Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
possible on a washing machine or a dishwasher saves energy and money. With
tumble dryers the laundry should fi rst be spun at the highest spin speed available.
But the good old clothesline is the best option for saving energy.
The following energy-saving tips summarize the key points discussed:
■
Track energy guzzlers using an energy consumption measuring device.
■
Switch off unnecessary electrical devices and lights.
■
Switch off all devices with standby mode using a switchable multipoint
switch.
■
Replace light bulbs and halogen bulbs with low-energy bulbs (compact fl uo-
rescent lights) or LED lights.
■
When buying electrical goods, pay attention to their energy consumption
ratings.
■
Always buy the most energy - saving household goods (energy effi ciency
class A, or A++ for refrigerators and freezers).
■
Do not place freezers next to items that produce heat (ovens, radiators).
■
Try to thaw frozen goods in a refrigerator.
■
Defrost refrigerators and freezers regularly.
■
Only run washing machines when they are full and operate them at the lowest
possible temperature. When tumble drying clothes, use a high spin speed
during the washing cycle.
■
When cooking, use lids on pots and frying pans, or use pressure cookers.
3.2.2 Heat - Surviving the Winter with Almost No Heating
In many countries the lion's share of secondary energy consumption in private house-
holds goes for heating. Around three-quarters of secondary energy in households is
used for this purpose. However, reducing heat in a home does not necessarily mean
having to cope with frosty temperatures. With good insulation and modern building
technology pleasant room temperatures can be achieved with energy savings of up
to 90%. In other words, ten energy-effi cient buildings can be kept warm with the
same amount of energy it takes to heat the average poorly insulated old house. At the
same time the carbon dioxide emissions and heating costs drop to one-tenth.
Many people live in rented accommodation. This can cause a dilemma, because
energy-saving measures are usually linked to investment. This is a cost that the
landlord fi rst has to bear, with the renters becoming the benefi ciaries - and because
they didn't pay for the measures in the fi rst place, they don't have any particular
incentive to implement them. However, from the standpoint of saving energy, even
actual homeowners lag behind when it comes to making use of the options that are
available.
Yet not all energy-saving measures cost money. The following changes to heating
behaviour can save a considerable amount of heat energy and, consequently, reduce
heating costs:
