Energy Conservation: Save Dollars and the Environment

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The debate about the causes of global warming rage on all the while twenty-first century rumbles along at its furious energy-gobbling pace. Energy conservation remains an important but often elusive priority.

For the average Joe, concerns for the environment are lost in the day-to-day demands of a hectic lifestyle. Plus, the question of “What difference can I make?” is a prevailing feeling that undermines many a good intention.

However, no matter how busy we are, the chance of saving dollars always gets our attention. Energy conservation is vital for the environment, yes, but it can drastically cut down the utility bills too. That’s good news even to the average Joe. And if you ever feel you’re too small to make a difference just remember the last time you tried to spend the night with a tiny mosquito in the room.

Energy conservation can be tackled in two main ways: lifestyle adjustments, on the one hand, and home improvements on the other hand.

Let’s outline three ideas on each approach:

Energy Conservation: Lifestyle Adjustments

  1. Get into the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you don’t need them.
  2. Do a few more manual tasks a week such as washing the dishes by hand or hanging the clothes on the line. Both tasks can be incorporated into family related-activities and chores, especially with younger children.
  3. Live more in-tune with the weather rather than overusing the air conditioner. In fact, heating and cooling costs make up nearly half of the average home’s utility bills.

Energy Conservation: Home Improvements

  1. Replace your light bulbs. This is an easy win. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) and halogen incandescent bulbs use 25-80% less electricity and they last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Wow.
  2. Use smart power strips. Also called advanced power strips, smart power strips eliminate “phantom loads” (electricity used by electronics when they’re turned off or in standby mode). Up to 75% of the energy used to power household electronics is consumed when they’re switched off. A smart power strip puts an end to this enormous waste.
  3. Purchase energy-efficient appliances. Appliances are, on average, responsible for 13% of your household energy use. By purchasing energy-efficient appliances, you can save up to 25% on operating costs in comparison to more conventional models. Learn how to read and understand the energy star label.

While there are many more ideas we could offer, the above six points will get you started. Play your part in saving the environment. You kids will think you’re cool. Plus, you’ll have a little more in pocket too. And that is pretty cool.

Be smart. Stay safe. Make a difference.

Grant Knowles

Grant Knowles

Grant is the owner of Snapp Electrical. Based in the Fleurieu Peninsula, he specialises in domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services. Return to the home page to view all on offer or drop us a line via the contact form.