How to Conserve and Preserve Energy

Energy is a necessity to human kind. We use energy faster than it can be produced and thus create a huge gap between the energy demanded and its availability. On the other hand, the use of fossil fuel to meet our energy requirements is releasing massive greenhouse gas emissions into the environment, resulting in global warming. This has raised immense concerns about sustainable energy, making it important to conserve and preserve energy. Following these energy-saving tips will help and also reduce your dependency on conventional fuels.

Instructions

Home Appliances

• 1

  Increase the temperature of your refrigerator/freezer. The refrigerator is the biggest energy culprit in your kitchen as it consumes approximately 20 percent of household electricity. Set your refrigerator temperature close to 37 degrees and freezer close to 3 degrees. Also, clean the gaskets around your refrigerator and to create a better seal and avoid any leak of cold air. Open the doors only when necessary. Keep food and liquid items covered to reduce excess moisture; less moisture in the fridge means less pressure on the compressor, which will save electricity. Also, remember to turn on energy saver.

• 2

  Reduce the temperature of your water heater. It is often set at 140 degrees when 120 degrees is adequate. A reduction of 10 degrees in temperature will save 600 pounds of CO2 per year for an electric heater and 440 pounds for a gas heater. If every household reduced its water heater temperature by 20 degrees, we could prevent 45 million tons of CO2 emission annually.

• 3

  Replace old appliances with new, energy-efficient models that have certified Energy Star labels. Use fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent. Choose products that meet your requirements rather than buying bigger ones.

Home Heating and Cooling

• 4

  Do not overheat your home. In winter, set the temperature of your heater at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. A 2-degree reduction in the temperature of a heater in the typical home will save 6 percent of heating-related CO2 emissions, equivalent to 420 pounds of CO2 a year. Like wise, do not over-cool your home.

• 5

  Clean or replace air conditioner filters every three months to remove dust and impurities. A dirty air filter increases energy consumption and can damage the unit. Clean A/C filters can cut electricity use by 5 percent, saving 175 pounds of CO2 per year.

• 6

  Use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a conventional oven, when possible to conserve energy. Also, iron your clothes in bulk once a week.

• 7

  Replace your conventional gas/electricity based-water heaters with solar water heaters. Conventional heaters consume three times more energy than solar water heaters and pollute the environment.