Summer is here again—worried about your next electricity bill skyrocketing? Let the Power-Saving Superheroes teach you 8 essential energy-saving tips to avoid wasteful practices and easily save on your electricity bill!
Step 1: Switch to Energy-Saving LED Bulbs
The number one culprit of high electricity bills at home is the incandescent light bulb. Replacing a 7.2-watt shrine light bulb with an energy-efficient 0.5-watt LED bulb can save you over 300 NT dollars a year.
Step 2: Use Timers to Combat Standby Power
Don't believe the myth that leaving your computer on doesn't consume much power!
A typical desktop computer running idle for 10 hours a day without sleep mode will cost an additional 1,000 NT dollars a year. Conversely, installing a timer on your water dispenser, electric kettle, and set-top box can save you nearly the same amount.
Step 3: Set Air Conditioner Temperature to 26-28 Degrees
According to air conditioning comfort analysis, a temperature setting between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius is the most comfortable. Raising the temperature by just one degree can save 140 NT dollars a year. Using a fan in conjunction will save even more. Additionally, set the timer to turn off the air conditioner two hours before you wake up.
Step 4: Develop a good habit of turning off lights at will
We've been taught since childhood to turn off lights when leaving a room. The Power-Saving Superhero also says, "Don't forget to turn off the switch before you leave!" However, if you're stepping out for less than three minutes, there's no need to turn off the light as it uses more power and shortens the bulb's lifespan due to frequent switching.
Step 5: Replace Old Appliances with Energy-Efficient Ones
Research by the Industrial Technology Research Institute shows that a 20-year-old refrigerator can cost 1,700 NT dollars more in electricity a year compared to a first-grade energy-efficient fridge. Therefore, choosing appliances with an "Energy Efficiency Grade 1" label or an "Energy Star" label is crucial.
The energy efficiency grading is symbolized by a thermometer, where the lower the grade number, the more energy-efficient the product is. Grade 1 represents high energy efficiency.
Step 6: Regularly Clean Air Conditioner Filters
According to data from the Industrial Technology Research Institute, not cleaning the air conditioner filter daily can consume an additional 0.67 kilowatt-hours of electricity, costing 230 NT dollars more a year.
Step 7: Set Air Conditioner to Sleep Mode at Night
Statistics show that during the summer, reducing air conditioner usage by just one hour a day can save about 300 NT dollars over four months. Additionally, setting the air conditioner to sleep mode at night can help you save even more.
Step 8: Avoid Frequent Opening and Closing of the Refrigerator Door
As kids, we loved opening supermarket fridge doors to cool off, but this wastes a lot of electricity. Always decide what to buy before opening the door! Also, keep the refrigerator about 80% full to allow air circulation, and ensure the back of the fridge is at least 10 cm away from the wall to help dissipate heat.
By changing these wasteful behaviors, you can save enough money to treat yourself to a nice meal!
Frequently asked questions
- What is the most impactful energy-saving change at home?
- Switching from incandescent bulbs to LEDs. The article notes that replacing a 7.2-watt bulb with a 0.5-watt LED can save over NT$300 a year, and old appliances like a 20-year-old refrigerator can cost NT$1,700 more annually than a Grade 1 efficient model.
- What air-conditioner temperature saves the most electricity while staying comfortable?
- Between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. Raising the setting by just one degree saves about NT$140 a year, and using a fan alongside the AC plus a sleep-mode timer at night saves even more.
- How should I use the refrigerator to save energy?
- Decide what you need before opening the door to avoid wasting cold air, keep the fridge about 80% full for air circulation, and leave at least 10 cm between the back of the fridge and the wall to help it dissipate heat.