The amount of energy you can save by not using lights and air conditioning when you're not home depends on several factors, including the energy efficiency of your lighting and cooling systems, the size and insulation of your home, the local climate, and the duration of time you are away. However, I can provide some general insights into potential energy savings:
Lights: The energy consumption of lights depends on the type of bulbs you use. Traditional incandescent bulbs consume more energy compared to energy-efficient options like LED bulbs. If you switch off lights when you're not home, especially if you're going to be away for an extended period, the energy savings can be significant.
Air Conditioning (AC): Air conditioning systems are among the largest energy consumers in most households. The amount of energy you can save by turning off your AC while you're away will depend on the climate and temperature outside. If you're in a hot climate, leaving the AC off during your absence can result in substantial savings.
Estimating the exact savings in your specific situation would require more detailed information, such as the wattage of your lights, the cooling capacity of your AC unit, and the duration of time you're away. Nevertheless, here are some general tips to optimize energy savings:
Use Programmable Thermostats: Install programmable or smart thermostats that allow you to set schedules for your AC. You can program it to turn off or reduce cooling when you're not at home and resume cooling before you return.
Consider Home Automation: With smart home systems, you can remotely control your lights and AC, allowing you to turn them off or adjust settings from your smartphone when you realize you've left them on.
Improve Home Insulation: Properly insulating your home can help maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce the workload on your AC system.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last longer.
Unplug Devices: When you're away, unplug electronic devices and chargers that continue to draw power even when not in use. This standby power consumption, also known as vampire power, can add up over time.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce your energy consumption and save on utility bills while also contributing to a more sustainable environment.