The Importance of Energy Conservation

Energy comes in many forms, such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, electrical energy, and so on. It is safe to say that we cannot imagine our daily routine without energy. Energy conservation refers to the practice of reducing the amount of energy we use.

 

1. Importance and Benefits of Energy Conservation

Energy conservation plays a big role in dealing with climate change as it refers to the reduction or removal of unnecessary or unwanted energy use. It focuses on renewable sources that cannot get depleted along with reducing the damage such as pollution caused by exploitation of non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels.

 

One of the ways to attain energy conservation is through efficient energy-use. Energy efficient devices and households are designed to achieve the same, if not an even better, outcome while using less energy. This kind of living results does not only benefit the planet, it also can also have many benefits for you personally.

 

Lower monthly expenses

The equation is simple. A lowered energy output equates to lower Vectren utility costs and we all know too well that utility bill is probably the highest of all your monthly bills.

 

Improved health

If conserving energy is not on your to-do list, you are doing much more damage than contributing to global warming. That same global warming can contribute to more deadly diseases being spread across the globe with heat waves increasing the temperature of waters that threatens wildlife while also increasing the odds of hurricanes. If you don’t mind using fossil fuels, are you aware that burned coal releases sulfur dioxide into the air and forms acid rain that kills fish and trees, along with statues and other ‘valuable’ possessions. You’ve surely heard that Greenhouse gasses damage the Ozone layer but did you know that this prevents it from protecting us from DNA damage and skin cancer?

 

2. Energy Conservation Tricks and Tips

On a brighter note, every unit of kilowatt of electricity preserved diminishes the harming environmental impact of energy use. Improving your household habits is the best place to start and there are so many ways to do it.

 

- Wash clothes in cold water (eco-mode) and only in full loads. The cleaning detergent has what it takes to do the job on its own.

- Air-dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.

- Turn off lights when you leave the room.

- Unplug devices when they are not in use to prevent ‘phantom loads’.

- Recycle anything that can be recycled such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans and newspaper as you will save both energy and the material for making those products.

- Decrease your thermostat when you go to bed and get warm under the covers.

 

The second thing you can do is invest in energy-efficient upgrades that will pay off themselves over the long-run, both in terms of lowered utility bills as well as longer lifespans and less repairs.

 

- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED ones that can use up to 80% less electricity while lasting 25x longer.

- Use smart-power strips that will ensure no energy will be wasted when your devices are not in use.

- When buying any device, look at the Energy-Star label that will provide you with the performance you desire while using only a fraction of energy compared to a conventional one.

- Installing a smart or programmable thermostat can save you about $180 per year. You get to eliminate wasteful energy use from heating and cooling without upgrading your HVAC system. They can also remind you when to change your HVAC filters which will ensure your HVAC runs efficiently.

- Insulate your home and make sure there are no air leaks. Fix cracks and openings with caulk. If you can, invest in double-pane windows that will prevent heat loss.

 

 

  

Takeaway

By conserving energy, you get to be healthier, save money, increase your property value, and protect the environment. Conserving energy means you are kind to the environment, to your community and to the planet that has been such a good home to all of us. Every little step counts, so make sure you are headed in the right direction.