Issue No. 05
March 05, 2014
Summer energy-saving tips
S
ummer is not the time to procrastinate on conserving energy. It will be hard but it can also be a good time to slash the energy bills, reduce greenhouse gases, and lower the possibility of summer blackouts by having energy-use awareness. Summer is one of the best seasons to save. Here are some free and low-cost tips in cutting your energy-use without sacrificing the fun and enjoyment this season: •
Windows closed at day, open at night. Keep the windows, blinds, or curtains closed during the day to avoid the summer heat from getting in the house. Cover sunstruck windows with sun screens, reflective film, or sunshades to keep the heat out. At night, open the windows and blinds to let out the hot air and let in more cool air.
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Wear light fabric clothes. Dress like you are on vacation especially if you’re just at home. During summer, your body tends to perspire more so you end up using the electric fan or air conditioner to take the heat away. When you wear lighter fabrics, air flow process is better, saving you from using the electric fan or air conditioner.
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Clean or replace air conditioner’s filter. Even before summer starts, make sure to clean your air conditioner’s filter. Otherwise, the air conditioning system may decline its performance as your energy-use increases. Fan club. Before turning on your air conditioner, weigh first if you really need to use it or you can settle for just using the fan. A ceiling fan saves more energy by maximizing air circulation. There’s nothing wrong in using the air conditioner but it should be used moderately to save more energy.
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Keep the doors closed. It is a general rule whenever the air conditioning system is turned on. This prevents cool air from escaping the room.
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Dine outdoors. Whenever you dine indoors, you use extra lights and more energy from fans and air conditioners. It can be a new fun activity of your friends and family to explore the outdoors and feel the summer breeze. Try al fresco dining this summer time.
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Fill-up the fridge. Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.
Source: http://www.westernpower.com.au/aboutus/save_electricity/ power_saving_tips.html
Published by the Trade and Industry Information Center (TIIC) 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.