Power use can be responsible

On April 23, 2021 02:30 AM By Gabrielle Santillan

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/04/23/power-use-can-be-responsible/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=power-use-can-be-responsible

 

Responsibility in the use of electricity should be observed since it is the time of the year when bill gets higher as the dry season persists.

This is a reminder from the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (Philreca) and the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), parallel to the Department of Energy’s (DoE) thrust toward energy efficiency.

“Being more responsible in our consumption will ultimately redound to average, if not lower, monthly bills, despite the rising temperatures,” Philreca President Presley de Jesus said.

Mostly driven by the shift in the ambient temperature’s impact to appliance performance, as well as additional time they’re are used, households increase their consumption from 10 percent to 40 percent compared to cooler months, depending on the segment they are in, data from Meralco suggest.

Increased consumption also is attributed to quarantine restrictions, with online classes still ongoing and many still on work-from-home arrangements.

Savings from power use

Philreca and Meralco advise customers to follow these steps to avoid bill shocks:
• For aircon units, clean air filters regularly, recommended is to do this twice a month. Clogged filter causes airflow issues, the harder it is the air handler has to work to push the air through a clogged filter, hence more energy will be consumed.

This simple task can yield savings of P334 per month for a 1hp window-type aircon unit based on PowerLab tests;

• Set thermostat at a comfortable level. Tests show that for a 1 horsepower (hp) window-type aircon unit, setting the aircon at mid or 25C versus the coolest or 18C can save up to P991 per month. Choose the correct size or horsepower for your aircon depending on the size of the room or space.

In this case, bigger is not always better. In fact, it can cost you more. Based on Power Lab tests, oversizing or undersizing your aircon hp capacity can add P932 additional to the monthly bill;

• Check if you need to replace your old aircon. As aircons age, factoring in usage and maintenance conditions, efficiency is significantly reduced. Newer technology offers higher efficiencies. A 10-year old aircon can consume 2x to 3x more than the newer ones.

Based on Power Lab tests, a new 1.0hp window-type conventional aircon can save up to P682 per month versus a 10-year-old aircon; and versus a new 1.0hp window-type inverter, savings can be up to P1,108 per month;

• For refrigerators, make sure refrigerator doors are properly closed.

Try the paper test to see if they seal properly. Air leaks make the compressor work harder, hence more energy consumption. This can add around P405 per month for a 7 cu ft two-door refrigerator. Do not overload refrigerators. Optimal loading is two-thirds (2/3) full. Ensure air vents are not blocked for optimal cooling. For a 7 cu ft, save P231 per month (optimal vs overload); and • Regularly clean electric fan blades and motor housing should be free of dust accumulation. Save up to P5 per month per fan by simply doing this simple task.

Electric fan speed also matters. Setting it at no. 1 against no. 3 can save P51 per month per fan.