how to save electrical energy

1. Energy Saving Tips for Electrical Home Appliance
Dinesh Kumar Jitender Khurana
Asst. Proff. Asst. Proff.
S.B.M.N. Engg. College S.B.M.N. Engg. College
Asthal Bohar (Rohtak) Asthal Bohar (Rohtak)
Technological advances and the development of energy-efficient products can
help save a lot of money. Today high efficiency light bulbs that last longer and
require less electricity than traditional ones, and energy efficient windows that can
keep hot and cold air in and prevent hard-earned money from flowing out. Thanks
to the development of innovative technologies, High energy costs can really pinch
everyone. While the Department of Energy is working hard to develop new
technologies to improve the efficiency, today, there are simple, inexpensive steps
families can take to reduce their heating and cooling costs. I hope you will find this
booklet helpful in making energy choices that are right for you and your family. As
this booklet shows, when it comes to energy savings, a little effort can go a long way.
1. ENERGY SOURCES
The main sources of household energy are electricity, natural gas and wood. A
small number of homes use LPG, coal, coke or heating oil. Energy can come from either
renewable or non-renewable sources. Renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydro-
power are naturally replenished and produce very few greenhouse gas emissions when
operating. Non-renewable energy comes from diminishing stocks of fossil fuels and can
produce large amounts of greenhouse gases. Most electricity comes from coal fired
power stations that release high levels of CO2 and other pollutants into the environment.
Losses in the transmission system from the power station to your home also create in
efficiency. Using natural gas results in only about one third of the greenhouse emissions
compared to grid electricity. Hydro electricity generated directly produces almost no
greenhouse gas. However, the construction of new large-scale hydro-electric dams can be
sources of large amounts of greenhouse gas and may have other adverse environmental
effects
1.1 Electricity
Electricity is the most widely available energy source and the only one able to run
the full range of household appliances. But on the mainland it is the most greenhouse
intensive energy source. It is also usually the most expensive per unit of energy used.
Consumers of grid electricity can offset its environmental impact by purchasing “Green
Power”. Green Power is often the easiest and least expensive way to purchase electricity

2. from renewable sources. Most electricity retailers have an accredited Green Power
option for a slightly higher unit charge. By choosing Green Power, you are supporting the
expansion of renewable systems.
Renewable electricity systems are initially expensive to install but have low
operating costs and minimum environmental impact. Government rebates are available to
offset the initial costs. Electricity consumption can be reduced through energy efficiency
and fuel switching. As energy costs rise and awareness of environmental issues increases,
the value of properties with energy efficient features and renewable energy supply is
expected to rise.
1.2 Gas
Natural gas is less expensive to use than electricity and produces fewer
greenhouse emissions. However, gas is also a non-renewable fuel. It is largely used for
water heating, room heating and cooking. It can, however, also be used for clothes
drying, as a vehicle fuel and even for refrigeration Natural gas is not available
everywhere but liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can be used instead. It produces similar
greenhouse emissions to natural gas but must be transported by tanker or in cylinders,
which adds to its financial and environmental cost. LPG costs more than twice as much to
use as natural gas.
1.3 Wood
Wood can be a renewable energy source if it comes from sustainably managed
forests. Its use should make no net contribution to greenhouse gases if trees are planted to
replace those used, but fossil fuels are usually used in collection and transportation. In
many non-urban areas, wood is widely used for heating, cooking and heating water.
Wood is generally not a desirable energy source for urban areas due to local air pollution
problems. Some efficient, low pollution stoves are available but are more expensive.
1.4 Other renewable sources
Solar water heaters and passive solar building techniques reduce the need to use non-
renewable energy sources.
.
2. EFFICIENT ENERGY USE
Using energy efficiently is the best way to reduce energy bills and environmental
impacts while maintaining or even improving comfort levels. Some solutions cost

3. nothing at all. Most investments in energy efficiency will pay for themselves through
lower energy bills.
Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And electricity generated
by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average
cars. And as for the road, transportation accounts for 66% of all oil consumption. The
good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home and in your
car. Start making small changes today. The key to achieving these savings in your home
is a whole-house energy efficiency plan. To take a whole-house approach, view your
home as an energy system with interdependent parts. For example, your heating system is
not just a furnace—it’s a heat-delivery system that starts at the furnace and delivers heat
throughout your home using a network of ducts. Even a top-of-the-line, energy-efficient
furnace will burn a lot of fuel if the ducts, walls, attic, windows, and doors are not
insulated and leak. Taking a whole-house approach to saving energy ensures that dollars
you invest to save energy are spent wisely. Energy-efficient improvements not only make
your home more comfortable, they can yield long-term financial rewards. Reduced utility
bills more than make up for the higher price of energy-efficient appliances and
improvements over their lifetimes
3. Energy Saving Tips
3.1 Lighting
Making improvements to your lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your
energy bills. An average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting. Using
new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50% to 75%.
Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of
time lights are on but not being used.
3.1.1 Indoor Lighting
Use tube fluorescent and energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in
fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting.
Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last up
to 10 times longer. Today’s CFLs offer brightness and color rendition that is comparable
to incandescent lights. Although fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps cost a bit
more than incandescent bulbs, they pay for themselves by saving energy over their
lifetime. CFL fixtures are now available that feature dimmers and operate much like
incandescent fixtures.
(a) Indoor Lighting Tips
(i) Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing these products.
(ii) Turn off the lights in any room you’re not using, or consider installing timers,
photo cells, or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are
on.

