Energy Conservation in the Home

Introduction

Energy conservation is something we all hear about on a regular basis. Why should we as consumers bother to worry about energy conservation? The answer is quite simple. We are using fossil fuels to provide our energy that we mostly take for granted. This is a resource that will eventually run out. The human race is growing at a rapid rate and the impact on the global energy requirements is massive. For every Kilowatt-hour saved, 1.2kg less greenhouse gasses are produced (Environmental Services Branch, 1993). Another good reason to cut back on our use is the financial incentive. Savings made from smart use can be quite substantial.

Discussion

The energy consumption of an appliance can be obtained from its nameplate or in the case of lighting, on the globe or tube itself. It identifies the energy rating in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). What is a watt? Encyclopedia Britannica describes a watt as: 'unit of power in the International System of Units (SI) equal to one joule of work performed per second, or to 1/746 horsepower. An equivalent is the power dissipated in an electrical conductor carrying one ampere current between points at one-volt potential difference. It is named in honor of James Watt, British engineer and inventor. One thousand watts equal one kilowatt. Most electrical devices are rated in watts'. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2003).

What is a kilowatt hour (kWh) or as it is referred on your electricity account, a 'unit' of electricity? Basically it is the amount of electricity used when an appliance is turned on for some time. It also depends on the electrical rating of the appliance and the length of time it is left on. For example, a 100W globe running for 10 hours consumes 1000Wh equaling 1 kWh or one unit. A 1000W heater running ...