How to reduce energy consumption in the home

Were you aware that Spain is the fourth European country with the highest electricity prices?

Over the years, energy consumption has increased proportionally. Modernity, technology, new equipment and lack of understanding of electricity use only complicate the situation. At the same time, the culture that encourages extreme consumerism has also deepened this problem. Do you want to know if we really need to use so many appliances in our homes?

Electricity has completely changed human life and has become a vital service, but we must use it responsibly. We must save as much as possible so that future generations can also enjoy the resources and reduce the polluting emissions related to their use.

By saving energy at home, we have contributed to reducing the consequences of greenhouse gases and climate change. To avoid misuse of electricity, the techniques to be followed are as follows:

Use energy-saving light bulbs: you can save up to 75% of energy.

Turn off the lights in areas you are not using.

Use natural light whenever possible.

Paint the ceiling and walls of the room in light colours for better lighting.

Set the thermostats on heating and air conditioning equipment to a maximum of 20ºC. Remember, each degree of supplement represents 7% of energy consumption.

Clean bulbs and lamps regularly, dust will block the light.

Use the washing machine at full capacity: you will save water and electricity.

• Defrost the refrigerator: the frost forms an insulating layer, which causes an additional 20% of energy consumption.

• Use a gas cooker instead of an electric one.

• If you are not using the computer, turn it off: the device in the standby state can represent up to 70% of your daily consumption.

• Unplug all unused appliances.

• Replace old appliances with new ones that use less energy.

• Replace the dirty filter, clean the dust and dirt in the hoover, which will make it work more efficiently. The hoover consumes 1200 watts per hour.

• Use alternative energy sources for power generation (if possible), such as photovoltaic cells using solar or wind generators.

• Close the refrigerator door to avoid consuming too much energy. When removing or storing food, make sure it is not hot and handle it quickly.

• Install weatherstripping under doors, install thermal insulation in shutter boxes or windows, saving more than 25%.

Being responsible with the energy consumption in our homes can help us to mitigate energy bills and encourage more habits linked to efficiency, or install small energy saving measures that can benefit us to save.