Tips for saving energy

The appliances that use the most energy, everything you need to know

Energy experts have warned that we will have a difficult winter ahead in terms of energy. It is expected that there will be an increase in prices, not only in Albania, but also in many European countries they are preparing their packages on how to save electricity. If we manage to manage electricity properly, we will have an easier time facing the crisis with less costs and restrictions. As you know, Albania has energy from water from TECs and if citizens will save electricity, they will have less costs and restrictions.

But first you need to know and be informed about which of your household appliances require the most electricity.

1. Heating and cooling: 45-50% The biggest consumer of electricity in an average household is your heating and cooling equipment. Air conditioners and central heaters use a lot of energy to keep your home at the right temperature. Although it depends on which one you use more (heating or cooling), heating generally uses the most electricity throughout the year, accounting for 25+% of annual electricity use.

2. Water heater: 12% If you have an electric water heater, then it is likely the second largest consumer of energy in your home. You use your water heater for things like showering, washing dishes, using the sink, and doing laundry. All of these activities add up to make the water heater a pretty significant energy sink every month.

3. Lighting: 9-12% Light bulbs have become much more energy efficient over the years. Today, the best lighting technology on the market, LEDs, use significantly less energy than their predecessors (CFLs and incandescent bulbs) and also last much longer, which reduces waste. Not to mention they cost less. However, lighting accounts for a significant portion of electricity use each month due to the amount of usage.

4. Refrigerator: 8% Although your refrigerator doesn’t actually require that much energy to run every hour, it consumes a lot of electricity simply because it’s always on.

5. Washers and dryers: 5% The monthly energy use of your washers and dryers depends on how often you wash, of course. But when you work with washers and dryers, they tend to absorb a lot of electricity, especially if you use the washer with hot water. On average, washing clothes accounts for about 5% of annual electricity use.

6. Electric oven: 3% Cooking is energy intensive, especially if you have an electric oven and a hotplate. Electric furnaces are generally responsible for about 3% of monthly electricity use.

7. Dishwasher: 2% Your dishwasher requires a relatively low amount of electricity. In general, it accounts for about 2% of your total monthly usage.

8. TV and Cable: 2% TV and cable boxes are extremely energy efficient today. The problem is that they often work even when you don’t use them. Those standby hours can increase your electricity consumption slightly and as a result, the TV and cable box consume about 2% of your total monthly electricity. But the researchers also show that there are some effective strategies that will help them save energy, starting from buying appliances to solar panels.

How to save on electricity costs?

There are many strategies that help you save on electricity costs. You can try reducing the use of your biggest energy users, such as AC and heating equipment. Or you can install new, more energy-efficient appliances that will save you money in the long run. But the researchers also show that there are some effective strategies that will help them save energy, starting from buying appliances to solar panels.

1. Install smart devices

Smart appliances will monitor your electricity usage and automatically turn off appliances when not in use. They can help you cut your electricity usage by a ton! If you’re trying to save on electricity costs but don’t have time to plug and unplug your appliances, look into investing in some smart plugs and devices (like thermostats) that will automatically monitor your usage for you.

2- Use built-in timers and power saving capabilities

Appliances like computers, TVs, ACs and heaters have built-in timers and other energy-saving features. Make sure you are taking advantage of these as they can really help you reduce your costs. For example, when it comes to heating and cooling your home, make sure you’re only running your system when you’re home. And if you’re one of those people who falls asleep watching TV, you can simply set a time when you want your TV to turn off without having to worry about it staying on all the time. You can also try switching your TV and computer to power-saving mode at night when you don’t need the backlight to be as bright.

3- Use your main equipment during periods of low demand

Another good tip to help you save energy is to use appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines during periods of low electricity demand. Electricity does not always cost the same, its price fluctuates depending on the demand for electricity at a given time. Usually, the price of electricity is highest in the middle of the evening, when everyone is at home, using their lights, cooking dinner, watching TV, etc. A strategy to save is to anticipate these rate increases and wait until late at night or even plan to do your dishes or laundry during the day.

4- Take advantage of clean energy alternatives

Clean energy is becoming more widespread and cheaper. For example, if you have a suitable roof, you may be eligible to install solar panels. In this way, you will be able to reduce your electricity costs.