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Home design, layout, appliances and lifestyles greatly impact energy use – GEA
By Rabindra Rooplall
Energy is fundamental to our existence and plays a critical role in our daily routines. The rising cost of fossil-based fuels and prevailing global environmental concerns compel society to think of ways to use energy more wisely. The design and layout of a home, appliances, lifestyles and choices can greatly impact the amount of energy consumption, says Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Chief Executive Officer, Mahender Sharma.
According to Sharma, a truly energy efficient home begins with the orientation and design of the house itself. Energy efficiency is not just limited to the smart use of appliances, but extends to installation of windows, roofing and even
Energy-efficient-homes
landscaping.
He explained that buildings should be oriented in an east to west direction to minimize the effects of the sun and to maximize the wind draft, while placement of rooms, doorways, windows and air vents should be carefully considered when planning the layout of your home.
Further, the GEA boss noted that persons should carefully consider their home’s orientation when constructing to avoid the harsh effects of the sun.
“Avoid placing windows on eastern and western walls to prevent the peak hours of sunlight from heating up the house. Consider internal partitions and openings in opposite walls to encourage cross ventilation through rooms in your home. Rooms should be oriented to maximize airflow by taking advantage of the North Easterly Trade winds. When painting or installing your roof, remember that the colour of a roof can impact on thermal performance,” Sharma emphasised.
LIGHTING
Underscoring that lighting technology has evolved tremendously over the past two decades, and has resulted in the availability of a host of exciting, high performing and highly efficient new lighting products, Sharma said Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs are available in different sizes, shapes and colours, so the choice of lighting can be both attractive and efficient.
“Besides high costs, inefficient choices of lighting may negatively impact the comfort, convenience and security of a home…”
The Energy Agency suggests the following energy-efficient lighting design principles: Use focused lighting instead of general lighting. Understand your own preferences and those of your family members before investing in unnecessary lighting solutions. Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere.
If work is concentrated in one corner of the room, for instance at a desk, consider dimming the lights throughout the room and using specific task lights while at your desk. Make sure that the amount and quality of light match the performed function. When tasks are performed with a high degree of visual attention, ensure that there is adequate lighting to prevent eyestrain. Maximize the use of natural lighting. Sunny days may help improve mood, and they reduce your electric bill when you open the curtains and let the sun shine in.
Sharma underscored that new high efficiency T8 fluorescent lamp and electronic ballast systems can reduce total system wattage by over 45% relative to the use of older, less efficient T12 fluorescent lighting systems driven by magnetic ballasts. In addition, high frequency electronic ballasts or solid-state ballasts provide significant energy-saving over magnetic ballasts. When changing from magnetic to electronic ballasts, the T12 fluorescent tubes (1.5 inches) must be replaced with the narrower T8 (1 inch) tube for optimal performance and light output.
Most notably, the GEA boss explained that security and utility lighting do not need to be bright to be effective.
“Make sure outdoor light fixtures have reflectors, deflectors, or covers to make more efficient use of the light source. Use photo sensors to automatically turn off lights during daylight hours. Use motion sensors to activate security or utility lighting where needed. As a security measure, use motion sensor lights in areas where you have walkways or where you wish to have greater security. Photocells are usually incorporated with outdoor lamp fixtures and can help to reduce electricity cost by installing light sensitive switches.”
Finally, Sharma said that persons should invest in light sockets that carry switches, so that appliances and lights plugged into the outlets can be turned off with just a flip of a switch.
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