Energy Saving

More than ever people are looking into energy saving solutions. So, how to save energy?

The most common reason people begin looking into energy efficiency is simply to save money. Running the heating all winter will drive electricity bills sky high and there’s nothing worse than spending a giant chunk of your monthly wage on the utility bills. 

But it isn’t all about saving money, especially not in the modern age of clean living and a looming climate emergency.

The second reason to begin energy saving is to help the environment. Science today is continually stressing the importance of conserving energy for the sake of saving the planet. A green home, an energy saving home, is a home for the future.

Energy Efficiency

Many countries around the globe conserve energy half of the year because of their climate. Luckily, most countries in the northern hemisphere will not need to use heating during the summer months and are therefore naturally energy saving.

However, Japan is in a unique situation given that the Japanese may use more electricity in the summer.

Japanese summers are notoriously hot and sticky, and climate figures suggest summers are only going to get hotter. With the heat comes the need to turn on our air-cons, once again driving our electricity bills sky high and driving energy efficiency down.

We may need warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer, but there are many energy saving solutions to keep those electricity bills down!

Luckily, for you, we have compiled some great energy saving tips for your home. Follow these energy saving solutions and begin turning your home into a green, eco-friendly haven today!

Energy Saving Solution 1: Use Passive Energy

Passive energy is a term used to show how modern, eco-friendly houses both conserve and recycle energy.

Passive homes are proven to reduce energy consumption by 90% when compared with older model homes. So, how do they do it?

One energy saving solution is to use shades instead of curtains in the summer. Japan has been using traditional ‘sudare’ bamboo blinds for centuries, for good reason! If in doubt, always consider what tricks our ancestors used before electricity!

Unlike curtains, thickset, light-blocking blinds will keep your apartment cool in the summer, meaning you will not have to leave your aircon on all day. Treat cool air in the summer, as you would warm air in the winter: trap it inside!

Energy Saving Solution 2:  Conserve Heat

Another great energy saving tip for your home is to create smaller spaces. Shut yourself into the room where you spend most of your time. Heat only that room, and keep those doors and windows closed! Trap that warm air inside and conserve heat.

You can go the extra mile and attach rubber seals to your windows and doors. If you can feel a draft, then your energy will be going the same way as that draft. If you can stand it, turn off all extractor fans – those will be taking out warm air in the winter and cold air in the summer.

And remember – you don’t need the house to be piping hot, or ice cool, while you sleep. When

you’re in bed turn the heating down, the bed will keep you warm through the night.

Energy Saving Solution 3:  Use Energy-Conscious Appliances    

Using energy saving appliances is a great and effortless way to begin reducing your energy bills. Luckily, most products designed today are created with energy efficiency in mind, meaning that newer products will nearly always use less power than older products.

It may be time to get rid of your old appliances. You may be thinking: ‘buying new appliances will only cost me money.’

However, the savings you will accumulate from energy-efficient appliances compared to the energy wasted on older appliances will soon make them valuable investments. This energy saving solution will keep your utility bills down for years to come.

When shopping for new appliances, look for the sign 省エネ” (sho-ene). This means that they are designed to be energy efficient.

Energy Saving Solution 4: LED Light Bulbs

Energy saving light bulbs have been around for decades now, but millions of people still opt to use less energy-efficient variants. LED eco-friendly bulbs have been proven to use up to 85% less energy than traditional bulbs, at this point you are throwing your money away if you are not using energy saving lightbulbs.

You could also use energy saving switches such as dimmers to save on electricity. This helps you control you light output allowing great energy savings.

Energy Saving Solution 5:  Wash Your Laundry with Cold Water

We have long gotten used to the luxury of washing our clothes in hot water. However, not only is the practice needless, the hot water uses much more energy than cold water.

Heating water is not a cost-efficient process, especially when it comes to washing clothes. It is fine to wash your clothes with cold water – you may find certain softer clothes made of wool and cotton prefer being washed in colder water.    

Energy Saving Solution 6: Insulation

Using insulation around your home will help with keeping heat energy contained inside. This is especially useful during the colder months because it helps to reduce dependence on a separate electronic heating element such as a heater.

Some examples of heating include sealing windows, hanging tapestries, rugs, etc. As a bonus, using insulation objects in your home can also help to absorb sound!

We hope you use these great energy saving tips for your home. Not only will you save money, but also you will be helping the planet in the process.

A green home is the home of the future!