Save energy with small appliances

Energy consumption of household appliances

When it comes to reducing consumption of electricity in the house it often refers to white appliances (refrigerator, oven, washing machine, etc..), for which we have now become accustomed to consult the energy label on the occasion of new purchases, and partly to black household appliances, ie those for playback and recording of images and sounds (TV, DVD players, hi-fi equipment, etc..).

The total electrical energy consumption of a house, however, comes also from other devices: small appliances. Small appliances are defined those small devices that you use in your house, such as iron, hairdryer, shaver, vacuum cleaner, blender, toaster, etc.. Given the incessant appearance on the market of new equipment and models, the category is not closed, but is renewed and expanded continuously.

The small appliances, if not used wisely, are likely to weigh on the bill in a consistent manner. What then are the virtuous behavior to be taken to save electricity with these appliances?

First, there is a general rule that can be applied to any type of device. If we have activated our electricity supplier contract with a two-part tariff, it is preferable, when possible, to use smaller appliances at the most convenient times.

Save energy with the vacuum cleaner

The average electric power of a vacuum cleaner is generally very high (from 1100 to more than 2000 watts). When we buy a vacuum cleaner, we tend to believe that its electric power is to match its suction capacity. Unfortunately it is not like this, because the suction capacity depends in part on the electrical power, but also from the brushes, from the suction pipe, the filtering system, etc.. To make a smart purchase would be so perfect to read on the package and the value of the electric power (in watts) and the suction ability (in kPa, ie kilo Pascal). Currently, however, not all manufacturers claim the ability to suction because is not required, so the judicious use of the appliance becomes the best strategy to save electricity.

As a first indication we should make use of the vacuum cleaner only when it is necessary to place the broom and set it at minimum power (when possible of course). It is also important to change the filters regularly, following the instructions of the manufacturer.

Save energy with the iron

The iron usually has high power (up from 1000 watts to 2600 watts for models with instantaneous generation of steam). For this reason it is advisable to use it only when necessary. Often it can happen to leave it turned on unnecessarily while you fold the clothes, or when darning or reattaching a button.

Another tip is to try to decrease the linen to be ironed or at least reduce the times of the ironing, spreading the laundry with some tricks. Skirts and pants should preferably be laid out by hanging for the waist, shirts and sweaters instead go upside down, the shirts should be placed carefully on a hanger.

Save energy with the hair dryer

Another energy-intensive small appliance is the hair dryer, which arrives at 1800-2000 watts and sometimes even to 2300 watts. You should, however, ask yourself if you actually need to use the hair dryer to a so high power, given that a high power also corresponds to a high temperature, which is certainly not good for the hair. The advice is therefore to moderate use, to low the power and the temperature.

Save energy with the coffee machine

Now in almost every house there is a coffee machine. To save energy, it is important not to keep it always on. Some models have the ability to set a timer: over a certain period of time, the machine shuts off automatically. This behavior also lengthen the life of the appliance, since seals and pumps will not remain constantly warm.

Recycling and recovery of small appliances

A final observation concerns the approach to be taken to end the lives of small appliances. When they are broken and have to be thrown away, the small appliances should be part of the of the electrical waste category, or rather, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). National legislation requires that at least the 75% of the weight of the unit is to be recovered and put back into the production cycle. This allows you to reuse tons of plastic, steel, copper, etc.., thus saving a lot of energy for the processes of extraction/ production and processing. It is then important not to throw the small appliances in black bin but dispose of them in the manner prescribed in your place of residence. In addition to saving energy will also help to prevent negative consequences for the environment and human health.