Lifestyle habits to have for energy saving at home:

1. Placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary because the thermostat senses heat from the appliances. Set them apart and save energy.

2. Lighting makes up 15-20 percent of home energy costs. Save up to 75 percent of that energy by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. They also last longer, saving money on replacements.

• Switch lighting on only when you need it
• Use natural daylight whenever possible
• Place your lighting carefully where you need it
• Use dimmers where possible (except fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs)
• Use non-opaque, light colored lamp shades
• Keep light fixtures and lamps clean to maximize their efficiency.

3. Running your air conditioning 25°C instead of 22°C can save between 6 and 18 percent on your cooling bill. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be, so set your thermostat as high as possible during the summer months.

Air conditioning is another major form of energy consumption in your home, but there are ways in which you can use it more wisely.

• When buying an air conditioner, check its Energy Efficiency Ratio, with lower numbers denoting better efficiency.
• Avoid installing air-conditioners where they will be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Close off areas that do not require air-conditioning, and turn air-conditioners off in unoccupied rooms.
• Keep windows closed and locked and doors shut when the air-conditioner is running.
• Place weather strips on doors and windows to prevent the leakage of cool air.
• Clean or replace the filters in all air-conditioners at the beginning of summer, and clean them every two weeks from then on.
• Set the temperature to an energy-efficient level so that you will feel comfortable rather than cold.
• Use fans instead of air-conditioning whenever possible.

4. Well-planned landscaping isn’t just for aesthetics – properly placed trees around your rooftop, balcony or outdoor space can drastically bring down the temperature. Top that up with large umbrellas for extra shading in the summer.

5. On average, households lose about 20 percent of their heated and cooled air through the duct system to the outside. To avoid wasting energy, have your ducts inspected to ensure they’re sealer properly and insulated if necessary.

6. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat settling about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. Just make sure to turn it off when you leave the room (fans cool people, not rooms.)

7. Heating water can account to 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (48°C) and save energy (and avoid a surprise faucet-scalding). Also, don’t forget to turn off the water heater after each use. A solar water heater and heat pump can help save up to 87% of your water heating bill.

8. Leaving a computer or any other standby device on all day increases energy bills unnecessarily. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use – when renovating install a switch that ables to turn everything off.

9. Programmable thermostats can save up to $150 a year on energy costs when used properly. Use one that can automatically turn off your cooling system when you are not home, and turn your system on in time for you to arrive home to a cooled house.

Devices are even available to control your air conditioners from your smart phone. See more here

Cooking 

When cooking and heating water with gas, there are a few simple tips that can help you save energy.

• Choose a cooker or oven of a suitable size for your family needs
• A multi-jet cooker or oven offers you more flexibility, and can minimize wastage.
• Always put the lids on pans to trap heat.
• Check your oven door seal for heat leakage and replace it if necessary.

Water Heating 

• If you take a shower instead of bath, you will save about 50 percent in heating costs.
• A low-flow shower head also saves water and heating energy.
• Only use hot water when necessary.
• When not using your water heater, switch off the pilot light.
• Have your water heater inspected from time to time as recommended on the unit’s label to ensure its efficiency and safety.

Water Use and Energy Savings

• You can also reduce energy use in other ways when using water. Just remember that energy is used to transport, store and treat all water in Hong Kong. 

Source 1  &  Source 2

For more information, feel free to contact Liquid Interiors, your healthy and eco conscious interior design consultants.