What is Energy Efficiency?
We’ve all heard of energy-efficient items like appliances and vehicles, but what does it actually mean? Energy efficiency means using less energy in an effort to prevent wasting it. It typically refers to technology that uses less power to perform the same task as a non-energy efficient counterpart, but the idea also relates to intentionally reducing energy usage. This can be achieved with efficiently designed devices, appliances, vehicles, and buildings, or even by powering items with renewable resources instead of fossil fuels.
If I’m Using the Energy, How Would it Be Wasted?
Your energy consumption isn’t just based on your usage habits; it also depends on the design and materials within the technology that you’re using.
Idle Power Use
Standby or idle power consumption draws household energy to items that aren’t in use - which is a complete waste. Many devices continue to use power when they seem to be turned off for conveniences that don’t make much of a difference while in use. T.V.s, laptops, and other electronic devices will draw power while plugged in (even when they’re turned off) to reduce start-up time. Other items such as smart household appliances that use the internet continue to use power to maintain their internet connection.
Excessive Consumption
Not all power consumption is necessary for functionality. Even if you feel that you use an appropriate amount of energy for what you’re doing, the technology you use may be pulling excessive amounts of energy to meet your needs. For instance, energy-efficient light bulbs serve the same purpose as their incandescent counterpart, but reduce the energy you’re using by 25-80% and have a longer lifespan!
Using Energy in Moderation
The more moderately that you can use energy, in your household, workplace, or in transportation, the less energy you’ll be wasting. You can achieve a more efficient lifestyle by taking steps to make changes in your daily routine or by substituting wasteful items for more efficiently designed ones.
Mindful Practices
- Be responsible with your electronic devices and appliances by turning off items that aren’t in use, and even unplugging things like T.V.s to prevent idle power usage.
- Be aware of continuous internet connections - items that use the internet to help with functions may continue using power to maintain the connection, even while turned off.
- Monitor your habits with heating and cooling your home. These systems typically use more energy than other household appliances so making slight adjustments, such as keeping doors and windows shut and setting the temperature a few degrees higher or lower than you’d prefer, could save a huge amount of energy.
Substitutions
- Use energy-efficient items such as LED light bulbs, which light your home just as bright while using less power, and smart power strips, which prevent idle devices from continuing to drain power.
- Replace older, outdated appliances with more efficient models. Items such as refrigerators and laundry machines remain in use many years after their design standard has been updated.
- If you’re considering renovations or building projects, opt for energy-efficient windows, doors, and home insulation, to help maintain steady inside temperatures and refrain from using excessive energy for heating and cooling.
How Do Clean Energy Sources Make a Difference?
The majority of energy in the U.S is generated by fossil fuels which release pollution into the environment and contribute to climate change. Higher energy consumption creates a demand for more power which continues to put our environment at risk when we use traditional sources such as coal and natural gas. Power generated by renewable resources provides a clean alternative and reduces the threat of pollution.
Go Solar with YellowLite
Switching to an alternative energy source such as solar power allows you to generate energy without polluting the environment. Solar is a clean power source that can reduce your dependency on utility companies which typically generate electricity with fossil fuels. Offsetting your energy consumption with solar is even easier for energy-efficient households - which need even fewer solar panels than a high-consumption home. Choose a better energy source for yourself and for the environment.
Learn more about installing a solar energy system for your home by reaching out to a YellowLite solar expert!
Call us at 216-333-1364
Email us on https://www.yellowlite.com/contact-us/
