Energy-saving tips

Sushma Veera
New Straits Times
03-26-2011
Energy-saving tips
Byline: Sushma Veera
Edition: Main/Lifestyle
Section: Life & Times

Each year our electricity bill keeps increasing but not our salaries. Lately, many are also concerned about saving the environment. SUSHMA VEERA browses the Internet for tips on using less energy

1 Laundry with hands
Washing machines sound like the best choice when it comes to laundry. If you don't have many clothes, wash them by hand. If you prefer to use the machine, gather them all and wash at one go.

2 Cut down on water heater

Water heaters consume a lot of electricity. If the weather is hot, bathe in cold water. No point using the water heater only to come out sweaty again.

3 Regularity to Refrigerator

The refrigerator is not your cupboard. Avoid opening and closing it as you like. Take whatever you need all at once. This helps save electricity and keeps the food fresher.

4 Defrost food

Defrost food before baking or microwaving it. This uses less energy. Instead of defrosting food on the counter where it may spoil or in the microwave where it will use extra energy, place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before you need it.

5 Switch off TV and radio when not in use

We tend to leave the TV or radio on when we are in another part of the house. Switch them off when you leave the room.

6 Use ceiling fan

Reduce usage of the air-conditioner. A ceiling fan uses less electricity. It is more than a cooling device. It can effectively distribute heat throughout your home by breaking up the cool and warm layers of air.

7 Natural sunlight

Dry your clothes in the sun instead of using the dryer. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and causes a natural lightening effect on your clothes. Clothes look brighter and smell fresher compared to those from the dryer.

8 Use energy saving bulbs

Change the normal fluorescent bulb to energy saving ones. You will not notice a difference in brightness but you certainly will when your bill arrives. Energy saving bulbs not only allow you to save money but also do your part for the environment. They also need not be replaced as frequently.

9 Plug off

Unplug all appliances when not in use. Most of us use the remote to switch off the TV or stereo, leaving the appliance on standby mode. When you do this the appliance continues to consume electricity.

10 Keep it clean

Clean your air filters regularly. Dirt and dust hinder air flow, reducing efficiency. This will increase power consumption.

Source: http://blog.701panduan.com/2010/02/17/10-tips-to-save- electricity-water/

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