Our “needs” may seem trivial, but they are the necessities we can’t do without. We can’t survive without water. We can’t be comfortable without lights, air conditioning system, transportation or food. Energy is one resource we can conserve so we can enjoy it for the next one hundred years. To start with, take the initiative to do the following energy-saving tips.
Save energy, save money
Power usage in the UAE peaks between 12 pm and 5 pm, more so during the months of June to September. To prevent “bill shock”, monitor your electricity usage and become a smart user.
Electricity
- During the summer months, people use their air conditioning system more often to stay cool and comfortable. Maintain the ideal temperature of 24°-26°C to prevent the unit from overcompensating. Set the thermostat on automatic mode. The indoor temperature can’t be extremely lower than the outdoor. Keep your ac unit cleaned and disinfected to maintain its good performance and you can breathe clean air.
- Do your laundry once a week and during off-peak hours (before 12 pm or after 5 pm).
- Iron the office and school clothes on weekends after the peak hours. Daily ironing will shoot up your electricity bill.
- Limit using gadgets and electrical appliances during peak hours. If you need to use the iron, unplug another appliance.
- Unplug all electrical appliances and gadgets when not in use. “Standby mode” still draws electricity.
- Use heavy dark curtains on windows facing the sun to keep away the heat from the room.
- Turn on the ceiling fan to distribute the cool air across the room when ac is off. This will minimize the long hours of ac use.
- Use LED bulbs instead of incandescent. LEDs are brighter and energy-saving; they don’t eat up as much power as the old-fashioned lights.
- Use subdued lighting in rooms where you don’t use often. Use reading lamps when you need brighter illumination. Chandeliers and fluorescent lights are best used during gatherings or parties.
- When buying electrical appliances always choose the ones that are “power-efficient”. Buy only what your need requires. There is no sense in buying a 10cu.ft double door fridge if only three people live in the house. There are many energy-saving models on the market today.
- Don’t leave mobile phones or tablets charging overnight. Power used may not be that much, but the gadget could overheat and cause fire. Charge them first thing in the morning when you wake up.
- Don’t use the diffuser for hours. You can use a scented potpourri pouch tied to the ac grill. It works the same way.
- Don’t use your ac as an electric fan. Turn on the ceiling fan instead.
- Use the correct size showerhead. Wide showerheads waste precious water. Don’t leave the bathroom without checking for leaks in the spout or the lavatory.
- Don’t open the water valves in full; the pressure will damage the faucet and valve switch. Attach a flow reducer in all your taps and showerheads to control the pressure.
- When running a bath, let the water flow slowly to give your bathwater time to cool down in the tub. Save water in covered containers. You will have tepid water when you need a refreshing bath.
- When flushing the toilet bowl after relieving yourself, press the flush lever or the plunger halfway through. Water tank will release only half of the water enough to wash away the urine.
- Save 3 gallons of water by closing the tap while you brush your teeth.
- Install a good quality water filter under your sink and shower. This will save you money and your family will be protected from water-borne bacteria.
- When you suspect a leakage call the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (ADWEC) for immediate action. An undetected leakage will cost you a lot of money.
Summer need not become a costly time of the year. With many energy-saving options you can think of, you’d have saved enough money when the classes open. Conserving energy is not only saving money; it is also saving our environment.