Energy Conservation Appliances

Tips on Energy Saving Home Appliances :



Air-conditioners and refrigerators were the first 2 appliances to be covered under the ELS as their usage accounts for about 50% of the total electricity bill of a typical household.

refrigerators

When buying a New Refrigerator
Refrigerators have an expected useful life of 17 years. It is therefore important to purchase a refrigerator that meets your needs, but does not exceed them.
Measure the space where you want to put your refrigerator. Most manufacturers recommend 25 mm (1") of space on each side for airflow.
Choose a model with an energy saver switch, allowing you to determine the setting that provides maximum energy savings without causing any condensation.
Consider a model with wheels as it will be easier to pull it out and clean the coils.

Energy Efficient Tips
Do not place your refrigerator near heat sources such as sunlight, the stove or the oven.
Adjust the thermostat to the recommended settings.
Allow hot food to cool before placing it in the refrigerator and cover all food and liquids.
Refrigerators operate most efficiently with good air circulation. It is therefore good practice not to overload it.
Do not open the door unnecessarily as the cool air will escape.
Clean the coils at the back of your refrigerator every six months. Be sure to unplug the unit first for safety.
Test the door seal occasionally by closing the door on a thin piece of paper. If it does not stay in place, the seal should be replaced.

water Heating
Use an instantaneous water heater instead of one with a storage tank.
A storage water heater with a capacity of 23-27 litres should be sufficient for a family of 4-6.
Switch on the storage water heater for 20 minutes before taking the bath.

washing machine
Refrain from using hot water to wash clothes.
Wash a full load of laundry at a time. Alternatively, you could set the water level to match the amount of laundry.
Use the correct amount of detergent.

electric & microwave ovens
Do not open the oven door while the food is cooking as the temperature may drop by 25oC to 30oC each time the door is opened.
Cook multiple dishes at the same time. Cooking 2 dishes in the oven requires less time and also less energy as compared to cooking each dish in the oven one after another.
Avoid placing aluminium foil next to the cookware as it would reflect the heat away from the dish. The dish would then require a longer time and more energy to cook
Avoid thawing frozen food in ovens as this can be easily done at room temperature although it takes a longer time.

ironing
Plan your ironing. Start with items which require lower temperatures so as to avoid unnecessary and repeated heating of the iron.
Set appropriate temperatures for the various types of fabrics.

television
When watching television programmes, keep the room's light low. This helps to save electricity and also reduces annoying glare from your television screen.
Switch off the television set when not in use.

vacuum Cleaner
Switch off the vacuum cleaner when the motor becomes too hot, or when there is a change in the sound of the motor. There might be something trapped in the hose.
Empty or replace the dust bag frequently.

air-conditioners
Ensure that the air-conditioning unit is properly sized for your home. Operating a unit, which is either too large or too small, is highly inefficient. It is also more energy efficient to install a split unit if you are cooling more than one room.
Clean the air filter regularly and have your air conditioner inspected annually. An annual inspection of your cooling system may extend the life of your equipment and help you to save money by lowering your energy bills. Poorly maintained air conditioners can waste a tremendous amount of energy.
Set the thermostat at an ideal temperature of 25oC.
Close windows and doors when your air-conditioner is in use.
Keep your house cool by using awnings, blinds and solar reflecting film on the windows.

lighting

Although lighting in your home does not account for the largest percentage of your bill, it is still worthwhile to be as economical as possible.
Remember to turn the lights out when you leave a room
Try using fewer light bulbs.
Use lower-wattage incandescent bulbs.
Light timers can help save energy and are also useful in protecting your home when you are away.
Clean lights shine brighter. It is therefore worthwhile to dust your lights - but be sure to turn off the fixture first.

Find Out More about the Various Types of Lighting Available

ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING ALTERNATIVES

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs



Use up to 70% less energy than a standard light bulb.



Last up to 10 times longer, and come in the same 'natural white' as a standard bulb.



To achieve the best payback on their original cost, fluorescent bulbs are ideal for lights that are used for longer than 3 hours a day.

Savings are not only achieved in the energy efficiency of the bulb but also on the cost of buying replacement bulbs.



Fluorescent Tubes



Use 60 - 80 % less energy than a standard bulb.



Last 10 to 20 times longer, and come in a range of light quality.



Available in a wide assortment of lengths.



Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens and workshops.

Although the upfront cost is greater than normal bulbs, they are economical to use and can spread even light over wide areas.

Energy Saving Bulbs
The simplest way to save energy is to replace your standard bulb with energy saving incandescents. They are available in wattages of 34, 52, 90 and 135 to replace your 40, 60, 100 and 150 watt bulbs. The slightly lower light output is not noticeable for most people.

Task Lighting
Refrain from using general room lighting for specific purposes, instead use reading lamps or lights over a kitchen counter. With an effective balance of general and task lighting, you will be able to achieve energy efficiency and a delightful environment.

Dimmer Switches
Regular light bulbs can be made more efficient by controlling them with dimmer switches, which are relatively inexpensive. Turning the light level down will save energy, extend the life of the bulb, and set the mood in a room. If you have dimmer switches and find yourself consistently reducing the light level, consider switching to lower wattage bulbs.


Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs are another efficient replacement for your standard bulb. Halogens are similar to incandescents, however they produce a whiter light, use up to 40% less energy and last two to four times longer. Although Halogen bulbs are more expensive to purchase, they are perfect for track lighting and outdoor security.