“When the heat is more intense, simple actions that are easy to implement can lead to energy savings of 45% during the summer and 20% during the rest of the year”. These are the words of Giovanni Campaniello, founder and sole director of Avvenia, a company active in the energy efficiency sector which has drawn up a new handbook of the most useful recommendations for saving energy during the summer.
1) Reduce the number of hours the air conditioner is on. In the summer it is possible to keep the house cooler by closing the windows during the hottest hours and choosing plants that help absorb the heat. Another trick is the use of the dehumidification function of the air conditioner, which allows the appliance to work less and to remove humidity, which is one of the components of the perceived heat index. "In this way - the Avvenia experts claim - it is possible to reduce consumption by 75% and the air conditioner becomes not only cheaper but also less harmful to health".
2) Put a lid on the pans when cooking and turn off the oven and stove in advance. By using a lid, the food reaches the required temperature more quickly and energy is saved. Pressure cookers are even more efficient: they save up to 70%. But for greater energy efficiency, Avvenia's advice is also to switch off the oven and stove a few minutes before the end of cooking, allowing the residual heat to finish cooking.
3) Defrost refrigerators and freezers regularly. A defrosted refrigerator is more energy efficient. But if the refrigerator is near the oven or in a hot room, it consumes up to 10% more. Avvenia's suggestion is therefore also to properly position the refrigerators and freezers.
4) Use the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads, washing your laundry at 30 degrees. «90% of the electricity consumed by a washing machine – observe the Avvenia experts – is used to heat the washing water, but lower temperatures are no less hygienic than higher ones».
5) Do not leave electrical appliances on standby. A TV set that is turned on for 3 hours a day and left in stand-by for the remaining 21 hours consumes the same amount of energy while it is paused. Televisions, CD players, battery chargers and in general all appliances on stand-by are large consumers of electricity, Avvenia's advice is to completely unplug them.
6) Buy only energy efficient appliances. High-efficiency appliances allow you to spend less and help reduce environmental pollution.
7) Turn off the lights when they are not needed. Do not keep the lights on in rooms where there is no one and in rooms where natural light is sufficient.
8) Prefer rechargeable batteries. A set of high-capacity rechargeable batteries costs about two and a half times the price of regular batteries, including the charger. But after 3 refills the initial investment is already amortized and you start saving.
9) Install double glazing on the windows. For a small initial investment, double glazing can save up to 70% energy.
10) Take a shower in the cooler hours. Taking a shower when the weather is cooler prevents the vapors from producing an increase in humidity and therefore in the perception of heat.
