Since 2012, and at the initiative of the World Energy Forum, World Energy Saving Day is celebrated around the world on October 21 to draw attention to the importance of energy efficiency and the reduction of energy consumption, both for environmental care and for consumers’ pockets.
The use of energy from non-renewable energy sources considerably affects the planet, since, although the use of clean sources continues to grow, energy generation still depends largely on non-renewable resources, which emit greenhouse gases and aggravate global warming.
Furthermore, with the commemoration of this date we also want to promote the use of technologies and solutions that improve energy efficiency, such as the integration of innovations in renewable energy systems, the reinforcement of insulation in buildings or the implementation of intelligent tools to manage energy consumption. Its purpose is always bidirectional, on the one hand, to protect the environment and curb the effects of global warming and, on the other, to help households consume less.
Naturgy energy saving tips
According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), most of the energy consumption of a Spanish home is allocated to heating (39%) and appliances (28%), followed by hot water (18.8%), cooking (7.8%) and lighting (5.3%).
Opting for an energy efficient method at home has multiple benefits, two of them very important. One would be savings on the energy bill (up to 40%) and the other would contribute to improving the health of the planet thanks to lower energy use.
For this reason, the energy company Naturgy has a guide that includes some tips to efficiently manage energy at home and save on your electricity and gas bill.
Appliances
Refrigerator. To save energy, defrost food in the refrigerator compartment. The refrigerator will take advantage of the cold from these.
Washing machine. Wash with cold water or at low temperature (30ºC). 80% of the energy consumed by a washing machine is used to heat the water!
Dryer. Before using it, spin the clothes at maximum speed in the washing machine. Spinning consumes much less energy than drying.
Computer. Turn off your computer if you expect to be absent for more than 30 minutes. If this is not possible, turn off the screen: it is the component that consumes the most.
TV. Keeping the TV, consoles or music equipment on in “standby” mode consumes up to 15% of what they consume when used. Turn them off completely!
Heating
Almost half of a home’s energy expenditure in winter is from heating. Regulates the daytime temperature between 19ºC and 21ºC and the nighttime temperature between 15ºC and 17ºC.
Avoid heat loss by lowering the blinds at night. 41% of energy is consumed in heating!
Always adjust the temperature. Each degree more represents an increase in consumption of approximately 7%.
Insulate the windows well. Good insulation means saving between 20% and 30% on heating.
Kitchen
Pressure cookers. Use them, their use saves time and energy by up to 80%.
Water. Use water strictly necessary. The more water, the more heat you will need to heat it.
Diffuser bottom. Use containers with a diffuser bottom slightly higher than the emission zone.
Oven. Open it only when necessary. Each time you do this, you lose 25% of your accumulated energy.
Microwave. By using it, you will save between 60% and 70% energy.
Hot water
Adjust the temperature. 26% of the energy is consumed in hot water, adjust the hot water temperature between 30ºC and 35ºC!
Install perlizers on faucets. These will inject air into the water outlet making the flow sensation the same, water consumption will be reduced by up to 60% and the energy to heat it!
Lightning
Optimize consumption.9% of energy is consumed in lighting, so keep the following in mind!
Fluorescent. They consume a lot of energy when turned on. If you’re going to turn them off for less than 15 minutes, it’s best to keep them on!
Bulb type. Choosing the right type of light bulb with low consumption, in addition to being more sustainable, means considerable savings on your energy bill.and light.