Conservation of Electricity
Introduction
Your House Plan
1. Check for Energy Efficient Home Design
- Choose a plot that is longest east-west.
- Prefer flats that get sunlight through windows (ideally north-south facing).
- Ensure solar access from the north.
- Place living areas to the north and sleeping areas to the south.
- Keep east and west windows small to reduce heat gain.
- Ensure cross ventilation with opposite-facing windows/doors.
- Use curtains and pelmets to control heat in summer and retain it in winter.
2. Check for Insulation
- Proper insulation keeps outdoor heat out during summer and indoor heat in during winter.
- This reduces air conditioning and heating costs significantly.
3. Cross-Ventilation
- Design windows and doors to promote cross-ventilation.
- Helps keep rooms cool, especially during summer nights.
4. Landscaping
- Plant trees/shrubs on east and west to reduce heat.
- Avoid planting trees near power lines.
- Add a veranda on the east if a door exists there.
- Prefer north-facing windows for better light.
5. Power Points
- Plan light and power points carefully to avoid costly changes later.
Our Recommendations for Power Points
Kitchen
- Four double points: Grinder, Oven, Hot plate, Fridge
- Lights: 2 points
- Exhaust fan: One
- Telephone point: One (optional)
Living Room / Bedroom
- Two double points: Air conditioner, Room heater
- Lights: Tube light, Incandescent lamp, Bed lamp
- Ceiling Fan: One
- Plug points: TV, Radio, Mosquito repellent
- Telephone point: One
- Antenna point: One
Drawing Room
- Three double points: Air conditioner, Electric iron, Room heater
- Lights: Tube light, Incandescent lamp, 2 Pendant lights
- Plug points: TV, Radio, Mosquito repellent, Pedestal fan
- Ceiling Fan: Two
- Telephone point: One
- Antenna point: One
Wash Room
- Two double points: Geyser, Washing machine
- Lights: Tube light, Incandescent bulb, 2 Exhaust fans
Verandah
- Light points: 2 Tube lights, 1 Incandescent lamp
- Fan points: 2
- Plug points: Pedestal fan, Lawn equipment
Before You Purchase Electric Appliances (Checklist)
Washing Machine
- Is it top-loaded or front-loaded? (Front-loaders are more efficient)
- Required space dimensions
- Capacity requirements
- Does it have a timer?
- Check energy rating and running cost
Refrigerator
- Is defrost cyclic or automatic? (Cyclic is more efficient)
- Capacity and storage needs
- Power consumption details
- Allow 15 cm air space for heat removal
Air Conditioner
- Do you have ceiling insulation?
- Capacity requirement with and without insulation