4. (iii) Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light
where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for
kitchen sinks and countertops under cabinets.
(iv) Consider three-way lamps; they make it easier to keep lighting levels low
when brighter light is not necessary.
(v) Use 4-foot fluorescent fixtures with reflective backing and electronic ballasts
for your workroom, garage, and laundry areas.
(vi) Consider using 4-watt mini fluorescent or electro-luminescent night lights.
Both lights are much more efficient than their incandescent counterparts. The
luminescent lights are cool to the touch.
(vii) Use CFLs in all the portable table and floor lamps in your home. Consider
carefully the size and fit of these systems when you select them. Some home
fixtures may not accommodate some of the larger CFLs.
(viii) Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on
your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving
privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight
(b) Outdoor Lighting Tips
(i) Use outdoor lights with a photocell unit or a motion sensor so they will turn
on only at night or when someone is present. A combined photocell and
motion sensor will increase your energy savings even more.
(ii) Turn off decorative outdoor natural gas lamps; just eight such lamps burning
year-round use as much natural gas as it takes to heat an average-size home
during an entire winter.
(iii) Exterior lighting is one of the best places to use CFLs because of their long
life. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to buy a lamp with a cold weather
ballast since standard CFLs may not work well below 40ºF.
(iv) Also consider high-intensity discharge (also called HID) or low-pressure
sodium lights.
3.1.2 Reducing stand-by energy consumption
Stand-by energy is drawn when some electrical equipment is not actually being
used, such as when the TV is turned off with the remote control rather than with the
switch on the set or at the wall. It is sometimes used to power digital displays or maintain
memory settings, but often it is just wasted energy. Be aware of the standby energy use
of electrical equipment such as TVs, videos, clocks, computers, faxes, microwaves,
security systems, battery chargers and power packs. Stand-by energy use can account for
10 percent or more of household electricity use. Some appliances, such as videos and
microwaves with digital displays, can use much more energy over a year in standby than
in actual operation
3.1.3 Home office and entertainment equipment

5. (i) Ensure equipment is ENERGY STAR® compliant and make sure that it is
enabled.
(ii) Large screen TVs use more energy than those with smaller screens. If buying
a computer consider buying a laptop – they require less materials to make and
less energy to run.
(iii) An LCD screen for desktop computers will use less energy and take up less
space.
(iv) Switch off computers and printers if you won’t be using them for half an hour
or more.
(v) Look for printers and faxes and that can use recycled paper. Use recycled ink
and toner cartridges. Reuse blank sides of used paper. Switch off equipment
at the wall instead of leaving in standby mode, especially when you go on
holiday. Other Appliances and Equipment There are many small items around
the house that can use a lot of energy over a year, such as pool filter pumps,
electric towel rails, computer games, etc. Ensure they are not left on
unnecessarily.
3.1.4 Refrigerators
Did you know refrigerators consume the most energy of all household appliances?
Of course; they’re always on. All new refrigerators use half the energy of similar models
built 12 years ago. Highly efficient Energy Star models can cut that by another 20 to 36
percent. Refrigerators are the most diverse of all the appliances. There are different sizes,
shapes, styles and options available on the market. The three most common styles are the
bottom freezer, side-by-side and top freezer. The top freezer models are the most
efficient, using 7-13 percent less energy than the side-by-side. Bottom freezers are
slightly less efficient than the better top freezer models. Size and features also effect the
energy use of a refrigerator. Smaller refrigerators use less energy, so only buy what you
need. Through-the door features, such as water and ice dispensers, use substantially more
energy. Characteristics of new energy-efficient refrigerators include better insulation,
better seals, more efficient compressors, and more precise temperature/defrost controls.
The improved defrost control not only saves energy, it also reduces freezer-burn. Old
refrigerators and freezers contain CFCs, a hazardous chemical. Only discard refrigerators
where trained personnel are available to recover the gas for reuse or proper disposal. Also
for safety, completely remove the door from all refrigerators and freezers before
disposing of them.
(a) Refrigerator conservation tips
(i) Check for leaks in door seals
(ii) Clean the coils regularly
(iii) Relocate the refrigerator if near heat-generating appliance

