Spanish households have doubled their energy consumption in the last 20 years. Waste is one of the causes of this increase. By putting a few suggestions into practice it is possible to live just as comfortably, consuming less energy in greater harmony with the environment.

 

In a home, lighting accounts for around a tenth of the electricity bill and small domestic appliances consume approximately 20 per cent. Choosing which light fittings and electric appliances to buy is a very important exercise. Firstly, you should always choose items with a capacity that is in line with your true requirements. Then you should look at their energy efficiency.

 

It is important to remember that hairdryers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, etc. can consume more than a fridge. Some of these small appliances can consume up to 50 per cent less energy than others performing the same function depending on their design or materials. The washing machine is, after the fridge and the television, the domestic appliance which requires the most energy.

 

In any case, it is advisable to use electrical appliances at night, when there is less demand. This way you help to delay the need to build new power stations.

 

Furthermore, bills may be significantly reduced if some practical tips such as those below are put into practice:

 

- Lights should be switched off when they are not needed.

 

- If you need to buy new light bulbs you should aim to ensure that the new ones, although more expensive, are efficient, such as compact fluorescent lights which do not contain radioactive substances, or low-voltage halogens. They consume significantly less to provide the same amount of light and also last ten times longer.

 

Furthermore, substituting a single 100 watt incandescent light bulb for an energy saving one prevents the emission of more than half a tonne of carbon dioxide per year. These energy saving lamps, just like fluorescent ones, are highly pollutant, as such it is necessary to take them to a waste collection point when you wish to dispose of them.

 

- It is advisable to check that light fittings are located where they are really needed and that the light bulbs are clean, as well as the lamp shades.

 

- In communal areas, such as staircases or garages, it is advisable to install switches with timing devices or presence detectors, which switch the lights on or off automatically.

 

- Electronic dimmer switches also help save energy.

 

- When buying any electrical appliance you should consider its efficiency. This information is provided on the energy label using a scale from A to G. Those with the letter A consume less energy.

 

- It is recommendable to unplug electrical appliances when they are not working or being used, including the video, television and computer. Leaving them on stand-by uses energy.

 

- In order to reduce the electricity and water consumed by the washing machine you should use  the appropriate cycle, with a full load and at a low temperature.

 

- The fridge consumes a lot of energy, as it is always on. It should be placed far away from sources of heat, be left open for as little time as possible so that the cold does not escape, and the compressor should be kept clean and ventilated.

 

- Good home insulation is the best way of saving on heating and air-conditioning. As such, for example, in summer awnings and blinds should be used to block out direct sunlight. Pre-programming an approximate temperature, both in winter and summer, may lead to an 8 per cent saving.

 

- On gas rings or hobs it is worth using pressure cookers to stew faster, and covering saucepans.

- When using a dishwasher, select short, economical programmes.

 

- Solar thermal energy constitutes a good alternative for heating up bath water.

 

- Where possible you should avoid using devices which rely only on batteries; this energy is hundreds of times more expensive than that from the grid.