Small Changes to Save Electricity
Due to the recent pandemic, staying home has become the safest option for many of us. As a result, many would notice an increase in electricity usage at home. However, here are some small changes you can make in your everyday lives that can help you manage the increase in electricity usage.
1. Turn off unnecessary lights.
During the day, try switching off your light bulbs and opt for natural light as much as you can.
2. Use energy-efficient alternatives instead of ordinary bulbs.
Halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use 25-80% less electricity and last 3-25 times longer than traditional bulbs..
3. Make sure you have a full load before washing.
When you only run full loads of laundry, you run your washing machine less often. This way, you can save electricity and water at the same time.
4. Dry your clothes outside.
On sunny days, hang dry your laundry in the sun instead of putting them in a dryer.
5. Defrost your food by leaving it in the fridge overnight.
Avoid using the microwave to defrost your food and you’ll use less electricity.
6. Make sure the seal on your refrigerator is and do not open the door unnecessarily.
Leaving the door open or frequently opening and shutting the door makes the unit's compressor run hotter and takes longer to cool — as well as burns more electricity.
7. Keep the oven door closed while cooking.
Did you know that the temperature in your oven can drop 25 degrees or more every time you open the oven door?
8. Unplug unused electronics.
Note that standby power can account up to 10% of an average household's annual electricity use.
9. Take shorter showers.
Water heating is a major contributor to your household’s total energy consumption. Besides installing an energy-efficient water heater, you can simply use less hot water or take shorter showers.
10. Set your computer to sleep or hibernate mode.
During periods of inactivity, avoid leaving your computer on with a screen saver. You can save electricity by setting your computer to sleep or hibernate mode.
Other than these small everyday changes you can do to save electricity, the long-term strategic plan would be to go solar! Going solar does not stop at spending a large sum of money in the purchasing and installing the solar energy system, it’s an investment. Along with the reduced electricity bill each month, you are actually investing into saving more as time goes by.