Commit to switching off devices
One of the quickest ways to reduce your carbon emissions and your electricity bill is to turn off all devices. Did you know that 10-15% of the electricity consumed at home is used by appliances in standby mode? (TV, radio, computers, microwaves, dishwasher…) If not in use, switch off the electronics in your house, by unplugging them or by turning off at the wall. You will make some good savings! Easy!
It is all about changing our habits. We need to get into the habit of turning off lights as we move from one room to another.
For outdoor security lights, a motion sensor can lead to very large savings, as your light will just be on for a moment or two for a passing cat or dodgy character, instead of staying on all night long.
Which is better between LED bulbs or regular (incandescent) bulbs?
LED bulbs are initially more expensive to buy but do not waste energy. No heat is emitted, whereas a classic lightbulb will release 90% of its energy as heat. An LED bulb will also last between 12 and 25 times more than a classic incandescent bulb.
The price of the bulb is quickly compensated by the savings you can make in electricity. In a year a regular bulb will cost you 7 times more in electricity and then you will have to replace them much more frequently.
Because the LED bulb requires less energy and has a longer life span, it generates much less CO2 emissions! An LED bulb will generate in average 28kg CO2 per year, whereas a classic lightbulb will generate 172kg!
Why not switch your bulbs to LED bulbs?
It might be a bit more expensive to buy, but the electricity savings will make it worth, and the environment will say thank you!
LED vs. Incandescent