6. (iv) Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures
are 37° to 40°F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator and 5°F for
the freezer section. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it
should be kept at 0°F.
(v) To check refrigerator temperature, place an appliance thermometer in a glass
of water in the center of the refrigerator. Read it after 24 hours. To check the
freezer temperature, place a thermometer between frozen packages. Read it
after 24 hours.
(vi) Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers; frost buildup
decreases the energy efficiency of the unit. Don’t allow frost to build up more
than one quarter of an inch.
(vii) Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods
release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
3.1.5 Freezers
Stand-alone freezers are often used for long-term storage. Look for specific
features if you want to optimize the energy efficiency. A manual defrost freezer uses 35
to 40 percent less electricity than one with an auto-defrost option. Eliminating the auto
defrost will also reduce the freezer burn. When purchasing an energy-efficient freezer,
use the Energy Guide to compare models and sizes.
Freezer conservation tips
(i) Check for seal leaks
(ii) Defrost regularly, 1/4 inch frost build up will decrease efficiency
(iii) Set the thermostat at 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit
(iv) Locate freezer in a cool space, such as a garage or basement
(v) A freezer is most efficient when full
3.1.6 Dishwasher
`Most of the energy used by your dishwasher is for heating the water.The
circulation pump and dryer account for the rest. Energy-efficient dishwashers reduce the
amount of water used. This reduces the amount of energy used to heat the water. This is
made possible by the use of better motors and pumps. Some models also include sensors
to determine length of cycles or completion of cycles that can reduce the water needed to
complete the wash cycle. Energy-efficient dishwashers also include air-drying options
that allow you to dry the load without additional heat, saving additional energy and
money.

7. (i) Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer’s
recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements
that allow you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature
(120°F).
(ii) Scrape, don’t rinse, off large food pieces and bones. Soaking or pre washing
is generally only recommended in cases of burned-on or dried-on food.
(iii) Be sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded, when you run it.
(iv) Don’t use the “rinse hold” on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It
uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot water each time you use it
(v) Let your dishes air dry; if you don’t have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off
the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open a little so the
dishes will dry faster.
(vi) Use the air-dry feature
(vii) Use energy-savings cycles
(viii) Operate the appliance only with a full load
3.1.7 Clothes washers
Conventional clothes washers consume 45 to 60 gallons of water per load. Hot
water consumed by these machines typically account for 26 percent of your home’s hot
water bill. An energy-efficient clothes washer will use only one third as much water. This
can reduce your cost for water, water heating and waste disposal. New machines with
high-speed spin cycles also reduce the time needed to dry your clothes, saving more
energy. There are two styles of washers on the market; top load and front load (or tumble
action). In a top-load model, the tub is filled completely, immersing the clothes in water.
In a front load model, only the bottom of the tub contains water. The clothes are tumbled
into water instead of immersed, requiring significantly less water and energy for heating
water. A few top-load washers take advantage of new technology to save water. Instead
of filling the tub for the rinse cycle, these washers use a high-pressure spray to remove
the soapy, dirty residue, saving many gallons of water.
Clothes washer conservation tips
(i) Wash full loads, or select a low water-level option
(ii) Use cold water when you can in rinse cycles especially
3.1.8 Laundry
About 90% of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water. There
are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes—use less water
and use cooler water. Unless you’re dealing with oily stains, the warm or cold water
setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching
your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s energy use in half.

8. Laundry Tips
(i) Wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever
possible.
(ii) Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate
water-level setting.
(iii) Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.
(iv) Don’t over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it.
(v) Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation.
(vi) Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the
residual heat in the dryer.
(vii) Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save
energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting
material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages. • Consider
air-drying clothes on clothes lines or drying racks. Air drying is recommended
by clothing manufacturers for some fabrics.
3.1.8 Other Energy-Saving Kitchen Tips
(i) Be sure to place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when
using small amounts of water; placing the lever in the hot position uses energy
to heat the water even though it may never reach the faucet. • If you need to
purchase a natural gas oven or range, look for one with an automatic, electric
ignition system. An electric ignition saves natural gas because a pilot light is
not burning continuously.
(ii) Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better,
and you will save energy.
(iii) Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water; it’s faster and it uses less energy.
(iv) Match the size of the pan to the heating element.
(v) Use small electric pans or toaster ovens for small meals rather than your large
stove or oven. A toaster oven uses a third to half as much energy as a fullsized
oven.

9. (vi) Use pressure cookers and microwave ovens whenever it is convenient to do
so. They will save energy by significantly reducing cooking time.
References:
[1] American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. Consumer Guide to Home
Energy Savings. Retrieved September 18, 2006, at
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/index.htm
[2] National Institute of Standards and Technology. How to buy an energy-efficiency
appliance. Retrieved September 18, 2006, at
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/homes/applnces.htm
[3] U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration. Retrieved
September 18, 2006 at
http://www.eia.doe.gov/glossary/glossary_l.htm
[4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Home energy
analysis: high energy bills. Retrieved September 18, 2006, at
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index
[5] American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, The Most Efficient Appliances
www.aceee.org/consumerguide/mostenef.htm
[6] Census Bureau Press Release, Information on Home Workers October 20, 2004.
CB04-183. DOE Building America
www.BuildingAmerica.gov
[7] DOE Building Technologies Program, 2005 Buildings Energy Databook
buildingsdatabook.eere.energy.gov/DOE Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/DOE/EPA Fuel Economy Guide
www.fueleconomy.gov
[8] DOE Energy Information Administrationesidential Energy Consumption Survey 2001
www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/contents.html