Energy Saving Guide

1. Identify Your Biggest Energy Consumers

2. Heating and Cooling Efficiency

• Set optimal temperatures

  Keep cooling at 26-28°C (78-82°F) in summer and heating at 18-20°C (64-68°F) in winter. Each degree adjustment saves 6-10% on HVAC energy

• Use fans alongside air conditioning

  A fan uses only 5% of the energy of an AC unit. Using both lets you raise the AC temperature by 2-3°C without losing comfort

• Clean filters regularly

  Clean or replace HVAC filters every two weeks. Dirty filters reduce efficiency by 15-20%

• Use timer and sleep functions

  Set a timer to turn off the AC before bedtime, or use sleep mode to gradually adjust temperature overnight

• Reduce indoor heat sources

  Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight and reduce cooling load

• Seal doors and windows

  Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed when running HVAC to prevent conditioned air from escaping

3. Lighting Efficiency

• Switch to LED bulbs

  LED bulbs use about 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 15,000 to 50,000 hours

• Maximize natural light

  During the day, rely on sunlight as much as possible. Use light-colored curtains to enhance indoor brightness

• Use zone lighting

  When full-room lighting is not needed, use task lamps or under-cabinet lights instead of ceiling fixtures

• Install motion sensors

  For hallways, staircases, and bathrooms, motion-activated lights ensure they are on only when needed

• Choose appropriate brightness

  Brighter is not always better. Use lower-brightness bulbs in bedrooms, hallways, and ambient areas

4. Energy-Smart Appliance Habits

• Refrigerator best practices

  Keep it 70% full for optimal efficiency. Avoid frequent door opening, let hot food cool before refrigerating, and leave space behind for ventilation

• Run full laundry loads

  Wait until you have a full load before washing. Use cold water when possible and take advantage of quick-wash cycles

• Minimize dryer use

  Air-dry clothes when weather permits. If using a dryer, spin-dry clothes thoroughly first to reduce drying time by 30%

• Computer and screen management

  Set short auto-sleep timers, shut down fully when not in use, and reduce screen brightness

• Eliminate phantom loads

  Use power strips with switches to cut power to standby devices with a single click when leaving home

• Water heater scheduling

  Set a timer so the water heater runs only when needed. Insulate hot water pipes to minimize heat loss

5. Home Insulation and Ventilation

• Window insulation

  Install double-glazed windows or apply insulating film to reduce heat transfer by 30-50%

• External shading

  Install awnings, exterior blinds, or grow climbing plants to block direct sunlight before it reaches the glass

• Roof insulation

  For top-floor units, add insulation material or reflective coating on the roof to significantly lower indoor temperatures

• Seal gaps and drafts

  Inspect doors and windows for air leaks. Apply weatherstripping or caulk to prevent conditioned air from escaping

• Natural ventilation

  Open windows on opposite sides of the home to create cross-ventilation, allowing natural airflow to cool the space

6. Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Understand energy labels

  Look for energy efficiency ratings when shopping. The highest-rated models typically consume 40-60% less power than the lowest-rated ones

• Choose inverter technology

  Inverter air conditioners and refrigerators adjust compressor speed based on demand, saving 20-40% compared to fixed-speed models

• Right-size your appliances

  Choose appliances that match your actual needs. Oversized appliances waste both energy and space

• Consider total cost of ownership

  Purchase price + electricity + maintenance = true cost. Energy-efficient models have a higher upfront cost but lower lifetime expenses

• Smart appliances

  Wi-Fi-enabled smart appliances allow remote control and usage monitoring, helping you optimize energy consumption patterns