From Guest Blogger Tanya Mayer: Tips For Superior Energy Efficiency At Home

According to several predictions, there will be a rise in the consumption of global energy by almost 48 percent by the year of 2040. Renewable energy now contributes to almost 19.1% of the total consumption of energy around the globe. There will be a rise in that figure. In spite of the continuous progress, more than 70% of the energy consumption across the globe is dependent on different finite resources such as gas, oil. With the depletion of these resources, the rates will continue rising. Hence, it has become crucial to saving energy at your home.

Here is a look at few of the tips for energy efficiency at your home in an effective manner

Space heating

Space heating contributes to being the single highest energy price at home. There are several ways of achieving this. One of the easiest options is the installation and usage of the programmable thermostat which can be set for operation of the furniture at certain times.

Buying a furnace

If you think you require installing a new heating system at home, you should go for a furnace of the correct size. Choose a product that comes with a fan that is controlled by VSM or variable speed motor. The speed of the motor is controlled in a precise manner with the aid of electronics for maintaining the efficiency at certain speed. Standard fan motors, utilize additional power as compared to VSMs as they operate at high speed. This results in a lot of wasted energy.

Maintenance of furnace

Make sure that the heating system supply is not blocking, resulting in the effective functioning of the furnace.
Get the oil furnace services at least once every year.
Make sure to keep a monthly check on the furnace filters during the heating season and changed as they appear dirty.
Take a look at the EnerGuide label while purchasing a new heating system.
Seek a recommendation from professional energy valuables for retrofitting your apartment for improved energy efficiency.

Creating envelopes

Here are some simple ways of making your apartment energy efficient

Install storm window or plastic film on single and double pane windows for keeping you warm in winter.
Utilizing weather-stripping and caulking for sealing cracks around the windows, doors, plumbing stacks, and different vent openings.
Installation of foam gaskets behind different cover plates of light switches as well as electrical outlets, on the outside of walls.
While upgrading the windows, select most energy effective units. Installation of energy star qualified windows can aid in the reduction of energy by almost 12 percent.
You should make sure to seal the area around the door in a proper way with an eye to avoiding the drafts. Garage doors should be insulated in a proper manner, especially if the garages are connected to the house or those which are used for different purposes frequently.

Kitchen appliances

In order to save energy, it is recommended to utilize the kitchen appliances with energy star label. They are recognized to be highly energy efficient and is beneficial in saving an ample amount of money on the energy bill. For instance, the new energy star labeled refrigerator will make use of half the electricity as compared to the standardized refrigerator of 10 years old.

Reduction in the length of time and number of times when the fridge door is opened.
Keeping the freezer or fridge well ventilated and clean.
Never force the freezer or fridge to work in a hard way than required. Make sure to keep the same away from the heat sources like a heating vent, radiator, washer, heating vent, furnace or dryer.
Setting the freezer and refrigerator with recommended temperature. You can make use of thermometers for checking temperature and adjustment of settings, as required.
Make sure to keep the pre-heating of the oven to a minimum.
Say no to the beer fridge.
Make sure that the appliance doors are sealed in a proper manner and clean.
Run dishwasher with the complete load of the dishes.

Lightning

You can save energy at home by replacing the incandescent light bulbs with the aid of CFLs of energy star label. CFLs make use of 75% less energy as compared to incandescent light bulbs.
Make use of lighting controls for the reduction of lighting electricity usage. It is recommended to use dimmers along with incandescent light bulbs for saving the bulb life and saving electricity.
Qualified CFLs are considered to be ideal for different places where light is required for hard to reach places and extended hours as they do not require replacement as often.
Replacing the conventional holiday lights with the aid of LED or light emitting diode strings.
You can use Motion sensors and occupancy with CFL light bulbs for turning the lights in an automated manner.
In addition to this, there are a plethora of tips you can opt for in order to enhance the energy efficient at home.