January 27, 2022

10 Tips to Save on Electricity and Lower Your Monthly Bill

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

With the prevalence of electricity in our modern lives, we may take it for granted and consume it haphazardly. However, being mindful of our energy consumption can enable us to save a great deal on our energy bills and save the Earth, too!

If you want to be wiser on how you consume electricity in your condo, here are valuable tips to get you started.

10 Electricity Saving Tips to Save on Your Monthly Electricity Bill

There are numerous home energy conservation tips you can do in your humble condo, ranging from small daily habits to large investments that not only help the environment but also lower your energy bills. So, what are some easy ways to reduce energy consumption at home?

1. Let natural light in

Condo living usually provides cozy homes with wall-sized windows that typically let a lot of sunlight in. Use this to your advantage by harnessing the energy of the sun and letting natural light spill in your home instead of using electricity, as lighting accounts for about 9% of a typical residential utility bill.

2. Use LED lighting

Many homes are switching to smart LED lights because they not only look stylish and are less expensive but they are also far more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs create light through heat, which means that 90% of the energy used to illuminate an area will be wasted by generating heat. Not only is this not energy-efficient, but it could also be another heat source that your aircon will have to contend with.

3. Turn off lights when not in use

A basic habit to develop and maintain is to always turn off the lights when leaving a room. Make a mental note to do so until it becomes second nature to you. By doing something as simple as this regularly, you can save a significant amount on your monthly electricity costs.

4. Use light curtains and shade on your windows during hot days

Close blinds, shades, and drapes on the sunny side of your home during the warmer months to help keep your home cooler and your air conditioner work less. When the heat becomes unbearable, use your ceiling fan to a comfortable level instead of automatically reaching for the remote of the AC. Then, during the cooler months, open the shades to allow the sun to warm your home.

5. Defrost your freezer regularly

While having frost in your freezer may seem like a good indication that the appliance is working as intended, it can be quite detrimental. Thick frost buildup along the walls of the freezer can hamper its heat transfer capabilities, which increases its electric consumption. You should defrost your freezer when the frost is about ¼ inch thick.

6. Set your refrigerator at a reasonable temperature

Refrigerators use more electricity, especially if you set the thermostat at maximum settings. That is why you should set your refrigerator’s temperature to the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid excessive cooling and wasting energy.

Moreover, fridges operate most efficiently when full, so keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible (you can use water bottles as fillers, too). But be careful about overfilling them either, as this will reduce airflow and cause the appliance to work harder.

7. Set a schedule for the use of air conditioners

Air conditioners are notoriously expensive to operate. Plus, the longer they run, the more energy they use. That is why it is better to set a schedule for when your AC should be used. Most air conditioners have a timer function for this purpose.

8. Clean your aircon filters

Simple maintenance, such as replacing or cleaning air filters regularly, can reduce your cooling system’s energy consumption. Also, take the time to inspect your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, as dust and pollen may have built up on the surface and hamper its heat transfer function. To keep your AC operating at peak efficiency, you should have it cleaned annually.

9. Switch off and unplug unused appliances

When you fail to unplug devices that are not in use, they still use up energy by way of phantom load. Do not leave devices on standby; instead, unplug them to save money on your electricity bill.

10. Replace old appliances

In general, maintaining and replacing appliances every few years will reduce their impact on your electricity consumption.

Dryers and refrigerators are two of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home, and replacing them with more energy-efficient models can cut electricity usage in half and lower your utility bills.

In a Nutshell

The best way to start saving money on your electricity bills is to change the way you use electricity by making condo living more energy-efficient and sustainable. Knowing how to conserve electricity and making minor habit changes in each home can have a significant impact not only on the environment but also on your wallet!

Find the perfect condominium designed with residents’ comfort and convenience in mind. Check out Federal Land’s environment-friendly projects in prime locations in the Philippines, and let knowledgeable real estate professionals assist you in your home-buying journey.