Home energy consumption represents 20% of the total final energy consumption in Spain, and a large part of this consumption is generated by electric and thermal domestic equipment. Saving energy is not only important to reduce the electricity bill, but also to protect the environment. In this article, we present 10 tips for saving energy at home.
Use LED bulbs
LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. In addition, LED bulbs do not emit as much heat as incandescent bulbs, which means you won’t have to turn on the air conditioning as often.
Our tip: Replace all incandescent bulbs in your home with LED bulbs.
Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
Appliances and lights consume energy even when not in use. Therefore, it is important to turn them off when not in use.
Our tip: Get used to turning off appliances and lights when you’re not using them.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy than less efficient appliances. When buying new appliances, make sure to choose those with a high energy efficiency rating.
Our tip: When buying new appliances, choose those with a high energy efficiency rating.
Adjust the thermostat temperature
Adjusting the thermostat temperature can help you save energy. For example, if you adjust the thermostat temperature in winter to 19 degrees Celsius, instead of 21 degrees Celsius, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill.
Our tip: Adjust the thermostat temperature in winter to 19 degrees Celsius and in summer to 25 degrees Celsius.
Use curtains and blinds to block sunlight
Curtains and blinds can help you block sunlight and keep your home cool in summer. This means you won’t have to turn on the air conditioning as often.
Our tip: Use curtains and blinds to block sunlight in summer.
Use washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
Using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads is more energy-efficient than using them with partial loads.
Our tip: Use washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
Defrost food in the refrigerator
Defrosting food in the refrigerator is more energy-efficient than defrosting it in the microwave or in hot water.
Our tip: Defrost food in the refrigerator.
Use natural light as much as possible
Using natural light as much as possible can help you save energy. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural light.
Our tip: Use natural light as much as possible.
Use standby mode on electronic devices
Standby mode on electronic devices consumes less energy than leaving them on all the time.
Our tip: Use standby mode on electronic devices when you’re not using them.
Use renewable energy
Using renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy, can help you reduce your energy consumption and protect the environment.
Our tip: Consider using renewable energy in your home.
The importance of energy efficiency in appliances
Energy efficiency in appliances is important for saving on the electricity bill and helping the environment. When buying new appliances, it is important to read the informative label indicating their energy consumption rating.
The energy efficiency label is divided into seven categories, from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). By choosing appliances with a high energy efficiency rating, you can save money on your electricity bill and reduce your energy consumption.
European programs to help energy efficiency in buildings and other national aids
There are European programs to help energy efficiency in buildings, such as the LIFE Program of the European Union, which funds energy efficiency projects in buildings. In addition, each autonomous community in Spain offers aid for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and building rehabilitation.
Our tip: Research the European programs and national aids available in your autonomous community for energy efficiency in buildings.
In summary, saving energy at home is important to reduce the electricity bill and protect the environment. Small gestures such as turning off appliances and lights when not in use, using LED bulbs, and using curtains and blinds to block sunlight can make a big difference. In addition, choosing energy-efficient appliances and using renewable energy can also help you save energy.