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, 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.
“We own a TV, speaker, electric fan, and refrigerator,” Mitch said.
Although they do not own several electrical appliances, Mitch lamented that they would still get a high monthly power bill.
“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.
“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,” she shared.
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 Engineer 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.
Behavior 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.
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,” Plaza said.
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. (PIA-7)