The Electricity Saving Thread

[pup2]

We have the second highest electricity rates in asia. I think it's about time we have a thread on electricity saving that does not rely on various "gadgets". I'll start it out -- feel free to add your own tips that you've found to be effective.

1. For lighting fixtures needing fluorescent lights (yung ayaw o hindi puwedeng natural light or CFL), I've found that using good reflectors and PS or ICC-marked elecntronic ballasts can save a bundle. I've also gotten away with diffusers in areas not necessitating 'beautifying'.

2. Don't be stingy on the AC cleaning. True, cleaning the filter often suffices. But outside, often dusty polluted air is able to go inside your AC unit through the back. Only a professional cleaning job will do in this case. Also, avoid damaging the cooling fins.

3. Turn off lights when leaving a room. When practical, turn off the AC also -- or at least raise the thermostat when you go out for a short time.

4. Unplug electronics from the source when not in use for a moderate amount of time. If not, use an ICC or PS-marked surge protector at an easily reached location and turn THAT off when not in use -- just don't overload. True, most electronics use only a watt or so when in standby mode. But left on for half a day, that 1 watt increases to: 1 x 12 hours x 30 days x number of devices for 1 whole month!

5. Don't be too stingy on replacing appliances. We often repair appliances to death in this country! But replacing them sometimes can give us better, more energy-efficient ones -- just check the energy-efficiency tags that are attached to them.

6. Make sure the fridges and freezers are defrosted regularly and that the doors are properly closed (and stocked) all the time! The doors should require a slight tug when opening -- or it may be time to call the repair man/appliance center.

Sana madagdagan pa ninyo. Peace!

[ghosthunter]

Here's something new to add...

Aside from using CFL lights instead of incandecent lights, there is a new type of lights which are LED based. LED lights typically consume only 1 to 5 watts of power depending on application and brightness.

So far only Philips seems to have LED lights in the market. From what I know, you can find them in most ACE hardware outlets. Downside, these new high tech bulbs cost a bit of money, between P200 to P500 per bulb, depending on the model. Plus side, LEDs do not easily burn out even if you constantly turn off/on your lights (convensional bulbs & CFL lights have a dramaticall shorter lifespan if you do this).

[v6dreamer]

Here's something new to add...

Aside from using CFL lights instead of incandecent lights, there is a new type of lights which are LED based. LED lights typically consume only 1 to 5 watts of power depending on application and brightness.

So far only Philips seems to have LED lights in the market. From what I know, you can find them in most ACE hardware outlets. Downside, these new high tech bulbs cost a bit of money, between P200 to P500 per bulb, depending on the model. Plus side, LEDs do not easily burn out even if you constantly turn off/on your lights (convensional bulbs & CFL lights have a dramaticall shorter lifespan if you do this).

This is true. LED lights is almost undestructible, it might cost a little bit money but compare the electric consumtion into conventional lights plus average of 10,000 hrs of lifespan.

[theveed]

Question about the LED bulbs, I've seen quite a few here but the packages don't have the wattage equivalent markings like CFLs do... What are their equivalent outputs?

[CVT]

Maybe out of the box, but replace your old Airconditioning Units and Refrigerators every x years.

As they grow older, they become inefficient, which in turn causes them to use more electricity.....

5202:threadmil:

[Honda97]

maybe for those renovating and having houses built, try to maximize natural lighting and ventilation in your design...

[theveed]

Honda97: Yup yup... problem is most homes in pinas choose to have little natural light and covers any remaining gaps of light with plants hehehe.

[v6dreamer]

Question about the LED bulbs, I've seen quite a few here but the packages don't have the wattage equivalent markings like CFLs do... What are their equivalent outputs?

Im using one LED lights in my master bedroom and pretty impressive, they live up there words(manufacturer) that this light are closer to the color of daylight. Its true, I dont know how to explain this but even my kids are really love it.

This is what Im using.
High power cree LED
Model #...LED-bulb-E26
Watt-----5 watt
Brightness----300 lumens
Power consumptions---6.5 watts
Life Span------50,000 hrs.
Cost per bulb-----$135.00

[theveed]

P135, not bad...

300 lumens for 5 watts is not bad at all... actually balak ko for photographic purposes hehe...

[creepy]

Are the LED bulbs available in the Philippines already?

[CVT]

P135, not bad...

300 lumens for 5 watts is not bad at all... actually balak ko for photographic purposes hehe...

Bro.,- v6dreamer is residing in the US, so that's $135.... Expensive....

5202:threadmil:

[CVT]

Are the LED bulbs available in the Philippines already?

LED bulbs are already available here in the Philippines. I saw some stocks at ACE Hardware in MoA last month... I don't remember the exact price, but the manufacturer is practically unknown so I did not buy any....

5202:threadmil:

[shadow]

^^^tama!!!! $135...ang mahal!!! hehehe

[ghosthunter]

Are the LED bulbs available in the Philippines already?

yes... but at very selected outlets so far. Of what I know, the bigger ACE Hardware stores (like in SM Megamall) has them (Philips brand). Ace Hardware in Greenhills does have them.

[ghosthunter]

^^^tama!!!! $135...ang mahal!!! hehehe

The ones available locally are priced between P300 to P1000 depending on the model type.

The P1000 ranged models are roughly 40 watt fluorescent tube sized units.

[ghosthunter]

LED bulbs are already available here in the Philippines. I saw some stocks at ACE Hardware in MoA last month... I don't remember the exact price, but the manufacturer is practically unknown so I did not buy any....

while I was in HK earlier in the month, I chanced upon a store selling LED based lighting systems. I bought a couple of LED bulbs as "samples". If I remember, the 1 watt reflector type bulb costs HK$65 each.

(exchange rate was PHP5.3 to HK$1)

[CVT]

while I was in HK earlier in the month, I chanced upon a store selling LED based lighting systems. I bought a couple of LED bulbs as "samples". If I remember, the 1 watt reflector type bulb costs HK$65 each.

(exchange rate was PHP5.3 to HK$1)

OT: LED lighting is being driven by European countries who are oh so conscious about conservation of power and use of renewable source of power (solar panels et al)....

Bro.,- appreciate it if you could share your evaluation of these LED bulbs...

TIA.

5202:threadmil:

[CVT]

yes... but at very selected outlets so far. Of what I know, the bigger ACE Hardware stores (like in SM Megamall) has them (Philips brand). Ace Hardware in Greenhills does have them.

OT:

I am not surprised that Philips has these since they're a 'European' company where the drive for LED lighting, which is very efficient, is strong.

On the other hand, I am surprised that v6dreamer has been using LED bulbs since my information is that the US is even further behind the rest of the world in using CFLs.....Meaning they're not very conscious of usage of electricity. I even remember seeing a recent episode of Ophrah where she is promoting the use of CFLs.....

5202:threadmil:

[pup2]

Cool. Ma testing nga itong LED bulbs na ito. I'm sure, given time, it will be the new standard in lighting since the cost will decrease with more people adopting it.

Sana may iba pang ideas?

[Bogeyman]

We used to watch movies on DVD, which means plugging in a DVD player and a separate TV set. Now we just use the laptop.

The light hovering above our dinner table is composed of two bulbs: one circular fluorescent lamp and one CFL. We switch it to the latter when we retire for the night, since we don't really need that much brightness anyway.

I also try to avoid using the electric water heater (2000W), but as it is, LPG runs out more often than electricity.

And whenever possible, instead of charging my mobile phone at home, I do it in the office.