It’s tips Tuesday and we had a chat with an Engineer from Eskartec Solutions  on how to save energy at home or basically anywhere. You know how you buy tokens from Kenya power and you keep wondering what kind of sorcery is happening in your house when the tokens isha suddenly? There are reasons that happen. With these tips, you get a little relieve and even feel like Kenya power cares about you, because they actually care.

1.    USE ENERGY EFFICIENT BULBS

Replacing old incandescent light bulbs and halogen light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED bulbs is a big energy saver. Incandescent bulbs release 98% of their consumed energy through heat, while CFL and LED bulbs are much more energy efficient and last several times longer.

·  CFL bulbs were the first alternative to incandescent bulbs, and they use only about 1/4 the energy of incandescent bulbs. They contain trace amounts of mercury, so they must be disposed of properly when they burn out.

·  LED bulbs are newer in the market. They’re more expensive than CFL bulbs, but they last longer and don’t contain mercury.

2.    SWITCH OFF THE WALL SWITCH OR UNPLUG ELECTRONICS YOU RARELY USE
Appliances like TVs and other stereo equipment still draw power when they’re plugged in but off which is called vampire drain due to the fact that they have to still power their IR receivers for your remote control to work.

Even chargers continue to use electricity when they aren’t charging.

Always switch off the socket switch or physically unplug these things from the wall to eliminate any power consumption when not in use.

3.     RUN YOUR REFRIGERATOR EFFICIENTLY
The position of your fridge matters a lot, do not put your fridge very close to the wall, ways leave a gap between the fridge and the wall.

Servicing your fridge from time to time also enable efficient running hence reduced energy consumption. Check the seals on your refrigerator and replace them when they get worn out.

If possible keep your refrigerator full. This means they don’t have to work as hard and therefore they use less energy. Empty space in your fridge or freezer wastes not only space but energy too. Always choose the right size when buying a fridge.

Don’t stand in the refrigerator with the door open trying to decide what to eat. Open and close it as quickly as possible.

4.      REPLACE OLD APPLIANCES WITH ENERGY-SAVING MODELS.

When older appliances were manufactured, companies weren’t as concerned with saving electricity. Newer models are designed to conserve energy, reducing your household costs and lowering your carbon footprint. If you have an older refrigerator, electric stove and oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer, or other large appliance, look into getting it replaced.

Look for “Energy Star” ratings on new appliances. These help you assess how much energy the appliance uses. Many energy-conserving appliances are more expensive than those that don’t have this feature, but you’ll earn the money back over time through electricity savings.

5.     USE OF ALTERNATIVE CHEAPER SOURCE OF ENERGY.

If possible install alternative sources of energy e.g. solar and biogas systems where applicable. Having a solar water heating system or solar photovoltaic panels installed at your house could save a lot on your electricity bills.

Is this the end? No not really keep reading for more tips…