What is Energy Efficiency?

Using less energy to perform the same function is called energy efficiency. Energy efficiency aims to eliminate waste and wastefulness. Energy efficient homes and buildings consume less energy to heat, cool and operate electronic devices. Similarly, energy-efficient production facilities use less energy to produce goods.

​Energy efficiencyprovides various benefits; reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the demand for energy imports, and reducing costs across households and the economy are some of them. Renewable energy technologies also help to achieve these goals. Improving energy efficiency is the cheapest and fastest way to reduce the use of fossil fuels. There are tremendous opportunities for efficiency improvements in every sector, whether it is buildings, transportation, industry or power generation. For example, energy-efficient LED bulbs can produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs, using 75 to 80 percent less electricity. Since energy production generates pollution and greenhouse gases, improving the energy efficiency of certain technologies has the potential to reduce emissions from the energy sector, as it significantly reduces energy consumption.

The 3 Main Benefits of Energy Efficiency 

Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers and increase the competitiveness of enterprises. Energy efficiency is also a vital component in achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions through decarbonization. 

In short, energy efficiency saves money, increases the flexibility and reliability of the power grid, and provides benefits for the environment and public health. 

1. Saving
You can save on energy bills by making energy efficiency improvements at home that reduce your energy use and increase comfort, such as adding insulation, using LED lighting, and installing a heat pump. The cost of heating, cooling and operation of energy-efficient buildings decrease. Energy efficient transportation, on the other hand, saves fuel. 

2. Environmental Benefits
Reducing energy use is essential for combating climate change since conventional power plants use fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases and cause air pollution. Reducing the use of fossil fuels results in cleaner air, water and soil, which directly affects human health. Energy-efficient homes and buildings are better equipped to switch to renewable energy that does not produce harmful emissions. 

3. Durability and Reliability
Energy efficiency improvements minimize congestion and stress on the power grid, reducing the load on the grid, that is, the amount of electricity. Energy efficiency improvements minimize congestion and stress on the power grid, reducing the load on the grid, that is, the amount of electricity. Less load prevents power outages.

Common Misconceptions about Energy Efficiency

Energy saving - the concept of reducing energy consumption through minimizing energy - consuming activities- is often confused with energy efficiency. We can gather the main difference between the two concepts into three main headings;

1. Energy efficiency does not require you to change your habits. 
Energy saving requires a certain degree of sacrifice, such as using the dryer less often or turning down the heat in winter. Energy efficiency, on the other hand, provides the same amount or quality of output/result while using less energy. Instead of turning down the heat, you can install an efficient boiler to keep your home at a certain temperature while consuming less energy than a conventional boiler. Energy efficiency does not bother you with prohibitive restrictions and does not require you to make behavior changes to reduce your energy bills. 

2. Energy efficient options are worth the investment.
Another false concern is that energy-efficient options are not worth buying, as they are more expensive than their traditional alternatives. Yes, whether its appliances or home features, efficient options often come with a high price tag. However, energy efficiency should be considered as an investment that accumulates savings over time rather than a typical purchase judged on upfront costs. 

When you switch to an energy-efficient scheme, the electricity bill savings generated over a lifetime have the potential to offset the total purchase price and generate a positive return on investment (ROI). In addition, a long-term energy-efficient upgrade/setup can add value to your home after a resale.
Although traditional options offer lower upfront prices, they require more frequent replacements and reduce the benefits of saving by creating higher service expenses. 

3. Large energy savings require investment.
A common misconception about energy efficiency is that replacing some appliances will result in significant savings. For an effective saving, you should consider a holistic approach that strategically targets the sources of energy waste in your home or workplace. 

For example, electricity consumed by devices in off or standby mode, known as a "phantom load", can add $100-200 to your annual bill. While your first instinct may be to replace the device with a more energy efficient version, consider using a smart switched extension cord first. Smart power strips turn off when they detect devices are not used, preventing plugged-in devices from drawing power and effectively eliminating phantom load. 

Another example is installing an energy efficient oven or air conditioner. While installing an energy efficient HVAC (air conditioning) system can reduce your energy bills, your savings will be less if your home is not sufficiently airtight or insulated because it will take more energy to keep the indoor temperature at any level. 

For more information on the energy efficiency applications offered by Enerjisa, please visit the Energy of My Business page!

What Are the Opportunities Offered by Energy Efficiency?

 Energy efficiency policies and technologies play a key role in reducing emissions. Energy efficiency measures are among the most cost-effective actions to reduce emissions. In the IEA modelling, energy efficiency makes a major contribution to reducing global emissions. This contribution, for example, regulating fuel economy standards in the transport sector, using efficient technologies that provide heat and steam in industry, also benefits the efficiency gains of all end-use sectors.

What Should Countries Do for Energy Efficiency Transformation?

Strong energy efficiency policies are vital to reduce climate change and air pollution, improve energy security and increase energy access. Mandatory energy efficiency policies and regulations, such as minimum energy performance standards and energy efficiency obligations, are providing significant energy and emission savings worldwide.

What Should Individuals Do For Energy Efficiency? 
Although the cost of a holistic approach to energy efficiency may seem daunting, the savings that will result from such upgrades and the increase in building value will justify the entire investment. 

Small changes can lead to big savings: 

• Turn off the lights not used.
• Use energy-efficient LED bulbs.
• Unplug the electrical appliances that you are not using.
• Do not place furniture in front of radiators.
• Do not leave the doors of your buildings open during winter and keep the unused rooms at a low temperature.
• Wait for the dishes you take out of the freezer to thaw before cooking.
• Do not immediately put dish that is still hot in the refrigerator.
• Do not check the food baked in the oven by constantly opening the oven door.

Why is Energy Efficiency Significant?

Energy efficiency measures make it possible for us to create products, services and benefits with the lowest energy costs. In addition, energy efficiency provides many significant benefits, as it reduces the amount of energy wasted, including: 

• The opportunity to postpone or eliminate the need to build capacity with new types of facilities that keep electricity rates lower,
• Reduced electricity bills for utility customers participating in energy efficiency programs and lower rates for all customers,
• The opportunity to prevent electricity grid restrictions and improve grid reliability, especially during peak hours,
• Reduced environmental impacts,
• Local job creation and economic growth,
• Improved health, comfort and productivity for all citizens.