Repsol YPF

Energy provides well-being and economic development. Nevertheless, it is necessary to reduce emissions and energy saving is one of the objectives. Furthermore, achieving this need not negatively affect comfort or everyday activities. Each home just needs to define its own energy saving strategies. It is not difficult to do this. However, in order to turn theory into practice with good results we first have to understand a few things. 

Basic aspects

Firstly, energy efficiency is a reduction of energy consumption whilst maintaining the same services. In other words, as has already been mentioned, without reducing our comfort or quality of life. 

Buildings consume around 40% of energy, and their saving potential exceeds 20%. As such, living in a house which is able to save energy passively is key when trying to reduce consumption. The optimum output of heating systems and efficiency of lighting are two key areas. Temperature regulation and control mechanisms, presence detectors and timers are devices which will help you to ensure their efficiency. You should not forget the periodic heating system and boiler services either. You can save up to 20% with good system maintenance. The ideal temperature in order to avoid being cold is 20ºC and for each additional degree you will consume up to 5% more energy.

External blinds prevent energy losses, as do double or triple-glazed windows. During the daytime, it is better to have the blinds up in order to make the most of the heat of the sun. Take into account that if you paint rooms in light colours, since they are brighter, they will require less artificial light. Fluorescent tubes consume a quarter of the energy of incandescent light bulbs and last longer, although it is true that when you switch them on they consume more energy than any other light bulb. As such, it is better to leave them on if you are not going to leave the room for any more than twenty minutes. Furthermore, you should only place powerful light fittings where you need precise light on a specific object. Low-energy light bulbs consume between 60% and 80% less than halogen light bulbs.

Little details add up

Once the household’s energy efficiency priorities are clear, you must pay attention to the little details. Added together they represent a large energy saving. As such, for example, in winter, it is enough to air the property for ten minutes. 

The fridge is the electrical appliance that consumes the most. If it is time to buy a new one, as with all other appliances, we recommend that you buy a model bearing the energy label A, which are those which make the best use of energy. Another simple recommendation is to allow food to cool down before placing it in the freezer, and to open the door as little as possible. The frost should never exceed half a centimetre.

Another of the appliances that consumes a lot of energy is the iron. As such, it is sensible to iron as many clothes as possible in a single ironing session. The television also consumes a lot of energy. You should try to switch it off when no one is watching it, switch it off completely, as with any other electrical appliance, and not leave it in standby mode if you are not going to switch it on for several hours.

The most efficient way of using the washing machine is to set it at the lowest possible temperature, given that 90% of the energy it consumes is used to heat the water. Needless to say it is much more efficient to fill it to capacity. Where the spin is concerned, the higher speed is more efficient as it reduces the drying time and consumes practically the same.

Not all cooking equipment use the heat in the same way. The most efficient are frying pans and saucepans with a wide base, as well as pressure cookers, which save cooking time and, as such, energy. Another tip is to turn off the hob a few minutes before cooking is complete in order to use the residual heat.

It is also advisable to turn off the computer when you are not going to use it for more than an hour and that you bear in mind that “blank screen” mode consumes a lot less than other screensavers. There are many other small gestures besides which lead to energy saving and the correct maintenance of appliances. Follow the rules for use detailed in the instructions; they are useful, both for energy saving and security.

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