cooking

tv viewing

using electric fan

ironing

using refrigerator

using water pump

in offices

How to conserve electric power

The following basic  "Kuryentipid" Tips will be practical and helpful to home “energy managers.”

LIGHTING 

• clean lamps, reflecting surfaces, and diffusers at regular intervals
  for maximum efficiency.

• institute a re-lamping program using lower wattages, energy-saving lamps, and ballasts where possible.

• replace lens shielding that has yellowed or become hazy
  with non-yellowing acrylic lenses.

• clean ceilings, walls and floors frequently to improve reflective qualities.

• group tasks that require the same levels of illumination.

• use the natural light where available if the solar heat is not objectionable.

• monitor lighting in remote areas and remind everyone concerned
  to turn off lights when not in use.

• replace all mercury vapor lights with the more efficient high-pressure sodium
  or metal halide for either indoor or outdoor applications.

• light color for walls, rugs, draperies, and upholstery reflect light
  and therefore reduce the amount of artificial light required.

AIR CONDITIONING

• Set thermostat as high as comfort permits.  The recommended minimum level is 25^oC.   Approximately 3% is added to your energy cost for every degree you lower the thermostat.

• Localize cooling for areas used more often than the others
  to avoid cooling the entire building.

• Switch on air-conditioning units not earlier than 8 in the morning, and switch off an before the regular closing hour.
  Whenever possible, switch air conditioners to fan during lunch break.

• Use timer for on/off operations.

• Regularly inspect and adjust all belts and pulleys.

• Insure free air flow from all supply and return air grills.

• Check and replenish refrigerant levels as needed.

• Periodically clean refrigeration condensers and check systems for proper operation.

• Replace filters as needed.

• Regularly lubricate/calibrate all dampers.

• Concentrate smoking areas so they can be served by one exhaust system.

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Cooking

• Have all the ingredients ready when cooking to avoid frequent switching on and off of the electric stove.
• Avoid using a big burner for a small pan
• Use flat-bottom pans with light covers to lessen heat transfer loss.
• Thaw frozen foods thoroughly before cooking.
• Switch the electric stove to “low” when the food begins to boil.
• Turn off the electric stove during the last minutes of cooking. The remaining heat will make the food simmer.

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TV Viewing

• Switch off the set when no one is watching. Unplug it when a transformer is used.
• Black and white sets use less electricity than colored ones.
• Running several sets at the same time multiplies your entertainment costs.
• Substitute computer games with educational board games and light sports.

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Using Electric Fan

• Turn off the fan when not in use.
• If comfortable enough, set the fan to “low.”
• Lock the oscillator when the fan is needed in one direction only. This way, air is blown directly to where it is needed.

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Ironing Clothes

• Do all the ironing at one time.
• Iron when it is cooler and more comfortable. This lessens the demand for electricity during peak hours.
• Dampen clothes moderately. Excessively moistened clothes take longer to iron.
• Switch off the electric iron in the last few minutes of ironing. There will be enough heat to press lighter materials.

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Using Refrigerator

• Choose a refrigerator model and size suited to your family needs.
• Defrost the refrigerator regularly.
• Replace loose refrigerator gaskets.
• Place the refrigerator away from the stove and the sun.
• Open the refrigerator door only when needed.
• Keep the refrigerator fans and coils clean and dust free.
• Do not store hot food in the refrigerator.
• Do not overstuff your refrigerator.

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Using Water Pumps

• Limit the use of automatic electric pumps.
• In hot weather, low water level makes water pumps work linger, thus more electricity is used.

in offices and other establishments. . .

Some basic measures are also applicable in the offices and other establishments:

1. Switch on aircon units 30 minutes after the start of office hours, switching it off 30 minutes before closing of office hours.

2. Switch off all office equipment running on electricity such as typewriters, computers, copying machines, air pots, etc. when not in use. Unplug it after office hours.

3. Switch off unnecessary lights and exhaust fans.

4. Switch off all lights, air-conditioning units, exhaust fans, and other electrical equipment on non-working days.

5. General cleaning of offices is scheduled on Saturday to save energy.

6. Clean lighting diffuser to maximize illuminance.

7. Sticker saying “SWITCH OFF WHEN NOT IN USE’ is placed in all lighting switches.

8. Put off the exhaust fans while the aircon units are in operation.

With a wasted kilowatt of electricity goes a lot of things. You waste a kilowatt and you waste P5.00. You also waste precious oil, which will need another 20 to 300 million years for it to be replaced. Most of all, you will waste a chance of being able to help alleviate the delicate condition of our energy supply.

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         << for more >>        
Source: Department of Energy
< www.doe.gov.ph >