Today, it is rare for a person to imagine their life without a refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, TV, computer, hair dryer, electric stove, mixer and other devices. All objects surround us in everyday life and make our lives easier in many ways.
However, the fact that electricity tariffs are constantly rising should not be ruled out. Along with them, the chart of expenses in the family budget for the payment of electricity is growing. What to do? The answer to this question is one, and it lies on the surface - start saving.
Electricity used over the established standard is paid at higher tariffs. At the same time, the standard does not depend on the number of people living in the apartment or its area.
Energy saving techniques
The power consumption of household appliances depends on their operating hours and specifications, which are usually indicated in the instructions or on the manufacturer's website. Many modern devices have special modes of operation "Eco" or "Economy", which consume the least energy. Therefore, when handling devices, it is worth setting cost-effective ways to operate them. Experts also advise buying electrical appliances only in high energy efficiency classes (A, A + and higher).
We saved on apartment lighting
The cheapest and most common for lighting an apartment today are incandescent bulbs. They are easy to handle, but have very low efficiency. Up to 95% of energy is spent on heating and only 5% on lighting. Another disadvantage of these lamps is that they often burn out.
The lifespan of halogen bulbs is two or even four times longer than incandescent bulbs. But they do not save energy and have one big drawback: the bulb, even when the light is off and cold, you can not touch with your hands. Fingerprints cause it to burn.
Fluorescent bulbs are more efficient. This 20 W lamp provides the same illumination as a 100 W incandescent bulb. The lifespan of fluorescent bulbs can reach 20, 000 hours, while incandescent bulbs last a maximum of 1, 000 hours. However, fluorescent lamps contain mercury. Phosphorus decomposes over time. This reduces light output and obstructs the passage of light.
LED bulbs are among the most environmentally friendly and versatile. They are superior to incandescent and fluorescent lamps in terms of energy efficiency, durability, safety and lighting. The lifespan of LED lamps ranges from 50 to 100 thousand hours. Their significant disadvantage is their high price.
We save on refrigerators and kitchen appliances
Refrigerators should be installed in the darkest and coldest places in the kitchen. This saves energy to cool their back cover.
Avoid placing the refrigerator near a window, radiator or stove. If it is a two-compressor and one chamber is not used, it is better to turn it off.
If the kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, then it is desirable to heat the water on the stove, not in an electric stove. This will help you save energy consumption.
If you use an electric kettle, fill it with as much water as you use at the same time. Your loved ones will reheat the water and you will have extra energy consumption.
When using an electric stove, turn off the hob 1-2 minutes before the end of cooking. Choose pots that match the size of the stove, otherwise you will lose up to 5-10% of your energy. Dishes with a curved bottom take up to 40-60% of excess energy.
When using a microwave oven to heat or defrost food, select the correct setting. This is indicated in the instructions.
Prefer a hand grinder over the food processor. This will help not only save energy, but also better chop food.
Save money on washing machines
Carefully read the instructions for the "washing machine". As a rule, the more water the machine sucks, the higher the temperature, the more energy is used for washing. When underloaded, the machine consumes more than about 15% of energy. If the program is installed incorrectly, the power consumption is about 30%.
We saved on iron work
Try ironing wet laundry. If you dry it, you will need to heat the iron more and use more electricity accordingly.
We saved on room cleaning
When using a vacuum cleaner, empty the dust bags frequently or replace them when using disposable bags. Accumulation of a large amount of garbage in the bag leads to overheating of the vacuum cleaner and significant energy consumption.
We save in device sleep mode
Disconnected devices that remain in the network do not consume much electricity. But you can also save on this. If you decide to save energy, don't forget to disconnect your TV, stereo or video device from the network. In addition, there are numerous cases when electronic devices that remain in the power grid burn out during a thunderstorm or accident.
Save money on your computer and the Internet
Try using your computer longer. When you leave home, turn it off. This will prolong the operation of expensive equipment and save on electricity.
Note that an LCD monitor or laptop consumes less power than an older monitor and desktop computer.
Mobile phone "chargers", which stay on the network for a long time, do not consume too much electricity. However, these are switching power supplies. The networks can overheat and deteriorate. God forbid there should be a fire in the apartment. Unfortunately, there are such cases.
Save on common areas
In addition to the appliances in your apartment, pay attention to the consumption of electrical appliances in the common areas of the apartment building - lamps, elevators, video surveillance, fire alarms, forced ventilation and so on. Energy efficiency and economical uses can help you save on home maintenance costs.