Efficiency in water and energy consumption is required. On the one hand, it is urgent to consume less water because of the drought. On the other hand, it is essential to learn how to consume energy correctly in order to cope with increases in energy prices. Furthermore, climate change tends to increase dry years and geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, and energy. In this article, we leave you some tips to be able to save the planet and your wallet.
Energy: what does energy efficiency mean?
The concept of energy efficiency emerged from the need for sustainable use of energy resources. Energy efficiency refers to performing the same or more intensive work with less energy use than expected. That is, fewer energy resources are consumed to supply the operation of a particular appliance. Or even a house. advantages, stand out:Savings on electricity bills (good for the wallet);Reduction in the use of non-renewable energy sources, such as oil and natural gas.Reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.
What to do to improve energy consumption efficiency?
There are some tasks, some easier, some more complicated that you can do to improve the way you spend energy. These can range from purchasing products that already use less energy, to recovering heat or using solar energy.a. Here are some ideas:Installation of solar panels and production of own energy from the sun;Acquisition of equipment according to the energy label;Tuning the firing parameters of the heat generators; Isolation of dwellings through the installation of double-glazed windows; use of fuel or heat sources residuals; Correct sizing of energy installations; Installation of stoves;Optimization and control of lighting;Better use of conditions natural lighting.Also read: Changing windows is the most effective energy saving solution
What is the energy label?
THE label or energy label is on the labels of home appliances and other energy-consuming appliances. The goal is to help you buy products that consume less energy, that is, that are more energy efficient. In addition, this label contains precise information on the energy consumption of the products. The added value? Being able to compare similar products and make a thoughtful choice. In other words, buy the product that meets your needs, that friendlier to the environment and also to your wallet. Even though the purchase price may be higher, the energy savings can mean less financial effort with its use.This label is valid throughout the European Union and don’t need translations. It is based on pictograms and energy consumption values that make it possible to quantify energy performance and identify the type of product to which the label refers. In 2021, a new scale was introduced in these labels to classify energy efficiency. This new scale has 7 classes ranging from the letter A to the letter G. OA represents the first of the 7 classes and is the most efficient. Class G is and less efficient. This new classification replaced the previous scale that subdivided the A class into 4 categories (A, A+, A++ and A+++).
What are the energy efficiency targets?
THE energy efficiency is one of the major objectives of the European strategy to combat climate change, the Green New Deal. EU member countries have assumed a common goal: to reduce average annual energy consumption by 20%. Portugal is no exception to the rule and sets even more ambitious goals, setting a target of a 25% reduction in primary energy, as indicated in the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (PNAEE) The EU also established norms and rules in relation to efficiency energy for labeling and ecodesign of products, services and infrastructures. These measures aim to improve efficiency at all stages of the energy chain, from energy supply to energy use by consumers.
Water: management and efficient use
Have we ever thought about the amount of water we use every day and how vital it is in everything we do? According to Portal da Água, in Lisbon each person consumes, on average, 133 liters of water per day, which means more than 23 liters per person. This value is higher than what the United Nations calculates to be the amount of water that a human being needs to satisfy his basic daily needs, that is,110 liters.
Water efficiency labels
You water efficiency labels are here to help you make the best possible decision when buying new appliances. Similar to energy, there are also products that are more efficient in terms of water consumption than others. AND there is also a water efficiency label as is the case for energy efficiency. Product labeling systems and consumption indicators help to choose more efficient products and devices (eg showers and shower systems, kitchen and washbasin faucets, toilets). The water efficiency scale varies between A and E and a product is more efficient the closer it is to the letter A. Even with the letter A there are different efficiencies ranging from A to A+++ (the latter having practically no water waste). You More efficient home appliances can generate savings of up to 51%especially in the case of washing machines.
How to save water in practice?
When it’s about save water, we can all do better or even better. From choosing equipment and products with a good water efficiency rating to recycling water and changing behaviours. These behaviors can be as simple as turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or hands. Here are some suggestions.start by knowing how much do you spend and set an achievable goal. fix small goals and commit to them. You can start by changing behaviors like turn off the faucet or shower when you don’t need water, take shorter showers, opt for a shower instead of immersion baths. Detection and fixation of leaks in faucets, plumbing and equipment like the washing machine and dishwasher.Put it on the faucets devices to reduce the flow of water.A replacement of old toilets for newer and more efficient models you can reduce water per flush from five liters to just two liters. plants that don’t need a lot of water.Wastewater recovery to meet water needs that do not need to be potable, such as flush toilets. You can also use apps to save more water such as waterbeep.
A professional writer by day, a tech-nerd by night, with a love for all things money.