After my initial experiment a week ago, in which I tracked my daily energy usage, I realized the significance of optimizing my energy consumption. As I had become a not-so-rooky on energy knowledge, I set out on a mission to make changes in my daily routine.
One of the first things that stood out from my energy log was the excessive energy usage associated with my morning routine. My lukewarm shower was taking up a considerable 2.0 kWh, which was surprisingly high. I decided to make a few changes to reduce this consumption. I adjusted the water temperature to a comfortably cool level. Not only did this reduce energy use, but it also invigorated me in the mornings, thanks to the refreshing cold water shock. This actually has a lot of health benefits but takes some time to get used to. To ensure I didn’t lose track of time in the shower, I set up a timer on my phone, helping me limit my showers to a more reasonable duration (saving around 1.5 kWh).
The next appliance I tackled was the washing and drying machine combination. I made a conscious effort to use the 30-degree wash setting in combination with a high turning rate, which significantly reduced energy consumption. To ensure the most efficient use of energy and water, I waited until I had a full load of laundry. Hereby, I had a semi-dry wash, which I could hang at the drying rack. This eventually only took one day to be dry (saving 2.5 kWh).
The biggest energy appliance in my daily routine was the air conditioning unit. It was clear that this appliance was a major contributor to my energy consumption exceeding the 4 kWh threshold. I sought alternatives to stay cool without cranking up the AC. I also opened windows on opposite sides of the room to encourage natural airflow, creating a cooling breeze. These alternatives not only conserve energy but also provide a comfortable living space with fresh oxygen.
However, the last few days it has been colder, so there is no reason to use the airconditioning anymore. I am also lucky that I am living at the -1 level, which until now has proven to keep it quite cool during the hot days & quite warm during the cold days.
Another notable but essential energy eater was the induction stove, primarily due to the high wattage used for heating. Well, the induction stove actually broke. So we could not cook for 3–4 days, which is of course good for lowering my energy consumption, but not sustainable. Instead, I used the oven to warm up a delicious ready-made lasagne… (from previous research this proved to be less energy-consuming)
In conclusion, my energy journey taught me that it’s not always about eliminating appliances from our lives but about using them smartly and efficiently. By making small changes to my daily routine and optimizing my energy usage, I could live comfortably while significantly reducing my energy footprint. This newfound knowledge served as a reminder that every little effort counts when it comes to sustainable living.
