Electricity consumption during the day is much higher than at night. There are many reasonable and logical explanations for this.
Firstly, most industries work during the day. Secondly, the vast majority of people lead a daytime lifestyle. All this affects the high consumption of electricity during the daytime.
It is because of this that the majority are forced to work at those peak capacities that are required for the normal supply of electricity to the country. The normal modes of operation of the stations are those maximum capacities that are required for the objects supplied by them during the day.
There is also a significant drawback in the operation of any power plants. Switching the station to another mode of operation is a rather lengthy process that cannot be completed even in a few hours.
Electricity consumption at night drops significantly, but production remains the same as during the day.
The combination of these factors leads to the fact that almost any power plant has to work at the same peak capacities at night. It is clear that at night such power generation is completely unprofitable.
For the state, there are only two solutions to such a problem. The first of them is the creation of special storage stations that store the electricity generated in excess during the night for use at the right time.
However, it is not always possible to create such an object. Then the state has to stimulate the consumption of electricity by citizens at night.
How to use cheap electricity
For these purposes, you can stock up on special electric timers that will turn on various electrically intensive devices strictly at a certain time.
If you use underfloor heating or heat the house with electric heaters, then it will be more practical and more profitable to use them at night. A washing machine or dishwasher can be run at night in the same way.
For separate metering of electricity consumed during the day and at night, it is necessary to install special multi-tariff meters.
But the most important thing is to establish multi-tariff
There are two main measures to reduce the cost of consumed electricity and save electricity (get cheap electricity) for citizens-consumers:
1. Make calculations using a tariff differentiated by day zones (this requires a multi-tariff or two-tariff electricity meter).
What is a tariff differentiated by zones of the day? This is an electricity tariff that will allow you to get cheaper electricity.
This is a tariff for electricity, the amount of which varies depending on the time of use of electricity (the nightly tariff for electricity is much lower than the daytime tariff for electricity. However, the time of the nightly tariff for electricity is usually limited from 23-00 to 07-00. When using these tariffs, it appears like this called two-tariff electricity). In order to be able to pay using such a tariff, it is necessary that the consumer has an individual electricity meter installed, which can record electricity consumption by day zones (multi-tariff or two-tariff electricity meter). The cost of such metering devices starts from 800 rubles.
It should be noted that when making a decision to carry out calculations using tariffs differentiated by day zones, the consumer must first carefully calculate everything and evaluate possible savings, and also understand that if this tariff is chosen by him, then in the future he will have to change the usual structure of consumption electricity - "two-tariff payment for electricity" will be used. (For example, leave the washing machine running at night, etc.). So before switching to electricity consumption day and night, you need to clearly understand whether it will be possible to organize yourself to change the order of using electricity.
2. Carry out energy saving measures that will reduce the cost of 1 kilowatt of electricity. Here are some tips for the population on energy saving (methods of saving electricity in an apartment and at home):
a) In order to save energy at home, improve the natural lighting in your home. How can this be done:
- A lighter finish on ceilings and walls will help save 1 to 3% of the electricity that is usually spent on lighting;
- Do not cover the windows with curtains or other items - then you can save from 1 to 3% of the electricity that is usually spent on lighting
- Keep your windows clean: clean windows allow you to save from 3% of all electrical energy usually spent on lighting;
b) Increase the efficiency of artificial lighting. How can this be done:
- Wipe dust from lamps, lamps and ceiling lamps in time. Keep them clean. This will save from 5 to 20% of all electrical energy usually spent on lighting the premises;
- Use local lighting (table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, etc.). In the case of a switched off or reduced level of general lighting, it is possible to save from 30 to 50% of all electrical energy usually spent on lighting premises;
- Connect the general lighting in groups that will divide the room into different light zones. This event will provide energy savings from 20 to 50% of all electrical energy usually spent on lighting premises;
c) Organize energy savings in everyday life: organize the placement of electrical appliances correctly. For example, a refrigerator does not need to be placed near a radiator or other heat sources. Leave a distance of at least 5 cm between the refrigerator and the wall.
d) If you have an electric stove installed, then heating pots and pans will take much longer if they have an uneven bottom. In this regard, the operating time of the electric furnace will be much longer.
So, in this article, possible methods for saving electricity at home and in an apartment are briefly considered.
Powder
Washing powders are intended for washing "coarse" linen, it is better to entrust delicate fabrics and wool to other means. But the powder, according to experts, copes with difficult spots better than gels and capsules, while being cheaper.
“The composition of the washing powder is richer, due to this this agent is considered stronger,” notes Dagmar Reinumägi. – Therefore, high-quality washing powders are more effective than high-quality gels. I recommend using powders for washing, for example, work clothes or strong and tough fabrics.
What's in the composition? The main composition of all powders includes a mixture of anionic, nonionic, and sometimes cationic surfactants, soda, bleaches, enzymes, flavors, phosphonates.
It is also important not to confuse the powder for hand washing and for the typewriter. The fact is that the composition of the powder for the machine includes defoamers - an excess of foam (contrary to popular belief, the presence of foam does not particularly affect the quality of washing) can damage the machine. Therefore, strictly follow the instructions.
