Rising electricity bills and increasingly loud warnings about climate change are making energy conservation a truly important topic. Contrary to popular belief, this is not just about money—though of course, lower bills are always good news. Saving energy is crucial for the environment because the less we consume, the smaller our impact on the planet. The good news is that it doesn't require significant sacrifices or specialized knowledge to make changes that will be felt both in our wallets and our conscience. In this article, we will answer the question many people are asking: "How to save energy at home?"

How to Check Electricity Consumption?

The primary device for measuring electricity consumption in every home is the electric meter, installed by the energy provider. This meter is usually found in the stairwell, basement, or in the distribution box on the property. It records the total electricity consumption, allowing us to track our monthly and yearly energy expenses. However, it's worth noting that traditional meters do not allow us to see which devices consume the most electricity. Therefore, if we want to monitor energy usage more accurately, it's advisable to use more precise tools—wattmeters.

A wattmeter is a small device that connects to an outlet, with the appliance we want to measure plugged into it. The wattmeter shows the current power consumption (in watts) and energy usage (in kilowatt-hours), making it easy to check how much electricity individual devices, such as refrigerators, computers, or televisions, consume. Based on this data, we can better understand which appliances generate the highest costs. For those who appreciate convenience and modern solutions, wattmeters equipped with Wi-Fi modules are available on the market, which connect to mobile applications, such as Tuya. Such a wattmeter not only measures energy consumption but also allows remote monitoring of power consumption and total electricity usage directly on a smartphone. This makes it easy to monitor electricity usage in real time, receive notifications, and analyze historical data, which is particularly useful if we want to control costs and optimize energy consumption.

How Much Electricity Do We Consume?

Average electricity consumption depends on various factors, but we can provide some approximate values for different types of households:

• One person in an apartment: Individuals living alone in a city consume an average of about 1,000 to 1,500 kWh per year. This is usually the result of using basic appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and lighting, with a normal non-economical lifestyle.

• Family in an apartment (4 people): In a larger household in the city, annual energy consumption can range from 3,000 to 4,500 kWh. A larger number of household members means more devices in use, such as computers and televisions, as well as more intensive use of kitchen appliances and washing machines. However, some appliances consume about the same amount of electricity, such as refrigerators or ovens, regardless of whether there is one person or more.

• Family in the countryside (3-4 people): Households in rural areas, especially those using electric heating or having greater appliance needs, can consume anywhere from 4,500 to even 6,000 kWh per year. Factors like heaters, water heaters, extra refrigerators, or gardening equipment significantly impact this.

These values can vary depending on the type of heating, the number and type of appliances in the home, as well as the individual habits of the residents.

How to Reduce Energy Consumption at Home? - Practical Tips

Reducing electricity consumption in the household not only helps protect the environment but also contributes to lower energy bills. There are many practical ways that can significantly impact the energy efficiency of a home. Here are some proven methods:

1. Switch to LED Bulbs
   LED bulbs consume up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan. Although the initial purchase cost may be higher, this investment quickly pays off in the form of lower electricity bills.

2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
   When buying new household appliances, pay attention to their energy rating. Devices labeled as class A consume significantly less energy than those in lower classes. Examples include refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners.

3. Turn Off Devices from Standby Mode
   Many electronic devices consume energy even in standby mode. Unplug televisions, computers, and other appliances when they are not in use. You can also use power strips with switches to cut off power to multiple devices at once with one click.

4. Optimize Use of Household Appliances
   Use appliances efficiently. For example, run the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. Cooking with lids on pots and using the microwave instead of the oven are other ways to save energy.

5. Install a Programmable Thermostat
   A programmable thermostat allows for precise control of heating and cooling in the home. Set appropriate temperatures for different times of the day to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, especially when no one is home.

6. Use Natural Light
   Make the most of natural daylight. Open curtains and blinds during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting. You can also install skylights to provide more light in dark rooms.

7. Regular Maintenance of Appliances
   Keep your appliances in good condition. Regular cleaning and maintenance, such as vacuuming filters in air conditioners and refrigerators, ensure they operate efficiently and consume less energy.

Implementing these simple changes can lead to significant energy savings in the household. Remember, even small steps toward energy conservation can have a big impact on your budget and the environment.

Why is Energy Conservation So Important?

For each of us, the primary motivation for saving energy is simply the desire to pay lower bills. It is not uncommon to hear about rate increases for kWh, often at the beginning of the new year or due to unexpected events on the global stage. However, is this the only reason to consider saving electricity? No! It's important to remember that by conserving energy, we are contributing to environmental protection. It must be acknowledged that in our country, the majority (about 75%) of energy comes from non-renewable sources, namely the burning of coal. We cannot forget that the extraction of resources has many unpleasant consequences, and these resources will eventually run out. Additionally, combustion products are harmful to the environment. The more energy we consume, the more is produced, and the more we will pollute the planet.