Energy Conservation

From childhood, we have been taught the principle of turning off devices or appliances when not in use. Usually, we turn off the fan, light, AC, refrigerator when we move out of home or when not in use. We adopt these practices not only to save money but also to reduce the consumption of energy. Appropriate behavior and habits can help in energy conservation. In this article, let us know the techniques of energy conservation in detail.

Table of Contents:

What is Energy Conservation?

Energy conservation is the act of reducing the usage and wastage of energy. Switching off the AC, light, etc., when nobody is in the room are a few practices that help in energy conservation. We know energy is a broad term and is the fundamental source of living. Energy is classified into various types depending on its nature. Energy conservation is the means of reducing the consumption of energy. 

To reduce the environmental impact on society, energy conservation measures are being imparted. Remember, by saving energy, you are protecting the environment directly. We know that energy is precious. Energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another. 

The best examples to demonstrate energy transformation from one form to another are:

  1. The microphone is a device to convert sound energy into electrical energy.
  2. The solar panel is used to convert sunlight to electrical energy.
  3. Shafts in the windmill rotate to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Note: Energy conservation day has been celebrated on December 14 every year since 1991.

Read more: Energy and Classification of Energy

Best Ways to Conserve Energy in Daily Life

  • Adjust your day-to-day behaviours to turn off devices and appliances when not in use. Purchase devices and appliances which consume less energy.
  • Adapt smart power strips: Do you know power or energy is consumed when the appliances are not in use. Yes, appliances draw power from outlets and are referred to as phantom loads. These smart power strips will help to cut down on phantom-load costs and save energy.
  • Refrigerators are one of the main appliances that consume power. Keep the setting of the refrigerator low to save energy.
  • Using CFL and LED bulbs to save energy. Regular incandescent bulbs consume more energy than CFL and LED.
  • Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Air conditioners (AC) and heaters consume more energy than other appliances. Cleaning or replacing air filters improves efficiency and consumes less energy.
  • Operate dishwasher and washing machines in a full load. To get the most energy-saving use from each run cycle.
  • Using a laptop instead of desktop computers can save considerable energy.
  • Install water-saver showerheads to help with conserving hot water and save power.
  • Use a slow cooker, toaster oven, or microwave oven over a conventional oven. Also, use utensils made of ceramic and glass.
  • Cycling is the best way to save fuel.
  • Walking instead of driving also saves energy.
  • Skip the dryer on a breezy day and dry clothes on the clothesline.

Benefits of Conservation of Energy

Energy conservation helps in :

  • Saves the cost and lowers your utility bills.
  • Prolongs the existence of fossil fuels.
  • Protects the environment.
  • Reduces pollution.

Remember:

Energy conservation day is celebrated on the 14th of December every year.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

Do CFL and LED help in energy conservation?

Yes, CFL and LED consume less power than traditional fluorescent lamps and help in energy saving.

Q2

State law of conservation of energy

The law of conservation of energy states that “energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can only be converted from one form to another”

Q3

Give an example to explain energy transformation from one form to another.

Energy transformation is seen in solar panels, where sunlight is converted into electrical energy.

Q4

Explain two ways in which energy can be saved in day-to-day life.

  • Adapting smart power strips helps to reduce the loss of energy.
  • Operating a washing machine or dishwasher in full load helps to consume less energy than operating in half-load.
Q5

What are the ways in which energy can be transferred?

  • Mechanically – By the action of force
  • Electrically – Electrically
  • By Radiation – By Light waves or Sound waves
  • By Heating – By conduction, convection, or radiation
Q6

What is energy conservation?

Energy conservation is the means of reducing the consumption of energy.

Q7

What are the benefits of energy conservation?

The following are the benefits of energy conservation:

  • Saves the cost and lowers your utility bills
  • Prolongs the existence of fossil fuels.
  • Protects the environment.
  • Reduces pollution.

Watch the video and find out conservation measures we can take to save the natural resources depleting at an alarming rate.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to know more about energy, types of energy and energy conservation in detail.

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