What is Energy Efficiency and why it is important

Do you know what is energy efficiency, well it is the use of less energy to carry out a task or achieve a goal. Homes, buildings, and manufacturing facilities that use less energy to manufacture things require less energy to heat, cool, and operate appliances and electronics.

One of the simplest and most economical methods to slow climate change, lower consumer energy bills, and boost the competitiveness of Indian Economics is through the proper implementation of energy efficiency strategies. To achieve net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarbonization, energy efficiency is also a crucial factor.

According to recent research by the Council of Energy, Environment & Water, although India has effectively delivered metered electricity connections to 97% of households, only 25% of people are aware of energy-efficient appliances (CEEW).

The audit also identified issues with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s awareness campaigns (BEE).

According to the CEEW study, 40% of households selected appliance cost as the most crucial consideration when making a purchase, followed by other criteria like brand recognition, dependability, and energy efficiency.

Only 25% of electrified Indian families have heard of “star labels” nearly 15 years after the “Standards & Labeling” (S&L) program was introduced, according to the survey. The rural population has a comparatively lower level of awareness.

Low knowledge of BEE star labels, according to the CEEW, “high­lights the need for year-round and persistent awareness campaigns, in all re­gio­n­al langu­ages and thr­ough various media, to grab consumers’ attention in smaller towns and rural regions.” The study follows a recent CAG finding that consumers were paying more for appliances with the star label even though they were not necessarily more energy-efficient.

Key Findings

  • India has advanced significantly in encouraging energy-efficient lighting, air conditioners, and refrigerators. Only 3% of the 90% of houses that now utilize ceiling fans do so in an energy-efficient manner. Large urban centers like Delhi and Mumbai, as well as higher-income homes, are where they are most commonly used.
  • The most energy-efficient ceiling fans now on the market use 50% less electricity than standard fans. 15% of India’s yearly home power consumption might be reduced by switching all of the country’s ceiling fans to super-efficient models.
  • The annual market in India for highly efficient fans is INR 12,000 crore (USD 1.64 billion), but the entire addressable market for residential products is around INR 1.42 lakh crore (USD 20 billion).
  • Fans make up the entire addressable market, which is 476 million. This comprises 66 million unmet demand and 410 million ceiling fans already in use in households.
  • The payback period at current market rates ( INR 3,000) is not appealing to the majority of consumers, even though super-efficient fans can save enough money on power bills to pay for themselves in 4-6 years. Prices must decrease by 50% at the current electricity rates for the payback time to be enticing to the majority of users.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has a comparable star labeling system in place for interior products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and tubular fluorescent bulbs. Appliances with the “star label” provide information on their efficiency as well as other features, enabling customers to compare models and select the most energy-efficient ones.

Here are 5 energy-efficient appliances you must have in your home.

Refrigerators

The only kitchen item that is continually in use is the refrigerator. Making your space greener would be easier with one that is energy-efficient. Refrigerators can be expensive energy consumers due to their outdated cooling and lighting systems. The ones that fulfill minimal efficiency standards are at least 9% less efficient than the energy-efficient ones. The refrigerators with the star mark are available in all sizes and have the newest features.

Dishwashers

Although dishwashers appear to last forever, they use an inordinate quantity of expensive energy. Ten gallons of water are wasted per cycle by dishwashers made more than 20 years ago. Dishwashers with the star mark have the most cutting-edge technology and save water and energy. Look for newer, more energy-efficient dishwashers on the market to replace your old, energy-guzzling one.

Washing Machines

If they employ antiquated technology, washing machines use a lot of energy and water, much like dishwashers do. You may be able to save up to 25% more energy and 40% more water by choosing an energy-efficient choice. Remember that these percentages translate into specific savings that benefit individuals, companies, and the environment.

Air Conditioners

When it comes to responsible cooling, energy-efficient air conditioners are crucial. We all still spend a lot of money on cooling our houses. A more modern, more energy-efficient air conditioner may consume 30 to 50% less electricity than an older, less energy-efficient model.

Ceiling Fans

If you reside in a region of the country where it is hot and muggy virtually all year round, ceiling fans are a lifesaver. Ceiling fans can lessen your demand for energy-intensive cooling, yet they cannot take the place of air conditioning. Spend money on them to save energy and lower your expenses.