The Department of Energy (DOE) observes National Energy Consciousness Month every December. For this year, the theme is:”Fueling Hope, Lighting the Way” (DOE Philippines Facebook Page)
Technology has made life more convenient nowadays. Smart TVs, washing machines, and air conditioning units are some of the household appliances that make daily living comfortable and hassle-free.
However, reducing electricity consumption can become challenging for households who wish to save on their electricity bill while still enjoying the convenience and comfort that electrical appliances bring.
This is one challenge that Mitchelle “Mitch” Rosacena, a mother of three from Tabok, Mandaue City, Cebu, experiences every day.
A working mother whose husband is a delivery driver, Mitch, shared that despite their meager income, they made it a point to buy appliances that would at least make their lives more convenient.
“Appliances ra man jud namo sa balay kay TV, speaker, electric fan, ug ref (We own a TV, speaker, electric fan, and refrigerator),” said Mitch.
Although they do not own several electrical appliances, Mitch lamented that they would still get a high monthly power bill.
“Nakasuway mi og taas na kuryente kanang full ang ref ug mag-permi og electric fan (We would have a high electric bill when our refrigerator is on at full temperature and the electric fan is always on),” she said.
Mitch and her family worked on bringing their power bill down by reducing their energy consumption. She limited the usage hours of their electric appliances while lowering their refrigerator’s temperature.
“Dili ma-silbi og magkanunay, maong dili kanunay mag-electric fan, mangabri ra man mabuntag unya gipaubsan sad namo ang refrigerator gikan sa 3 to 1 (We could not afford to keep using the appliances constantly, so we no longer often use the electric fan, or we just open the windows or doors for ventilation when it’s daytime. We also lowered the temperature of the refrigerator from 3 to 1),” she shared.
Philippine Energy Labeling Program is the enactment of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285) that ensures energy labeling of the appliances. This photo is an example of the Energy Label to guide consumers on the energy performance of products. (DOE Visayas Field Office Presentation)
Energy efficiency
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), aside from being more efficient in power consumption, consumers should also look out for energy-efficient units when buying appliances.
“The more stars, the higher the energy efficiency of the equipment, the less the energy consumption,” said DOE Visayas Field Office Senior Science Research Specialist Engr. Chammer Jake Plaza in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
Plaza is referring to the energy label of each appliance, which features a star rating system for easy reference of consumers when comparing the efficiency of similar products.
DOE implemented the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP) using the star rating system, with five stars being the most efficient energy saving and three stars being the average energy saving.
A one-star rating shows that the product is still efficient but not as efficient as those with a five-star rating.
The energy efficiency of each appliance varies from one to the next, even if they are of the same brand.
Plaza said that the energy efficiency of the appliance corresponds to energy conservation.
Behaviour change
Aside from choosing energy-efficient appliances, consumers who are looking to save on their power bill should also change their electric usage habits.
Plaza said the use of solar panels as the main source of energy at home is highly recommended. However, not everyone can afford to install one in their homes. This is where consumers should learn how to use their electricity wisely.
Plaza said a common bad habit is leaving lights or any devices turned on even when they are not in use.
He also cautioned homeowners about the so-called “energy vampires” at home.
Energy vampire, or “phantom load,” is defined by DOE as an electrical device that is operating 24 hours a day, even if the device is turned off, as these are always left plugged in.
Examples of “energy vampires” are power banks that are left charging even when it is already fully powered up, and TVs and computers that are plugged in even when they are switched off.
Plaza advised consumers to unplug all appliances and devices when not in use. The energy saved by this small act can add up over time.
Household Energy Conservation Tips
DOE Visayas Field Office Senior Science Research Specialist Miguel Nueo Trenuela shared the following tips for consumers on how to be more energy efficient at home:
When using refrigerators:
Refrigerators cost 15 to 25 percent of the total energy use of a home. If the freezer’s ice wall reaches ¼ thick, practice defrosting the freezer to lessen its energy consumption.
Keep the condenser coil clean.
You can also do the “Bill Test” to check if the magnetic lining of the refrigerator door is still working properly.
Avoid leaving the refrigerator door open longer than necessary. Door opening of the refrigerator accounts for 7 percent of the consumption on the assumption of 42 openings a day.
When using electric fans:
The higher the level of fan speed, the more energy it consumes. So keep it at a low speed that is sufficient to meet the need.
When using air conditioner:
Using a split-type inverter air conditioner is more energy-efficient than a non-inverter window-type air conditioner. Inverter models adjust their power based on the room’s needs. This also implies that the size of the air conditioner is sufficient for the room size.
To manage the comfort level of the room temperature, it is recommended to install window curtains to block the sun’s rays.
Tight-fitting or awning windows should be used in a room rather than jalousie-type windows to avoid air infiltration. This requires doors and windows to be closed.
Maintain clean air filters for better cooling. An additional 5 to 15 percent of energy is needed when air filters are clogged with dust.
When choosing the type of light lamp:
Consumers are recommended to install a 28-watt slim-type fluorescent lamp or a 16-watt linear LED lamp and replace the common 40-watt fluorescent lamp.
When choosing a TV:
The bigger the screen, the higher wattage it gets. In a similar manner to choosing lamps, consumers are also advised to opt for LED TVs. The highest consuming type of TV is plasma, followed by CRT and LCD.
When using a computer:
Computers consume around 300 watts while a laptop computer consumes only around 100 watts. Laptops are more energy efficient compared to a desktop computer.
When using cellphone or any gadget:
Cellphones are handy devices, but over time, they can also have a collective impact on energy consumption. Regular phone chargers may consume 3 to 5 watts. However, with the fast charging variety, it can consume around 100 watts within an hour.
When using electric iron:
Set a day a week to iron the clothes.
When ironing the clothes, do the thick ones first before the light ones.
In between ironing the clothes, unplug the iron and utilize the remaining heat.
It is also advised to avoid using the iron simultaneously with the TV, air conditioner, computers, and other appliances .
When using electric stove:
Although the use of a gas stove is more advisable for precise temperature and instant heat when cooking, preferences and feasibility are also considered for consumers. In terms of energy efficiency, an induction stove is advisable compared to an electric stove. The electric stove has slower heating and less heat distribution than the induction stove.
When using washing machine:
Front loaders tend to be more energy efficient than top loaders and use less detergent. This is because of their horizontal drum that uses gravity to tumble the clothes. Also, front loaders use significantly less water, usually around 50 percent less. However, this may vary depending on the model.
Why is energy conservation so important?
As people become more reliant on technology, it is easy to forget that energy is a limited resource.
The Philippines relies on a mix of energy sources, including coal, natural gas, and renewable energy, yet challenges are inevitable as the demand for electricity grows.
“Given its dependence on imported fossil fuels and the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, energy conservation is highly relevant to the country,” said Plaza.
DOE continuously promotes energy conservation in the country, which includes the improvement of energy efficiency, the promotion of the use of energy-efficient appliances, development of renewable energy sources to reduce environmental impact and enhancement of energy security, and the promotion of energy-consciousness behaviors.
DOE celebrates National Energy Consciousness Month every December. For 2023, the theme is “Fueling Hope, Lighting the Way.” (JAT/PIA7)
