Going green is crucial for our environment and our planet and essential for our children and future generations. Our Clean Energy series will feature professionals in the field of energy efficiency and alternative sources. These clean energy experts will be providing advice on the latest available technology and on the steps anyone can take right now to save energy and promote sustainability while saving money at the same time.
Our first video in the series features Jeffrey Perlman, president of New York City-based energy management company Bright Power, and focuses on energy savings for apartment dwellers.
Simple ways apartment dwellers-whether you rent or own–can significantly reduce energy consumption
New LED energy efficient light bulbs
- Replace regular incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient CFL or LED bulbs;
- Replace old fluorescent tubes (T12 or even older magnetic ballast type) with energy efficient types T8 or T5;
- Unplug phantom appliances like cable and satellite boxes, game consoles and even old stereos when not using them since they consume electricity even if not in use–even if it means that you have to go through a complete system restart again;
- Replace old appliances like stoves, refrigerators, microwave ovens, washing machines and air-conditioners with new Energy Star energy-efficient appliances
Tips on savings on your water consumption
You can reduce your water consumption by half or even more (from 4 gallons/minute to 1 gallon/minute) if you:
- replace old water fixtures like faucets and shower heads with low-flow (engineered) ones;
- install new aerators for better water efficiency.
Low-flow engineered shower head from Niagara
Example of real financial savings
- A typical city apartment consumes about 300 kWh a month.
- Average cost of electricity (for instance in NYC): $0.20 per kWh.
- Electricity savings created by applying the above changes: 30-50%, that equals to $20-30 every month
