Technological advancements to simplify or even replace human labor and foster industrial growth have been on the rise. The result has been an increase in power consumption. Machines used to make work easier at home or in the workplace are now accompanied by high power requirements and; and therefore, power bills. Power should be used efficiently to avoid depleting energy sources, such as coal, and to protect the environment from harmful emissions from power plants.
Alternative sources of power
There are alternative sources of power that have lower emissions, lower fuel costs, and reduced pollution. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, and biomass energy. There are companies in Salt Lake City that install solar panels in both residential and commercial buildings as alternative sources of electricity. Besides generating electricity, solar energy can be used to heat water. Solar water heaters use the sun to heat water that is then channelled into taps or showerheads. They are easy to install and cheaper than using gas or electricity to heat your water.
The costs of installation for renewable energy sources are outweighed by the money saved on energy bills. Besides, maintenance requirements of renewable energy sources are low, which translate to low operational costs. Renewable energy technologies use resources from the environment, such as wind, sunshine, and tides, which are always available. During the combustion process, fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases that pollute the environment and cause respiratory problems.
However, renewable energy sources emit little to no greenhouse gases into the air. They are environmentally friendly. The more a country produces energy locally using renewable energy technologies, the lower it relies on imported energy, making it self-reliant.
Using energy-efficient appliances
Replacing outdated appliances is worth the investment. Old appliance models are less efficient than modern ones. Buying smart, energy-efficient models saves energy and money. For instance, a front-loader washing machine is more energy-efficient than a top-loader. Using ceiling fans to cool down a room during summer instead of air conditioning saves energy. Ceiling fans are not only cheaper to buy but also consume less energy than air conditioners to achieve a similar cooling effect. Besides, the fans should be well maintained to avoid clogging.
Clogged fans consume more energy. Cleaning your fan’s filters and lubrication can be done to ensure that they are energy-efficient. Moreover, replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs saves more energy. LED bulbs require less wattage than incandescent bulbs and are, therefore, more energy-efficient. Besides, they last longer, which also helps in cutting costs.
Daily habits and routines
Changing your habits will help you cut down on energy consumption. Turning off your appliances when not in use will ensure that they do not draw more power. Unplugging your appliances helps save energy. Plugged in chargers and cables draw energy even when a device is turned off or disconnected, leading to energy wastage.
Switching off lights that are not in use or when one leaves a room is important. Besides, drawing curtains on a sunny day allows sun rays into a room, eliminating the need to switch on the lights. Behavioral changes go a long way in saving energy.
Saving energy ultimately helps in saving a country’s resources. Encouraging the use of alternative energy sources ensures that idle natural resources are used and non-renewable resources are not depleted.
