Home Economics Unit 2

Resources

Three main resources: time, energy, money

Time management

Time needs to be given to necessary routines but also socialising and fun

All members of the household should take a share of the household chores, according to age, physical health and capabilities

As children grow, there should be a more equitable division of time use in the home

Children need time for school work and bed time needs to be managed to get enough sleep

Time and energy saving techniques

o   Timers on household appliances so they can operate while other activities are completed

o   Radio and television programmes can be accessed on the internet

o   Email is quicker than sending a letter

o   Using labour saving equipment like food mixers/processors

o   Fridges and freezers mean that it is unnecessary to shop more frequently

Energy management– human energy as well as fuel and heat

A well designed, suitably sized home will save human and fuel energy

Smooth, easy to maintain surfaces will be easy to clean

Effective lighting will ensure people will not waste energy looking for things in dim light

Non-stick surfaces of household equipment means that it takes less time to clean

Thermostats on equipment that require temperature control save energy

Microwaves heat food much more quickly than conventional ovens

Dishwashers and washing machines make the necessary and regular household chores less time and labour intensive.

Reducing fuel energy

All new housing must have good insulation.

Central heating heats an entire house and the system can be controlled on a time switch so that it can be programmed to come on when needed.

Radiators can be fitted with individual thermostats

The temperature of the domestic hot water supply can be controlled according to the needs of the household

Solar panels, although expensive to install, are cheap to maintain and can produce energy.

Money management

This requires an evaluation of total income from all sources and the development of a realistic budget plan.

Budget plan must include all the necessary regular expenses, whilst allowing extra money for savings or an emergency.

Depending on the household, the budget should make room for, special diet, childcare or medical supplies, for example.

We can shop online for goods or services. This saves time and money and could avoid impulse purchases.

Some sites offer comparative information

Factors affecting time, energy and money management

The number of people in the household

The age of the members of the household

Dependent members of any household also involve additional costs

The skills and talents of all members of the household will affect how they can contribute to the pool of resources

The geographical location of the home will affect travelling costs, for example but also living costs (like living in London)

The nature and size of the house will determine maintenance costs as well as heating costs

Labour-saving appliances can save time and energy

Any help to the household in the form of friends,…