Saving
Electricity Process
While following the simple tips will save money, to achieve the biggest saving a structured and logical approach is best. The process I went through is shown below. The individual stages are covered in more detail in the Project Info pages and details of the savings in the Results pages.
| Step 1: |
Carry out a survey of electricity use in the whole house
Click here for more information. |
| Step 2: |
Review the survey results to identify the simple zero cost things that can be done
Usually switching things off after user or not leaving items on standby. |
| Step 3: |
Implement the simple zero cost things that can be done
Checking to see the savings are as expected.
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| Step 4: |
Review all the high usage items in the survey to look for savings |
| Step 5: |
Implement the savings identified in step 4 above in manageable stages
Start with the simple things such as fitting time switches or low energy light bulbs. Checking to see
the savings are as expected. |
Step 6: |
Decide what to do about the rest
Of the items left either decide there is noting that can be done, wait until it needs replacing or investigate what is practical. |
| Step 7: |
Repeat the process learning from mistakes |
| Step 8: |
Keep the information up to date by carrying out a regular review to see what has changed
Between eighteen months and two years seems about right.
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To help work out the real savings or otherwise of changes use EnCalcE as an electricity saving calculator. To find out if the savings predicted are actually being achieved try using EnCalcEU a calculator for checking and predicting electricity bills. Both of these calculators are free for personal use.
Caution: Electricity can be dangerous. Modifications to any electrical apparatus or wiring should only be carried out by a competent person.
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