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Energy Conservation Tips for Honolulu Part 2 of 2

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Best Homes Hawaii RB-13537

Energy Conservation Tips for Honolulu Part 2 of 2

 SAVING ELECTRICITY

 

Lighting

1.     Keep Fixtures Clean!  You can get better lighting and use LESS electricity.  Dirt can absorb as much as half of the light given off by fixtures, tubes and bulbs.  Its a good idea to make sure those bulbs are clean too!

 

2.    Use Compact Flourescent Light Bulbs or more efficient types where possible, such as LEDs. 

a.    These bulbs are rated at less "wattages" and use less energy, but provide the same amount of light as you're presently getting with a standard bulb. Use light bulbs that produce the most light using the least amount of electricity.  Energy-efficient bulbs, such as compact fluorescent bulbs, use 75% less energy than typical incandescent bulbs.  An added bonus: LESS HEAT in your home on those hot summer days and it saves your air conditioner from working hard.

 

3.     Turn the Lights Off! 

 

a.     Don't just leave the lights on.  Lighting controls provide security lighting when you are not home - with clock timers you can turn lights in your home on and off automatically at preset times.  Timers, motion sensors and photo sensors are all ways to save electricity use. The "occupancy sensors" in rooms can automatically turn lights off when the room is unoccupied.

 

4.     Dryer

 

  1. Keep the lint filter clean.  Check it before every load.
  2. When your clothes are about 75 to 90% dry, remove shirts, dresses, pants and place on a hanger.  They can finish drying on the hanger within an hour or so.  Many permanent press clothes, you will have little or no ironing since most of the wrinkles will be out.  You can save a LOT of energy here.  Over drying can cause shrinkage and excessive wrinkling.
  3. Don't overload your clothes dryer.  An over loaded dryer and a dirty filter reduces airflow and makes the dryer work harder.  Dry loads consecutively in order to take advantage of heat build-up from previous wash loads.  If possible, hang damp clothes on a line.
  4. Check the exhaust ductwork or vent regularly to make certain there are no obstructions to slow down the rate of air flow.

 

Washer

  1. Use a COLD water rinse for every wash load.  This is just as effective in cleaning.
  2. If clothes are not HEAVILY soiled, use warm wash rather than hot.
  3. Pre treat heavily stained or soiled areas.  Because standards vary, some will be satisfied with lower wash temperatures while others may not.
  4. Sort clothes according to color, use, fabric, surface texture, construction and degree of soil.
  5. Do NOT mix loads just to make a full one.  If there’s not enough then adjust water levels.
  6. Do NOT overload the tub, in order to conserve water. 

 

Dishwashers

  1. Wash FULL loads.
  2. A dishwasher should be insulated in order to reduce noise and keeps heat loss at a minimum.
  3. Do NOT pre rinse.  Simply scrape off food particles and bones.  Let the appliance do the job and save the time and the hot water.
  4. Use Energy Saver Cycles if available.  Dishes that are allowed to air dry are just as nice as those power dried.
  5.  Air Conditioning
  6. Keep the outside of air-conditioning units free from leaves and other debris that can clog 
  7. Vents.  Keep cooling systems well tuned with periodic maintenance by service professionals.  Set the air conditioner thermostat as high as possible -- 78 degrees is often considered a comfortable indoor temperature and can result in big savings.  Close off unoccupied areas and shut their air-conditioning vents; also, turn off the air conditioner when the area is not being used.  Turn off lights, equipment or appliances in any room not being used.  Keep out the daytime sun with vertical louvers or awnings on the outside of windows.  Indoors draw draperies, blinds and shades.
  8. According to manufacturers instructions, remove and clean the filter or replace it.

Stove/Range/Cooking

26. Keep reflective drip pans clean, so that they will reflect heat better, reduce cooking time and reduce electricity use.

 

27. Use covered, flat bottom pans that match the size of the surface heating elements.  Use small amounts of water when cooking vegetables.  Consider using a pressure cooker.

 

28. Turn off the surface element before cooking is compete and finish cooking on the retained heat.

 

29.                    Plumbing

  1. Don’t let the water run while shaving or washing dishes.
  2. Repair those dripping faucets immediately.

 

  1. Tips for business items include:

 

  1. Set facsimile machines (FAX) and printers for sleep mode when not in use.  Also, network one printer for several users.
  2. Make sure the power management feature is enabled on computers and set to the shortest acceptable time for your operation.  Also, use laptops.
  3. Computers - contrary to what advisors say, it is best to turn off the computer at night or when not in use more than 4 hours.  Turn off the screen, computer and printer.
  4. Turn off copiers at night and during the weekends.

 

 

CONTACT Bruce W. Bruce and Vanessa at LegoLandHicks at BESTHOMESHAWAII


The information below shows a typical energy guide of use by a family of four, in Hawaii, indicating where YOUR dollars go. Your Usage may differdepending on household activities, type, number and age of your appliances.

 

40% Water Heater

15%  Fridge/Freezer
12% Air Conditioner
08% Clothes Dryer
08% Cooking
08% Lighting
05% Miscl
03% Dishwasher
01% Clothes Washer

 

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