KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — On average, a Malaysian home consumes approximately 251 kilowatt hours (kWh) (equivalent to RM60.63) of electricity per month, releasing close to 171.68 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2).

If this is multiplied by the over 13.7 million homes in Malaysia this results in a whopping 28.8 billion kg of CO2 equivalent emitted annually.

As mind-sets the world over slowly but surely shift towards more eco-friendly practices, it is the perfect time for us to reassess our daily habits to optimise energy usage and reduce our carbon footprints. 

Here are some handy tips for efficient and prudent use of appliances to help you reduce your carbon footprint at home and at the same time, lower your electricity bill:

Shop smart

Adopting a lifestyle that optimises your home’s energy usage begins with the type of appliances you purchase.

With advancements in design and technology, appliances are now more energy efficient than ever before.

For instance, replacing your old refrigerator with a high-efficiency model can reduce energy consumption by 1050 kWh (approximately RM481.25) and CO2 emissions by 100 kg per year.

The Energy Efficiency Label by the Energy Commission is a quick and easy way to spot such energy efficient products while shopping.

Later on this year, we will also be able to use the MyHIJAU mark to easily spot green products and services that have met international and local standards.

Unplug

Your appliances consume electricity even when they are not in use. In fact, electrical appliances such as televisions, computers and phone chargers can consume almost as much energy when in standby mode as they do when they are being used.

Specifically, five to 10 per cent of the energy used in your home is siphoned during standby mode. To optimise energy usage, switch off and unplug your appliances when they are not being used for prolonged periods of time.

Pile it up

Optimising use is a crucial part of reducing carbon footprints at home. Energy intensive appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers can put serious dents in your electricity bill if used frequently.

Instead, wait for full loads of clothes or dishes before using these appliances. That way you will be getting the most bang for your buck.  

Fridge fixes

While you never want an overstuffed refrigerator, a virtually empty one can be equally detrimental to efficiency. An empty refrigerator means too much air circulation requiring substantially more energy to cool. So fill it up!

To further increase the energy efficiency of your fridge, ensure that there is sufficient space between the fridge and your wall, giving it enough space to “breathe”. Pushing your refrigerator tight up against the wall limits air circulation and makes the unit work harder, thereby increasing your energy use and costs.

Keep it a few inches away from the wall and follow the manufacturer's instructions to safely keep the fridge's coils clean.

A fan of fans

To stay cool while keeping your electricity bill down, try using your air-conditioner for a short period of time, just enough to cool the room down first, then using a fan which will circulate the cool air to maintain the temperature. Fans save tremendous amounts of energy, using only 10 per cent of the energy consumed by an air-conditioner.

You can also save on energy consumption by achieving a good balance between comfort and efficiency. A considerable amount of energy is saved for each 1°C of cooling that you do without. The best settings for your air-conditioner on a typical day is around 24 – 25°C.

Drying your mane

Appliances that are used to increase or reduce temperatures are energy guzzlers. One such appliance is your hair dryer. On average, a hair dryer consumes about 128 Wh for every five minutes of use. Reducing drying time by even five minutes a day saves almost 20.5 kg of CO2 emissions each year.

Switch up your lights

About 12 per cent of an average home’s electricity bill goes towards lighting, so a cheap and easy way to reduce your electricity bill and your carbon footprint is to replace traditional light bulbs with light emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) (for CFLs opt for eco-friendly versions which have only 1 milligram of mercury).

CFL bulbs use 75 per cent less energy saving you about RM23 per year per bulb in electricity cost. They also last longer with lifespans 10 to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Remember to dispose of your CFL bulbs carefully to avoid mercury poisoning and landfill contamination.

Besides switching light bulbs, you can also rely on diffused or shaded sunlight for a cheap and efficient source of light!

Embrace the power of the sun

To really take the leap towards energy efficiency and a dramatically lower electricity bill, you may want to consider installing solar panels on your house rooftops. While the initial outlay for purchase and installation can be high, in the long-term the reduced electricity bills will outweigh this cost.

By generating your own electricity, you will be less affected by any rise in electricity rates. The exact amount you will save depends on your average electricity usage and the size of your solar system installed.

For further information on solar panels, their installation and opportunities for additional sources of income through the feed-in-tariff system refer to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Malaysia.

These are some simple tips that you can incorporate into your daily lives to lead a greener lifestyle and enjoy lower electricity bills.

To find out more ways to incorporate eco-friendly habits into your lifestyle and to get a glimpse of the future of green technology, visit the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2015 on September 12, 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

Organised by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water together with Malaysian Green Technology Corporation it is expected to attract 400 exhibitors featuring the latest eco-friendly technologies from around the world. Admission is free!

For more information on IGEM 2015 please visit www.igem.my.

* Next Monday, look out for ways in which you can go green during your commute, while on the road. Stay tuned and remember to add a touch of green into your life.