LED Bulbs & Solar Power – Crucial for Hawaii’s Environment
By Alex Mardikian
Hawaii is serious about promoting energy-efficient choices among its people. Power generation plants are major polluters. Fossil-fuel based energy is expensive and not environment friendly. It is possible for Hawaii to generate 100% clean energy, reduce waste, and do this more efficiently. At present, clean energy contributes to 26% of Hawaii’s total energy production. It is worth noting that reducing energy consumption has contributed to the growth of clean energy in Hawaii. When we save energy, we also save money. Households can save energy in many ways. Switching off the lights when not in use, avoiding unnecessary appliances such as an extra refrigerator or an air conditioner, and making relevant lifestyle changes can help reduce Hawaii’s overall energy consumption and requirements.
Hawaiian households spend around $825/household each year on oil-based electricity to power homes. The cost of oil is a drain on Hawaii’s economy, and a switch to clean energy can actually save $7 billion for the Hawaiian Islands. The cost of living in Hawaii is very high. By reducing energy consumption, Hawaiian households can save money and contribute to the environment.
Energy efficiency yields many benefits. LED lights last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and consume only ten percent of the electricity. Solar powered water heaters can bring down your monthly utilities bill. In fact, solar water heaters are extremely useful for medium to large families. Hawaii offers an energy rebate and there are certain tax credits too that you can avail. Installing a solar powered water heater is not at all an expensive proposition for families in Hawaii.
Old appliances, such as fridges, are energy guzzlers and could be costing you upward of $300 per year in energy bills. Check out recycling programs in your vicinity that accept old appliances in working condition. You can sell used appliances for a small amount. Ensure that existing electrical appliances are working properly at optimum efficiency. For example, during hot and humid summers our air conditioners are invariably overworked. These should be tuned from time to time for proper functioning.