Money matters, but so are Electricity

Second to my biggest monthly expenses is Electricity. That’s why reducing our energy consumption is on top of my priority list. Educating people in your household to be more conscious of your energy usage is a good way to start. For instance, tell them – better yet instruct them – to turn off electric fans, TV’s, and stereos’ when nobody is using it. Another area that is usually left unchecked are lights still on in the middle of the day. By keeping your curtains open and using Mr. Sun’s natural light flood your room can lead to some savings. Being mindful of these things, can help reduce your electricity cost and give you peace of mind.

Just by simply replacing incandescent bulb (if you’re still using that) or compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) with LED (light emitting diode) LIGHTS can save you a fortune. LED, especially those that have the ENERGY STAR labels uses 75% less energy compared to CFL. It also last 25 times longer.
You not only get the benefits of having a lower electricity bill, but Tree Huggers will also love you for it.  Why? Because high energy consumption leads to global warming. Think of those coals being burned just to supply you with the lighting you need.

Another way of reducing the cost of electricity is to be creative. Especially if you are living in the Philippines, where it ranks 2nd highest in electricity rates in Asia. Like for instance, we usually use the washing machine during off peaks where the electric company gives discounted rates. Usually it is from 9pm – 5am.  Another way of being creative is instead of using a Heater during my shower, I use boiling water poured into the pail with cold water in it. Heating water requires a lot of electricity; the more hot water you use, the more your water heater has to produce to keep up. Using less hot water on a daily basis is an important way to conserve energy.  Cooking rice in the rice cooker in just one setting, let’s say breakfast and lunch is another way of reducing energy consumption.

Another important factor to be watchful about is vampires – this one is unique, it’s not afraid of daylight. He doesn’t also fancy your blood, but instead like to take a bite out of your malnourished wallet. I’m talking about energy vampires that are sucking away electricity as long as they are plugged in. They are consuming energy even when the device itself is not in use or is turned off. It’s just a tiny bit of energy, but over the weeks, months and years, it adds up to a lot. Spraying Holy Water is not the way to go on killing this vampire, but the habit of unplugging these gadgets/electronic items when they aren’t in use

Other ways to reduce your electric bills is to buy inverter appliances. All the latest appliances have one already.  You save 20 to 30 percent on electric bill by using an inverter compared to conventional appliances. Regular maintenance of air conditioner can also help in reducing energy consumption. Between 4 to 6 months, depending on the aircon tech that you are talking to is the ideal time to have your unit cleaned.

Remember, the more you consume energy, the more chances of going over your budget not to mention the bigger likelihood that coals are being burned. What’s that to do with me? You might ask. Just look at the places where there are coals being mined.  Burning coal also produced greenhouse gases, which in turn warm the planet. If you don’t believe me, just ask  Ms. Gina Lopez. Seriously, she’s the only DENR secretary with BALLS!

Just think about it, your mere actions of looking for ways on how to reduce your electricity bill might just help in ways in giving your grandchildren a better place to live. Who knows

Let me leave you with a verse from Leviticus 19:10

“And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God”

Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. (Joyce Kilmer)

Next will be talking about how to save on Utilities (Money matters, but so are Load)