Surveys on Home Power consumption in colder countries of the world reveal some interesting facts.

Have you any idea what consumes the major chunk of your homes energy usage? Can you do something to tilt the scale in your favour?

Surprisingly, it appears a small consideration here and there could make a huge difference to us as well as the world we live in.

Home Energy Consumption in colder climates

Naturally, home energy consumption in a well constructed (and therefore well insulated as well) home and that of a poorly constructed, badly maintained and unconcerned inhabitants’ home will vary widely. The following figures are for a typical home of the second category.

• Space Heating - 58 %

• Water Heating - 19 %

• Refrigerator - 12 %

• Appliances and Lights - 11 %

The notable weaknesses in the construction of this type of building has been (a) weak building shell, primarily having inferior insulation and poor weatherization (b) an inefficient Heating system and it’s controls.

Now if you look at those with improved insulation and weatherization along with a good heating system and controls, the picture changes dramatically.

• Space Heating - 36 %

• Water Heating - 29 %

• Refrigerator - 17 %

• Appliances and Lights - 18 %

The percentages have been calculated on the year-round total power consumed.

The likable feature of the whole exercise is that in this turn around the expenditure on the power consumed has been nearly halved irrespective of tariffs applicable.

What should you do for this turn-around?

• Improve your home insulation a total retrofit being preferable.

• Improve/retrofit your home weatherization (leak sealing or weather-stripping)

• Retrofit with sustainable energy sources wherever possible

• Retrofit with energy efficient CFL or LED lighting

• Use the energy star label wisely and consciously when you purchase appliances and lamps

• Consult a good expert concerned and knowledgeable in sustainability such as greentech.ie

For or against, we talk a lot on climate change due to global warming, pollution, lack of sustainability etc. Little we realize billions of our homes are at the core of many of our problems one way or other. Arguably economy of a country is what contributes to the well being of its citizens. But on the other hand a strong economy at the expense of the future sounds plain primitive logic. Let’s do our part in even a small way for bigger changes.