There are many ways by which you can conserve energy but In this article I have explicitly explained how to energy efficient smartly.
Step 1: Conserve water
By using less water, you will lower your water bill and therefore make some savings on the amounts you spend on the utility. Using less hot water can also improve how much you spend on gas, electricity or other water central heating systems. Water is a huge energy consumer in the home, and here is how you can control you use:
- Install taps, showerheads and faucets that more efficiently control the amount of water released, so that you use less water on average.
- Install smart sprinkler and conservation-efficient systems for your lawn. Shorten the amount of time spent watering to just a few minutes in the morning and evening.
- Water your lawn in the early or late hours of the day when the sun is not too hot so that the water has maximum time for efficacy before evaporation.
Step 2: Tree planting around the home
By planting trees and shrubs around your home, you will reduce your exposure to the sun, and cool temperatures in your house during the day. How much energy you save exactly will of course depend in the size of the tree and proximity to your house.
Try to plant them in such a way as to place them in the path of direct sunlight into your home. It is advisable to plant them within a foot or two of the house, to create a kind of ‘dead airspace’ that will shield the home from extreme outdoor temperatures. Just be sure the tree’s rooting system will not interfere with the home’s foundation.
Step 3: Locating your building
The location of a building in relation to the direction of the sun will play an important role in determining how well it is illuminated and in temperature regulation. Here are a few ways you can maximize on placement of windows and building directions when constructing your home:
- If on the northern hemisphere, windows should face south while southern hemisphere building should have north facing windows to ensure maximum illumination hence less need for artificial lighting in the daytime.
- In cooler climates, have darker roofs to preserve more heat gathered in the daytime, and transmit it into the house. Lighter reflective roofs are ideal for hotter climates to reflect more heat leaving a cooling effect indoors.
- Open the windows that will have the maximum negative effect i.e. in the summer, keep the windows in the path of direct sunlight sealed off to reduce heat indoors, while open them in winter to increase entry of light and heat into the house.
Step 4: Check your vehicle
There are many ways to increase the efficiency of a motor vehicle, and to limit its energy consumption. You can save up to half of fuel spent on your vehicle by adopting efficiency practices. Here are a few:
- Try to walk to places closer to home, or use tandem bikes or public transportation where available so you drive as minimally as possible.
- Invest in electric or hybrid vehicles, which have great energy consumption with minimal negative effect to the environment.
- Buy vehicles made from lighter materials since they utilize fuel more efficiently.
- Ensure your tyres have adequate treads, replacing then when worn out to reduce road friction. Also, keep them inflated at the right pressure.
Step 5: Consider the Bigger Picture and Delegate
In the UK and indeed across the world numerous smaller energy companies are springing up with the intension of providing at least some renewable energy. In the UK, in addition to the big 6 Energy firms, there are many smaller energy firms that tend to have a greener and fresher perspective on such matters and in many cases even have green sounding names! These smaller firms include Ecotricity, Utility Warehouse, First Utility, Ovo, Co-operative Energy, Flow Energy, and Good Energy. However, be diligent in do your research before switching. For example, we checked out the reputable site Review Centre for these independent Utility Warehouse Reviews and the Utility Warehouse Complaints process to gauge the level of service and were indeed tempted.
So what are you waiting for? It’s as easy and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…
