How to save electricity at home

Saving electricity is not limited to the economic aspect, since it is also regarding saving resources to pollute the environment less, reducing the consumption of non-renewable natural resources through the use of other types of inputs, fuels and energy generators. In our country we are still totally dependent on the traditional electrical energy system, although little by little alternative systems such as solar panels have been integrated. And, despite the existence of other forms of life and energy generation, they are not yet popular, so it is up to us, for now, to save what we can. In this book of ideas we give you some tips to save electricity. Surely you already know some of them, others perhaps you have already applied them, but in case you have missed any… take note! You will see the benefits reflected in your payment receipt and you will be contributing to the well-being of the planet.

1. Take advantage of natural light

© homify / SZTUKA Creative Architecture Laboratory
1. Take advantage of natural light

Optimize the use of natural light that you can capture through the windows, skylights or patios that you have at home, avoiding turning on artificial light as much as possible. Organize school activities or readings during the day, plus daylight is healthier to work!

2. Use parasols

© homify / ZUM ARQUITECTURA
2. Use parasols

In very hot areas, the entrance of the sun can generate high consumption of electrical energy due to the use of air conditioning. Place shades on the windows that allow natural light to enter but limit the passage of heat during peak hours.

By the way, so that you can choose the most suitable ones according to where you live and have good energy savings, follow these tips to choose between large and small windows.

3. Space mattresses

© homify / GA Arquitectos
3. Space mattresses

By this we mean semi-open spaces that allow airflow and shade the walls that surround the house, such as small patios and terracesbecause in this way a good entry of light is maintained but the walls are not directly exposed to the sun, avoiding too much cooling expense inside.

4. Protective walls

© homify / ..architecture workshop..
4. Protective walls

There are facades that you can cover with a double wall, which would be a protective wall. With this you form a kind of shield on the structure of the house, creating an isolation effect. In the heat, the space between the two walls will allow ventilation, and in the winter it will create a warm barrier, avoiding too much spending on heating and cooling systems.

5. Full insulation

© homify / BUILD IDEAS
5. Full insulation

Nothing better than completely insulating the walls and roofs of the house. You will create an interior adaptable to climatic conditions that will prevent you from having to heat or cool the house excessively.

6. Solar panels

Gallery: Top (9) Tips to Remodel an Old House (Homify)

1. Be flexible with changes

Exact material matches can be difficult to find when the home to be remodeled is older, but a close match can be just as good. Do not be so demanding, but do worry that there is some agreement.

2. Renew the paint of the old house, but without spoiling anything

A great way to renovate an old house is to remove the paint from the walls. Of course, when you remove those years of paint, be careful; you don’t want to destroy the finishes in a matter of seconds.

3. Deep cleaning also helps to renew

Gently clean your old house, but consider that to clean the general dirt and grime of old hardware it is best to use cleaners with natural ingredients, excessively chemical ones can cause irreparable damage.

4. Renew with the act of filling cracks and gaps

The renovation also focuses on removing the imperfections that appear when time passes and the old house does not have constant maintenance. For example, dig V-shaped cracks and fill them with plaster for a more durable and invisible repair.

5. Window durability needs help too

Simple maintenance and minor repairs will make the windows in your old house last another decade or two. Although old windows are extremely resistant, they always need proper maintenance.

6. Admire and recognize the durability of wooden windows

In modern homes, approximately 30% of the windows that are replaced are less than 10 years old and it is due to plastic parts failing beyond repair, seals failing, or glass being easily damaged. Luckily, if you have an old house with original wooden windows, you will have noticed that these windows have lasted a century or more (and can last another) so pamper them and value them.

7. It is always good to start by renovating the roof

Assessing the longevity of your roof is one of the first steps to renovation. If your roof is less than 50 years old, it is not worth investing money in it (yet); But if the roof is very old, focus your efforts and savings on starting from there to renovate.

8. Your home inspection is always important

Inspect your old house regularly. At least once a year, walk around your house (use binoculars if necessary) and look at every detail. If you see missing shingles, new cracks, or too much grass in certain spots, grab a notebook and write down when and how you will fix those unsightly details.

9. Know the maintenance cycles

At homify we decided to close with this advice, because it is the one that invites a gradual analysis. It consists of knowing the cycle of maintenance of your house. Most old buildings need maintenance every 50 to 60 years, how old is yours?

9/9 SLIDES

© homify / XUSOL Solar Energy
6. Solar panels

This type of energy generation must be connected to the electrical system of your home, serving as support for the traditional system, since you cannot separate yourself from it. However, it means great savings in the medium and long term.

7. Provide proper maintenance to the equipment

© homify / WOLF ARQUITECTURA
7. Provide proper maintenance to the equipment

Both the air conditioning and heating equipment, depending on the area in which you live, giving the equipment at home the correct maintenance once a year will ensure better performance, for longer and without leaks.

8. Unplug appliances

© homify / Chante Design Center
8. Unplug appliances

There are many devices at home that, even if they are turned off, remain alert, which generates a constant consumption of electricity. They are usually those that keep a red, blue or green light on. Unplug them when not in use.

9. Buy saving equipment

© homify / Plata Furniture
9. Buy saving equipment

There are already many brands and models of devices and appliances on the market that are certified to be savers: refrigerators and ovens as well as air conditioners; Some are even complemented with safety regulators that prevent discharges or overloads. Make the change.

10. Saving bulbs

© homify / Office three
10. Saving bulbs

As well as appliances, you can also change the lights at home for energy-saving bulbs or, better yet, for low-consumption LED lights.

11. Avoid electric dishwashers and dryers.

© homify / Angel Cosio Kitchens and Furniture
11. Avoid electric dishwashers and dryers.

You can dry the dishes and kitchen utensils in the drainer, in the air, to avoid the indiscriminate use of the dishwasher. You can also take advantage of the sunlight to dry your clothes in the air, hanging outside, avoiding the use of an electric or gas dryer, which in the end also works by means of electricity.

12. Full loads

© homify / Vertex architecture studio
12. Full loads

Fully charge electronic devices, gadgets and more, such as cell phones, tablets, video games, etc., and use them offline until they lose charge once more.

13. Fix malfunctions and electrical failures

© homify / Fast Homes
13. Fix malfunctions and electrical failures

Arrange or hire the electrical professionals to fix any problem at home, from changing a light bulb to the burner of the stove, a switch that does not work properly or the microwave that does not heat, because they all continue to use energy without being useful.