Quick Tips On How To Save Energy

Air-conditioner

• Buy the right air-con size for the room. A multi-split unit is ideal for cooling more than 1 room.
• Shut windows, doors and seal gaps in door and windows when air-con is in use.
• Keep the air filter clean.
• Keep the house cool so that the air-con need not require more energy to cool it. Use blinds, curtains, awnings or solar-reflecting film on the windows.

Computer

• Set your computer to the energy saving mode, an option that is available in most computer models.
• Switch off the monitor if it is not going to be used for a while. A monitor consumes the most energy.

Electric oven

• Do not thaw frozen food in the oven.
• Refrain from opening the door when the oven is in use because the oven temperature could drop 25 to 30 degrees Celsius which implies that more energy is need to heat it back to the preset temperature.
• When using aluminium foil in an electric oven to catch drips, do not place it just beside the dish as it will reflect heat away from it, thus requiring more time is to cook the food.

Iron

• Use a reflective cover for the ironing board.

Lighting

• Fluocrescent bulbs consume less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• A single bulb with high wattage uses less energy than a few low voltage bulbs.
• Light-colored paints reflect light better than dark-colored paints.

Refrigerator

• Choose the right size for your needs.
• Allow hot food to cool before refrigerating.
• Clear away the dust on the cooling coils at least once a year. This helps reduce the energy needed to cool the refrigerator.
• Check the rubber seals (gaskets) for leaks - put a piece of paper at the doorway before closing the door and try pulling the piece of paper out. If it slips out easily then it is time to change the rubber lining.
• Never overload. Allow space for the cooling air to circulate around.
• De-frost regularly. Ice bulit-ups prevent effective cooling.
• The freezer works better when it is full.
• Place a thermometer (if none built-in) inside the fridge to check if the temperature within is kept between 0 to 4 degrees Celsius while the temperature in the freezer should be -18 degrees Celsius.
• When going away for a long holiday, clear the fridge and switch it off.

Vacuum cleaner

• Empty the dust bag frequently.
• Turn it off when it becomes very hot or when the motor gives off an usual sound (signaling a blockage).
• Use a broom (non-electric type) when possible.

Washing machine

• Select the correct wash cycle.
• Wash when there is a full load of clothes but never overload.
• Use the hot water cycle only when necessary as heating up the water consumes energy.

Water heater

• Select the right size for your needs. An oversized unit will waste energy heating unused water.
• Install an instantaneous water heater instead of a storage water heater.
• For a storage water heater, switch it on for about 10-20 minutes before use and switch it off after use.

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