Over the last two centuries energy needs have skyrocketed dramatically.
Everyday demands go up while energy resources dwindling
Therefore, economical usage of energy has become very important.
Equipment with low energy consumption must be selected as much as possible.
They must be well maintained and use properly.
When purchasing, it is necessary to consider about the energy consumption.
Consider about the life cycle cost rather than the initial cost.

Energy labels

For over 20 years, the energy label has helped people to choose the right electrical appliances
by providing information on their energy consumption. They are mandatory for all new appliances
that impact energy consumption (with the exception of means of transport). In shops, they
must be displayed on all appliances.

LPG COOKERS

When purchasing LP gas cookers, LPG consumption need to be considered.
Flame temperature of gas cookers with complete combustion is around 1980C
Flame temperature of gas cookers with incomplete combustion is around 1000C
Even complete combustion could not be achieved, there are gas cookers which have reached to the target.
They use almost all energy in LPG.
But incomplete one waste around 35-45% usable energy

There are latest LPG cookers with less LPG consumption.
Xinqi patented gas cookers can save LPG up to 35% to 45%
No carbon monoxide emission.
No sooting
Saves time
Fast cooking due to high temperature.

INDUCTION COOKERS

Induction cookers save more energy than the conventional electric cookers.
Wastage is around 5%
Wastage in electrical kettles and immersion heaters go up to 40%

AIR CONDITIONERS

Need to consider about the environmentally friendly refrigerants.
R-22 has already banned
R-410A also going to be phased out.
R-32 and R -290 have introduced as new refrigerants.
But R-290 is flammable than R-32
R-32 is going to be the next generation refrigerant.
Air conditioners with R-32 can save more energy than the air conditioner with R-22 and R-410A
Correct capacities and type must be selected for the energy saving.
Need to consider about the life cycle cost than initial cost.

Initial investment could be 4% for the life cycle cost for 15 years
Maintenance and consumable cost could be 1% for the life cycle cost for 15 years.
Balance 95% will be the operating cost
Therefore, when purchasing new air conditioners, it is necessary to purchase an air conditioner with less operating cost.
It means the air conditioner with less power consumption.
Daikin inverter air conditioner can save power up to 64%
Daikin air conditioners with swing compressors can save more energy than air conditioners with rotary compressors.
Daikin air conditioners with DC reluctant motors can save energy than others.

REFRIGERATORS

When purchasing refrigerators, things to consider will be same as for the air conditioners.
Inverter type compressor with the Refrigerant 600 would be best solution.
Volume of the refrigerator need to be selected according to following factors.
Required volume of the items to be stored.
Duration of storage
Distance from the supply point of items to the refrigerator.
i.e If there are supermarkets near the house, no need to have a large capacity refrigerator to store food.
Only the most required items should be stored in refrigerators.
Better to consume fresh food than refrigerated food.

COLD ROOMS

When purchasing of cold rooms, basic things to consider will be same as for the air conditioners.
Cold rooms should be designed properly.
Should not be over or under capacity.
Must select the correct type of equipment.
Air conditioner compressors must not use with cold room equipment.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Domestic appliances like washing machines, blenders, toaster, polishers etc. must me selected properly
Should look for energy rating.
Need to consider about the life cycle cost than initial cost.

LED BULBS

Led bulbs can save energy than CFL bulbs
But the intensity drops with the time.
Bulbs must be installed to achieve the recommended lighting levels
Some of the recommended lighting levels are as follows

Cooking 500 Lux
Reading 500 Lux
Lobby 200 Lux

This shows the kitchen need 500 Lux
When the intensity drops the light in the kitchen can move to the lobby
Use new light for the kitchen
This type of usage can cut down the energy consumption and the cost of the lights.

SOLAR LIGHTS

Solar lights could be used for security lighting as well as internal lighting
In some solar lights, solar panel can be located outside the building.
Light can be installed inside the building and connect with a cable.
Most of these lights are fitted with PIR sensor.
Usually they automatically switch on with the sun set
Illuminate at 20%
Increase to 100% with the movement
Switch off in the presence of light.
These type of arrangement gives free energy for lighting.

HYBRID SOLAR SYSTEMS

There are two types of solar systems in sri lanka.
Net metering and net accounting
When use these systems, during the night CEB power need to be used.
If there is a power failure, there will not power available during the night.
The Voltages may not be within safe levels.

But in Hybrid solar systems solar batteries are used.
During the day time batteries are getting charged.
Batteries can be used for lighting during the night.
During the day times excess power could be used.
During rainy days if the battery capacity comes down to 28%, CEB power can charge the battery.
Therefore, there cannot be total blackout