40 Watt tube lights.
8. Use electronic ballasts / electronic choke against conventional electromagnetic ballasts tube lights for they consume less power.
9. A so called zero watt bulb consumes 12 to 15 Watts / hour. CFL’s are available in 5,7,9,11 watts capacities and they give better light output.
10. Many automatic devices can help in saving energy used in lighting. Consider employing infrared sensors, motion sensors, automatic timers, dimmers and solar cells wherever applicable, to switch on/off lighting circuits.
11. Clean bulbs and tube lights periodically to avoid reduction in illumination.
II. FANS AND MOTORS:
1. Use light weight / energy efficient fans.
2. Use electronic regulators for fans for they consume less power and provides fine control.
3. Avoid rewinding of motors.
4. Clean fan blades periodically.
5. Lubricate bearing of motor periodically.
III. GRINDERS:
1. Use energy efficient motors for grinders.
2. Always use nylon belt in grinders.
3. Use grinder to its full capacity.
4. Clean and lubricate grinder parts periodically.
IV. WASHING MACHINE:
1. Use washing machine to its full capacity.
2. Avoid using dryer in washing machines whenever possible.
V. AIR-CONDITIONER:
1. Use correct capacity air-conditioner to suit the requirement.
2. Avoid frequent opening and closing of air-conditioned room.
3. Clean the AC filters periodically.
4. Air-conditioned room must be leak proof.
5. Set the thermostat of room air conditioner at 25° (77° C F) to provide the most comfort at the least cost.
6. Use energy efficient star labelled new air conditioner in place of older ones which need repair.
VI. IRONING:
1. Avoid ironing one or two clothes daily and adopt large scale ironing.
VII. REFRIGERATOR:
1. Keep refrigerator away from the wall to allow air to circulate around the refrigerator.
2. Avoid frequent closing and opening of refrigerator door.
3. Allow heated food stuff to cool down to normal temperature before refrigerating.
4. Make sure foods are covered before they are kept in the refrigerator.
5. Defrost regularly to keep freezers working their best.
6. Thermostat control in refrigerators should be adjusted
to optimum level depending upon climatic condition.
7. Use energy efficient star labelled refrigerators.
VIII. WATER PUMPS:
1. Use energy efficient water pumps.
2. Use correct size PVC piping system in water lines.
3. Arrest leakage of water in taps / joints.
4. Use capacitors for water pumps to improve power factor.
5. Use level controllers for tripping of water pumps while pumping of water to overhead tanks etc.,
IX. WATER HEATERS:
1. Use solar water heaters wherever possible.
2. Avoid water leakage in taps / joints.
3. Always insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss.
X. COMPUTERS:
1. Turn off your home office equipment when not in use. A computer that runs 24 hours a day, for instance, uses - more power than an energy-efficient refrigerator.
2. If your computer must be left on, turn off the monitor; this device alone uses more than half the system's energy.
3. Setting computers, monitors, and copiers to use sleep-mode when not in use helps cut energy costs by approximately 40%.
4. Screen savers save computer screens, not energy. Start-ups and shutdowns do not use any extra energy, nor are they hard on your computer components. In fact, shutting computers down when you are finished using them actually reduces system wear - and saves energy.
XI AGRICULTURAL
1. Substitute rusted G.I suction/delivery pipes by low friction rigid PVC pipes of correct diameter.
2. Replace substandard foot valve by ISI marked foot valve.
3. Replace substandard pump sets by energy efficient pump sets.
4. Use correct size pump sets and associated accessories.
5. Provide and maintain capacitors in good condition.
6. Avoid operation under low voltage conditions.
7. Install, repair pump set motors and wiring by competent electrical personnel.
8. Ensure adequate water availability when pump sets are operated.
9. Avoid rewinding of motors.
