Consumer News

High Temperatures Shouldn’t Mean High Electricity Bills As Well

6 Ways to Save on Electricity Bills This Summer

By: Peter Parcon | May 11, 2016
Share this article
facebook-logo facebook
twitter-logo twitter

ways to save money on electric bill


School’s out, summer’s in. While summer is one of the most-awaited times of the year, it also brings with it an increase in electricity bills. The heat and humidity associated with summer can be quite overwhelming, especially since the Philippines is a tropical country. As a result, you may tend to stay indoors and use your electric fans or air-conditioners for longer periods of time. Here are six ways for you to cut down on your electricity bills while remaining comfortable in the summer.


1. Replace the incandescent bulbs



ways to save money on electric bill

Incandescent bulbs are energy hogs.


Traditional incandescent bulbs may be cheaper compared to compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, but you end up paying more for your electricity bill. Aside from being energy hogs, incandescent bulbs do not last long. CFL bulbs are basically smaller versions of fluorescent lamps. They can easily fit in standard bulb sockets and provide the same light offered by incandescent bulbs. They use less power and last longer compared to incandescent bulbs.

However, you should be careful in handling them as they contain mercury. If the bulb breaks, cleanup will not be easy. On the other hand, LED bulbs last longer than both incandescent and CFL bulbs. They also use lesser energy and can be easily fitted into standard lighting fixtures. The main disadvantage of LED bulbs is their price tag. They are more expensive compared to incandescent and CFL bulbs. Nevertheless, the cost of buying LED bulbs can be offset by your savings in electricity bills.


2. Unplug unused appliances.



ways to save money on electric bill

Unplug unused appliances.


Unplugging appliances when not in use is a well-known energy-saving tip. Appliances still use electricity even if the power switch is turned off since electricity continues to flow through them. While the cost may be small when you compute them on a daily basis, it can pile up in the long run. The same thing goes with computers and laptops. If you do not intend to use them for a long time, it is better to shut them down and unplug them.


3. Try induction cooking.



ways to save money on electric bill

Save on your electricity bills with induction cooking.


Similar to bulbs, induction cookers are more expensive compared to regular electric stoves. However, cooking through induction is cheaper and more efficient compared to cooking with a heating element. In induction cooking, an electromagnetic field is used to heat up the cookware. Since heat is transferred directly onto the cookware, food is evenly heated and lesser heat is wasted. Then again, you will have to use cookware specifically designed for induction cooking. But at the end of the day, this added cost of acquiring the necessary equipment will save you more when you use an induction cooker compared to regular electric stoves.


4. Use the air-con timer.



ways to save money on electric bill

Use the air-con timer to save on electricity bills.


The air-conditioner is normally the most abused appliance in the house during summer. And this increase in air-con usage will normally result in higher electricity bills. But, you may still save some money if you take advantage of one simple, yet cost-saving component found in many air-conditioners—the timer! You can set the timer to turn your air-con off around one to two hours before you wake up. Don’t worry; the room will remain cool enough for you to be comfortable while doing your morning rituals. Be happy; you’ll end up with lower electricity bills.

Yet other models are with an option to get the air-con turned off while the fan is turned on. These units are better since you can set the timer to turn off the air-conditioner and turn on the fan after, maybe, three to four hours. The fan will ensure cool air continues to circulate inside the room. Final bit on saving on air-conditioners: keep your unit properly maintained and have the filter cleaned regularly to ensure the air-con’s best performance.


5. Keep your refrigerator well maintained



ways to save money on electric bill

Always keep your refrigerator in tip-top shape.


It is important to make sure your refrigerator is well maintained to ensure that it functions efficiently. This means defrosting regularly to keep frost form accumulating. When frost accumulates in the refrigerator, your unit will have to work harder to maintain operational efficiency. In addition, you should make sure the seals of the refrigerator are keeping the cold air inside. It is also advisable to keep the refrigerator filled.

You may have to put in some bottles of water to fill in the space when the refrigerator is nearly empty. But, you should also avoid cramming too much stuff inside since this will prevent the cold air from circulating inside your refrigerator. Poor air circulation inside your fridge will cause the machine to work harder to keep the required temperature—and that uses up more electricity.


6. Take note of the energy efficiency ratio.



ways to save money on electric bill

Check out the EER when buying new appliances.


If you are planning to buy a new air-conditioner or refrigerator, it is important that you take note of the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of the units you are eyeing. A higher EER rating translates to more efficiency when it comes to energy consumption.

Electricity is one of the main expenses you have to consider when setting your household budget. And taking note of these tips will allow you to save on your electricity bills this summer.


Do you have any other tips on how to lower your electricity bills? Let us know through the comments section below.


Also Read…
Newsletter Banner
author
About Peter Parcon
After leaving spending 16 years of his professional life in the academe, Peter decided to try his luck in the world of online freelancing. For the past eight years, he has been creating content for clients all around the world. He can work on just about any topic - from tattoos to technology and food to finance. He dreams of visiting every island in the archipelago some day.
Learn more stories on:
Location Tags:
Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
MORE STORIES AROUND THE PHILIPPINES
Follow Us On:
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
Home
Advertise
About Us
Privacy Policy
Register My Store
HTML Sitemap
Submit My Favorites
XML Sitemap
Terms and Conditions
FAQ Page
Copyright 2013 - 2024 ShoppersGuide Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved
This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. For more information please see our privacy policy