On March 5,
World Energy Efficiency Day
is celebrated
, an initiative that seeks to consume energy more intelligently, without wasting a few kilowatts that in one way or another end up damaging the atmosphere.
The concept -related to the environment and renewable energies, but also to savings and consumption habits- is increasingly present in our lives, although not everyone is clear about what it means.
"Saving is turning off the light and energy efficiency is changing the light bulb", sums up
Antonio López-Nava
, manager of the Association of Energy Efficiency Companies (A3E).
In his opinion, "knowledge has improved" regarding what he believes is "one of the weapons we have to combat climate change."
Broadly speaking, the idea of energy efficiency is "to consume less by applying more efficient installations", but with the same level of comfort, according to López-Nava.
It has not so much to do with the origin of the energy (although the concepts are usually linked) nor its waste as with
a sensible use of it
.
Use it whenever necessary, but only what is necessary.
Even some energy companies try to explain to their customers how to be more efficient.
This is the case of Universal Energía, whose CEO,
Ángel Pérez Valero
, admits that there has been "a cultural change" in society.
"In our sector before, the price was simply looked at and now it is an important point," he acknowledges.
"People are much more aware, both at the individual level and at the company and corporate responsibility level."
Pérez Valero's company offers a follow-up to those who hire its service that allows us to explore why there are unexpected peaks in consumption.
In this way it is possible that companies and individuals can identify, for example, faulty appliances that are consuming more than necessary.
"In the end it is a cultural issue," he says.
"The moment you open this door, the consumption will be lower, the customer will see it reflected in his bill and he will understand that he does something that is
beneficial for everyone
."
Anyway, there are some general keys that can be followed without having to open the invoice.
For many years the idea of avoiding the 'energy vampires' that lurked with the red eyes of the LED of a
standby
television spread
and today they could take the form of a phone charging all night, including the hours when it no longer needs be connected to the socket.
"We have all stayed with that idea even though it does
n't
really
have much impact
or is important later on," confesses a López-Nava who, yes, acknowledges that "it quite defines the concept of savings, rather than efficiency."
In reality, as we said, the change has not so much to do with what is not turned off, but with what remains on.
Like light bulbs.
"Changing bulbs is the most direct and easiest thing to do," he explains.
The investment is lower (you only have to buy LED bulbs, whose price is around two or three euros) and "saves a lot".
"An LED, compared to an incandescent, may consume 70 or 80% less," he reasons.
Although this will not suppose an equivalent saving, since the invoice, as the A3E manager recalls, has fixed costs, "at least you are reducing consumption by that percentage" and this is something that both the pocket and the planet notice.
As Pérez Valero points out, "the end consumer is realizing that he can take actions that benefit."
How to be more efficient
Many measures can be taken at home, although it depends on the investment capacity and reforms that can be carried out.
"What consumes the most is thermal energy, which are mainly boilers," explains López-Nava.
Looking for one with a better mark - the European Union has just changed its labeling - can be an investment that does not take long to pay off.
Accumulation systems are more efficient than instantaneous ones.
For its part, cold, represented by air conditioning, can also reach homes more efficiently in the form of a fan.
Although it is true that the result is not the same, it consumes much less and is capable of lowering the thermal sensation of a room by several degrees.
Another solution in both cases is to install a thermostat, which maintains the temperature with an efficiency that is usually linked to its 'intelligence'.
In any case, they will also mean savings.
The energy rating also includes other appliances, although in case they work well and are not going to be changed there are "very trivial" usage guidelines such as filling the dishwasher or washing machine completely.
"All this means energy efficiency: you are consuming less if you wash more clothes or dishes."
On the other hand, already at a higher investment level and slower return, all the insulation of the house, from the facade to the roof through doors and windows.
The better the insulation, the less need to regulate the temperature.
However, López-Nava acknowledges that "these investments have a very low return" that may take "15 or 20 years" to report a return.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
Know more
European Union
Environment
Rural Environment Depopulated Spain demands compensation for its environmental benefits to the country: "Madrid's beret reaches Soria"
UEBrussels revolutionizes the energy labeling of household appliances: the A +++ is over
EnvironmentEurope reaches out to Biden to create a great alliance on energy and climate change
See links of interest
Work calendar
Khimki Moscow - Real Madrid
Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Valencia Basket
Panathinaikos - Barça