Pros:
Ideally falls asleep in the compartment of the washing machine intended for this purpose.
You can adjust the amount of funds.
Works well on rough fabrics.
Lasts for more washes.
Minuses:
It often doesn't rinse out very well.
When you put it in a container, dust rises into the air - it’s hard for allergy sufferers and sensitive people.
Leaves white marks on clothes.
Sometimes it does not completely dissolve and remains in the compartment of the washing machine.
Doesn't work well at low temperatures.
Washing gel
In Estonia, the gel has also ceased to be a novelty, although many do not trust it, believing that nothing can wash laundry better than powder. In fact, there is some truth in this - gels are more careful with the fabric, due to which not all stains will be washed off. If the stain is not fresh, there is almost no chance that the gel will take it.
“Indeed, gels are more fabric-friendly, so they are ideal for everyday washing,” comments Dagmar Reinumägi. - The gel will not damage the design on textiles, it is easier to rinse and dose. In addition, for fabrics such as silk or wool, special formulations have been developed that will not kill the shine or damage the pile.”
The specialist notes that it is better not to use universal laundry detergents when it comes to wool - they may contain protease-type enzymes that break down animal fibers and simply “eat” wool.
The standard composition of the washing gel includes 15-30% anionic and nonionic surfactants, phosphonate, polyacrylate, enzymes, fragrances, polycarboxylates. Phosphates are not detected, this is a plus. True, there are phosphonates - as it turned out, also phosphorus compounds.
We have become so accustomed to the presence of washing machines in our lives that we have forgotten what it is like to wash by hand. However, what about the fact that this unit consumes 15% of all electricity in your home? Choosing a quality laundry appliance, taking advantage of nightly rates for water and electricity, and other ways to make laundry cheaper can help bring this down significantly.
Ways to make laundry cheaper
To make washing cost several times cheaper, you need to follow seven simple but effective rules. They will help not only save on the consumption of water and electricity by the washing machine, but also reduce the waste of your own time and money.
1. Selecting a household appliance with high energy efficiency.
Such devices are more expensive, but the savings with them are greater (in the consumption of water, electricity, long service life and infrequent repairs)
2. Connecting the washing machine to the hot water pipe.
In this case, the device will not need to heat the water on its own, which saves electricity, and the heater will not have to be changed often. If you use the water heating function in the device, then do not forget to add a descaling agent to the heating element every 3-6 months. It can be sold separately, or it can be included in laundry detergents and other substances.
You can save up to 15% on washing by loading the appliance with linen completely: it is designed for 5 kg - that means 5. Do not put too few things, but do not overdo it either: overload leads to various breakdowns of the washing machine, and a large amount of clothes at a time is not washed normally .
4. Quick wash.
With this program, clothes are washed in 30 minutes (if they are not very dirty), which reduces energy consumption.
5. Washing at low temperature.
Not too dirty laundry can be washed at 30-40°C, which will save you money by 50%. Soak especially dirty items. When soaking, bleaching and pre-washing, the machine needs a water temperature of at least 90 ° C, which means more electricity consumption. You can rinse clothes in cold water, instead of warm water, it washes the powder just as well.
6. Powder saving.
Whatever the quality of the powder, 1 tbsp. l. per kg of things, quite enough. The use of more detergents increases the water consumption of the device when rinsing. You can fight high levels of pollution with a powder booster.
7. Power off.
A connected to the network, albeit a non-working washing machine, consumes up to 10% of the total electricity consumption.
Stop sleeping - wash
Now in Russia, various tariffs for electricity are available, depending on the time of day. According to calculations, the use of a two- or three-rate counter, in comparison with a single-rate counter, saves up to 80% of financial resources, and this is only for one wash!
Two-rate billing (day/night) and three-rate billing (peak/half-peak/night), depending on the time, imply a price difference of about 4 times. This means that it is more economical to wash at night (from 23:00 to 07:00) using the minimum rate. And residents of houses with electric stoves receive an even greater discount on electricity. If you are using a single rate meter, only the basic rate is available to you, with no price difference depending on the time.
Washing machine under the sink: recommendations for selection and installation
Higher quality machine - more economical washing
Do you think the more expensive a household appliance, the more electricity it consumes? Everything is exactly the opposite. For example, Eurosoba washing machines cost 1.5-2 times more than the average. But they are more energy efficient, which means that during washing they save your money by 2-3 times. Such a device is easy to “set up for savings” using various functions (pay attention to their presence when buying a device). With the use of a washing machine, you will understand how important it is to take into account the max load, the ability to change the water temperature, the delayed start timer and various additional functions.- Function of energy-saving mode of operation (the machine heats water less than 50 ° C and consumes it more economically; washing time increases up to 3 hours).
- Quick wash (lightly soiled laundry is washed in a short time).
- Delayed start (the time after which the wash will start is set; suitable for night operation of the machine with the onset of “cheap electricity”).
- Night wash cycle (has a reduced noise level and does not interfere with sleep for you or your neighbors).
- Devices that have the function of mixing powder and water separately, when ready-made detergent comes to things, are able to wash with high quality even at a 20-degree water temperature.
- Washing modes (for things from various materials).
