The dry season is officially here in the Philippines, with temperatures ranging from 26 degrees to 34
degrees Celsius each day across the country. Along with the heat and humidity, you may be noticing
your electric bill rising as well, especially as you try to keep yourself cool.
Some people try to reduce their consumption by simply not using any electric appliances at all or by
spending the entire day at the local mall. However, sometimes even the evenings are unbearably hot,
and turning on the aircon to full blast may seem like the only option to get cool and comfortable enough
to sleep. Fortunately, there’s no need to deprive yourself of various creature comforts just to save on
your electrical consumption. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to keep your home cool while
keeping your energy bill down:
Close the Blinds
The simplest way to keep your home cool is to prevent heat from getting in. Maximize your blinds and
roll them all the way down, especially during the afternoon. If you have cloth curtains or block-out
blinds, make sure to draw them fully closed so that sunlight and the heat it brings don’t come into your
home.
If curtains or other window installations aren’t an option for you, consider extending the eaves of your
roof so that it provides more shade. You can also plant trees outside your windows or place potted
plants on the windowsill. These green solutions can help cool your house while being a beautiful
decoration in your home. Check out Lowes great blind selection!
Invest in the Right Appliances
If you live in a smaller apartment, a portable air conditioner may be a more energy-efficient option for
you. These appliances are self-contained devices that are easy to install and can be moved around as
needed. Unlike conventional aircon units that need to be installed in a window or wall, portable air
conditioners just need to be plugged into an electrical socket and will be ready to use. Not only that, but
they generally also use less energy compared to a conventional air conditioner.Keep in mind, though,
that high-efficiency units may cost more initially, but you’ll find that the portable aircon price will come
out cheaper in the long run, thanks to lower electric bills.
If you prefer traditional aircons, however, look for a unit that uses inverter technology. A high-quality
inverter aircon is programmed to maintain precise room temperatures. This means that it keeps your
home at your desired temperature without fluctuations, resulting in stable electric billing.
Transform Your Fan
If you really want to limit your aircon usage, however, you can still hack your fan and transform it into its
own mini aircon. Carefully position a bowl of ice in front of a high-powered fan so that it can start
blowing cooler air toward you.
Make sure that you place a cloth underneath the bowl so that the condensation doesn’t create a puddle
of water. Keep your freezer well stocked with more ice so that you can replace it as it melts.
Cook Outside
Cooking is a necessary daily task for most people, but the process of using a stove or an oven can add to
the heat inside your home. To avoid this, consider building an outdoor kitchen in your backyard or
garden so that you can cook outside of your home. This allows hot air and steam to dissipate in a more
well-ventilated area instead of adding to the indoor heat. If this isn’t an option, place your cooking
appliances next to an open window or nearer to your doorway, and open the door slightly while you’re
cooking. This is also useful for preventing any smoke that may result from cooking from spreading
through your home.
Change Your Lightbulbs
Did you know that incandescent light bulbs produce a lot of heat? Apart from causing your rooms to feel
warmer, these old lighting fixtures also consume a lot of energy, which can add to your electricity bill.
For your comfort and convenience, replace these bulbs with more energy-efficient models so that you
can keep cool and save on energy.
There are two types of energy-efficient bulbs available on the market today: compact fluorescent lamps
(CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). While each has its own advantages, most Filipino homes will
benefit more from using LEDs, as they are more common and can adapt to almost every type of light
fitting.
Keep Yourself Cool
Don’t forget to keep yourself cool as well. Invest in a high-quality water dispenser and drink plenty of
water throughout the day—not only when you feel thirsty! Remember that the feeling of thirst is already
a sign that your body is dehydrated, so prevent a possible heat stroke by drinking as much water as you
can.
Avoid beverages that make you expel more liquid, such as diuretics like coffee or tea. Sugary drinks,
such as milk tea, are also not recommended for extremely hot days. While the sugar rush may help with
an energy boost, excessive sugar may reduce water levels in your body. During hot days, water is still the
best thing you can drink.
Final Thoughts
Beating the heat doesn’t necessarily mean spending more on high electric bills. There are simple ways to
keep your house cool and comfortable without worrying about next month’s utility costs.
The most important consideration is your comfort. Though you may want to conserve electricity by not
having the aircon on all day, don’t overexert yourself to the point where it becomes dangerous to your
well-being. Use cooling appliances as needed to prevent suffering from heat exhaustion or getting a
heat stroke. Remember that your family’s health and well-being should always be the top priority.
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