GUAM’S Energy Action Month is the perfect time to focus on energy-savings ideas and tips that a homeowner can use daily.
Lighting is the fastest and easiest way to save on your energy bills. If you're the last person to leave the room, make sure you turn the lights off. Install dimmer switches to monitor the amount of light needed. Install timers or motion sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights remain on.
Replace your light bulbs with LED bulbs. Studies show that changing one light bulb to a LED bulb will save you about $35 a year and provide you with 60,000 hours of usage.
Installing ceiling fans keep air circulating which means your air-conditioner does not work as hard.
Hanging clothes outside to dry as an alternative to running the dryer.
Insulating your home
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss or heat gain. It is cost-effective and makes your home more energy-efficient, saving up to 40 percent in cooling bills. In addition, insulation reduces condensation and provides health benefits by reducing mold and dampness.
Air-conditioners
Air-conditioners can account for more than half your energy bill. Make sure your systems are running at their highest efficiency by having regular cleanings and maintenance performed.
Changing the filters in your air conditioner keeps the air flowing and clean, which is good for the lungs and will help maintain peak performance.
Consider raising the temperature on your air-conditioner when you are at work. This will reduce the amount of times your air conditioner’s compressor comes on. Programmable house thermostats or timers for your window units allow you to control the air conditioners when you are not home. Raising the temperature on your air-conditioner can save you about $100 a year.
Size matters. If the unit is too small, it will not cool a room. If a unit is too large you may experience uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. Either way will result in reduced efficiency and higher electric bills. You also run the risk of excessive wear and tear on your air-conditioner, causing you to replace the unit much sooner than expected.
Roof coating
Reflective roof coating can help reflect more sunlight from the surface of your roof, thus reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the structure.
Coating your roof can make a huge difference, saving you money on your energy costs and usage. It will make your indoor temperature more comfortable. Coating your roof also protects your roof from the elements therefore prolonging the life of the roof and roofing material.
The benefits will vary depending on the shape and size of your home, the coating you choose, how energy-efficient your home is, and how often you use your air-conditioners. Living in the tropics like we do where we experience warm temperatures and sunny days almost all year round can save you up to 70 percent in energy savings.
Landscaping
Landscaping with shade trees and shrubs can help reduce the direct heat on your house lowering your air-conditioning costs.
There are many ways to cut your energy usage, some more expensive than others. No matter how big or inexpensive your actions are, in the end, your wallet will be grateful and so will the Earth. So go ahead, Guam. Start taking action.
Lighting is the fastest and easiest way to save on your energy bills. If you're the last person to leave the room, make sure you turn the lights off. Install dimmer switches to monitor the amount of light needed. Install timers or motion sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights remain on.
Replace your light bulbs with LED bulbs. Studies show that changing one light bulb to a LED bulb will save you about $35 a year and provide you with 60,000 hours of usage.
Installing ceiling fans keep air circulating which means your air-conditioner does not work as hard.
Hanging clothes outside to dry as an alternative to running the dryer.
Insulating your home
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss or heat gain. It is cost-effective and makes your home more energy-efficient, saving up to 40 percent in cooling bills. In addition, insulation reduces condensation and provides health benefits by reducing mold and dampness.
Air-conditioners
Air-conditioners can account for more than half your energy bill. Make sure your systems are running at their highest efficiency by having regular cleanings and maintenance performed.
Changing the filters in your air conditioner keeps the air flowing and clean, which is good for the lungs and will help maintain peak performance.
Consider raising the temperature on your air-conditioner when you are at work. This will reduce the amount of times your air conditioner’s compressor comes on. Programmable house thermostats or timers for your window units allow you to control the air conditioners when you are not home. Raising the temperature on your air-conditioner can save you about $100 a year.
Size matters. If the unit is too small, it will not cool a room. If a unit is too large you may experience uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. Either way will result in reduced efficiency and higher electric bills. You also run the risk of excessive wear and tear on your air-conditioner, causing you to replace the unit much sooner than expected.
Roof coating
Reflective roof coating can help reflect more sunlight from the surface of your roof, thus reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the structure.
Coating your roof can make a huge difference, saving you money on your energy costs and usage. It will make your indoor temperature more comfortable. Coating your roof also protects your roof from the elements therefore prolonging the life of the roof and roofing material.
The benefits will vary depending on the shape and size of your home, the coating you choose, how energy-efficient your home is, and how often you use your air-conditioners. Living in the tropics like we do where we experience warm temperatures and sunny days almost all year round can save you up to 70 percent in energy savings.
Landscaping
Landscaping with shade trees and shrubs can help reduce the direct heat on your house lowering your air-conditioning costs.
There are many ways to cut your energy usage, some more expensive than others. No matter how big or inexpensive your actions are, in the end, your wallet will be grateful and so will the Earth. So go ahead, Guam. Start taking action.
Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at inf[at]@micronesiarenewableenergy.com
For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/.