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5 Tips for an Energy-efficient Home Mar 08, 2016 By Fenesta

Follow these simple steps to conserve energy and reduce your utility bills How many people create a plan for increasing energy-efficiency or environment sustainability for their homes? Perhaps only a few, who realize that poorly planned houses not only increase power consumption, but also decrease appliance-efficiency. Using eco-friendly alternatives and taking some preemptive steps can reduce power consumption. Although you might spend a little extra on building your house and its interiors, over a long period, you can save up to 40% on your electricity bills. Here are a few tips that will help you improve energy efficiency: Improve Insulation External weather conditions influence the climate inside your house, due to the flow of cold/hot air through the gaps in ill-fitting windows and doors. An AC, in such a case, works overtime to compensate for the change in temperature, leading to higher power consumption. Double-sealed windows with a multi-point locking system are airtight and prevent temperature fluctuations due to winds or rain. You can also opt for specially tinted windows to minimize sunlight entering your house. Experts suggest that weatherproof windows are ideal for tropical regions like India. Increase Cross Ventilation Cooling Cross ventilation or passive cooling is an ideal way to keep your house cool while using the least amount of electricity. When planning the layout of your house pay heed to the natural airflow entry and exit directions. A layout that enhances the circulation of cool air helps to control the temperature and allows you to use a fan instead of an air conditioner, thus conserving energy. Use Renewable Energy Renewable energy solutions are now widely available and are more affordable. Photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity out of solar energy, which can then be used to power electronics. Install solar powered water heaters instead of conventional water heaters for sustainability. The good news is that renewable energy does not suffer from seasonal limitations in India that receives up to 3,000 hours of direct sunlight annually! Opt for LED Did you know that incandescent light bulbs consume 40% more electricity than other energy efficient alternatives? Switch to LED (Light Emitting Diodes) bulbs as they not only consume less electricity but are also eco-friendly. Here is a comparison between the common types available: Purchase Energy-efficient Electronics Opt for appliances only after checking their energy-efficient ratings. Most electronic items have an ENERGY STAR rating to indicate the level of energy efficiency. Take due care while buying a refrigerator or an air conditioner; these are known to consume maximum power. Designing an energy-efficient household is the first step in a long journey towards environment sustainability. We can reduce fossil fuel emissions and curb the spread of pollutants by adopting renewable resources of energy. Conserving power by following these simple steps will reduce your carbon footprint significantly, making this world a better place to live in.