What are the steps to energy efficiency?
With rising electricity and fuel prices saving money is the primary motive behind energy efficiency. Improving one’s carbon footprint is also a significant benefit.
More energy efficient technology, however, requires investment. The payback on the investment needs to be carefully worked out, taking into account not only the electrical savings and the financial benefits of the savings, but also the capital cost and the loss of income from the funds invested into the energy efficient technology. Generally, the payback on energy efficiency will significantly outperform the returns from the money if invested.
More energy efficient technology, however, requires investment. The payback on the investment needs to be carefully worked out, taking into account not only the electrical savings and the financial benefits of the savings, but also the capital cost and the loss of income from the funds invested into the energy efficient technology. Generally, the payback on energy efficiency will significantly outperform the returns from the money if invested.
The options are as follows:
Water Heating
Lighting
Appliances
Insulation
Heating /Air Conditioning
Solar Photovoltaic
In order of priority, the following steps should be considered based on the payback period of each:
Type of Technology | Typical Payback Period | Anticipated Lifespan |
Solar Water Heater | 2 – 6 years | 20 – 25 Years |
Lighting (LEDs) | 2 – 6 Years | 10,000-15,000 hours |
Insulation (if applicable) | 2 – 10 Years | 25 Years |
Solar Photovoltaics | 6 – 10 Years | 25 Years + |
Heat Pumps (domestic) | 4 – 12 Years | 15 Years |
