Small changes at home for conserving energy
by Michael Choe | Sept. 12, 2022
Conserving or saving energy often provides more benefits than simply lowering energy usage.
I remember when I first learned about “phantom power” or standby power and started unplugging most of my devices when they weren’t being used. It made a difference in my energy costs over time, and once I got a few power strips, this method of saving energy became a major convenience. Power strips made it possible to “unplug” multiple devices at one time and turned a single electrical outlet into more than five!
Washing clothes in hot water is ideal for ensuring a thorough clean, but it’s not always necessary for me. If I’m washing clothes that haven’t been through too much of a mess, I run the cycle with cold water. Cold water is great for maintaining the quality of your clothes by preventing things like color fading and shrinking.
Using my dryer is convenient but it can really contribute to warming up my apartment. The heat and the rumbling noise make it especially hard to relax in my bedroom, which is near the dryer. I find it better to hang-dry my clothes, blankets and towels when the sun is out since it doesn’t generate heat inside. It also makes my lanai smell great!
LED (light-emitting diodes) lightbulbs are not only great because they come in multiple colors and can be used for decorative purposes, but they also save energy. LEDs are the most energy-efficient type of lightbulb and they’re widely available in different sizes and levels of brightness.
For me, the biggest benefit to using a fan (besides the energy-cost savings) is the immediate cooling effect. I can point the fan directly at me and feel the air as soon as I turn it on. An air conditioner is amazing for cooling a room, but sometimes I just need to cool myself down and not the surrounding area.
These energy-saving methods can easily be incorporated into daily routines and provide added benefits. Why not give them a try? If you’re looking for additional tips and resources for your home or business, check out Hawaii Energy’s website at www.hawaiienergy.com.
Michael Choe is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric.
