Issue No. 20
23 October 2014
Energy efficiency tricks
H
alloween is a perfect time of the year to think about and practice ways of reducing energy use. What could be better than going lights free for a spooky ambiance? It has long been said that on All Hallows’ Eve, the boundary between the living world and dead thins, allowing spirits to run free. Ghosts and goblins roam the earth, witches take to the sky on their broomsticks, and vampires rise from the dead. Whether you believe in paranormal activity or not, do not let your energy bill give you a scare this Halloween.
Here are some home energy efficiency tricks and scarily effective ways to save money and stop your energy bill from haunting you. •
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Stop cold air and spooks from invading your home. Defend yourself from unwanted spirits and high energy bills by sealing air leaks around doors and windows. Conduct a visual inspection to detect leaks or hire a professional for a more thorough measurement of your home’s airflow. Learn more about lighting choices. No need to fill your house with garlic to keep vampires at bay. Fend off these ancient creatures while saving money on lighting costs with energy-efficient light bulbs. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are a great option in addition to or instead of candles. Convert sunlight into electricity. Banish goblins and other creatures lurking in the shadows with outdoor solar lighting. It is popularly used in pathway lighting, wall-mounted lamps, freestanding lamp posts, and security lights. It is easy to install, virtually maintenance free, and with no added costs to your electric bill. Learn how to determine if you should replace your fixtures. Water has magical qualities, providing protection from the undead — ghosts cannot cross running water and the slightest drop causes witches to melt, according to folklore. If this is a belief you ascribe to, you can stop ghosts and witches in their
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tracks and achieve water savings of 25% - 60% by installing low-flow fixtures. Watch out for phantom loads haunting your energy bill this year. Phantom loads, also called energy vampires, refer to the energy that appliances draw when they are in standby mode. These nuisances suck unnecessary energy and lead to carbon emissions. Get rid of your home unwanted guests. Make them disappear by unplugging electronics and battery chargers when not in use. Unplug appliances such as televisions when you are away on vacation. You can also use what are called ‘smart’ power strips designed to stave off unwanted energy suckers.
This Halloween, protect yourself from evil spirits waiting to torment you - and rising energy bills - with these energy efficiency tips. After all, saving energy and money is a treat you can enjoy all year long. Source: http://energy.gov/articles/energy-efficiency-tricks-stopyour-energy-bill-haunting-you
Published by the Knowledge Management and Information Service (KMIS) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us at publications@dti.gov.ph.