Since its invention, electricity has always been an essential source of energy in human life. In modern life, without electricity, it is challenging to work. Electricity is so important, but have you used and saved it correctly?
Reasons to Save Electricity
- What is Electricity?
- The Importance of Electricity
- Why Save Electricity?
- Effective Ways to Save Electricity
- Turn Off Unnecessary Electrical Devices
- Use Energy-Saving Compact Bulbs
- Unplug Devices When Not in Use
- Measure Electricity Usage to Develop Reasonable Saving Plans
- Utilize Natural Light
- Use a Microwave Instead of an Oven
- Adjust Refrigerator Temperature Appropriately
- Switch to Cold Water Washing 3 Times a Week
- Check the Lifespan of Electrical Appliances in Your Home
- Turn Off Induction Cooktops, Ovens, and Microwaves a Few Minutes Before Cooking is Complete
- Set Timers for Electrical Devices with This Feature
- Limit Children’s Screen Time
- Clean Dust from Electrical Appliances
- Use Solar Chargers
Let’s explore interesting information about electricity and how to save it in the following article!
What is Electricity?
Electricity is the energy produced by electric currents, and its function is to power machines and electrical devices in every household as well as for production activities.
The Importance of Electricity
Electricity is essential because you cannot work without it, nor can you use kitchen appliances, charge your phone, or operate factories and businesses; all activities would come to a halt, making daily life extremely inconvenient.
Why Save Electricity?
Failure to save electricity can lead to overload and power plants not being able to meet demand.
The negative impacts of wasteful and inefficient electricity usage are becoming increasingly severe. Many people do not realize that saving electricity can bring numerous positive effects, such as:
Improving Quality of Life
The growing demand for electricity means that if we do not save it, we will face overload situations where power plants cannot meet demand. Frequent power outages will significantly affect daily life and business operations. To avoid wasting electricity, limit the use of high-power-consuming devices.
Reducing Living Costs and Protecting the Environment
Using electricity wisely and saving it can help your family reduce monthly expenses. Saving electricity not only lowers costs for many households but also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat global warming and protect the environment.
Increasing Business Efficiency
For manufacturing plants, saving electricity reduces production costs while maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines. This enhances competitiveness and increases revenue and profit.
Impact on the Lifespan of Electrical Appliances
When electricity supply is insufficient due to excessive use of electrical devices, it can negatively impact the lifespan of these appliances, leading to additional costs for replacements.
Effective Ways to Save Electricity
Turn Off Unnecessary Electrical Devices
This is the simplest and easiest method to save electricity. Whenever you do not need electricity, turn it off, especially TVs and fans, or when you leave a room and forget to turn off the air conditioner. With just one simple action, you not only help yourself but also contribute to global efforts.
Use Energy-Saving Compact Bulbs
Instead of purchasing electrical devices with high power consumption that lead to waste, opt for energy-saving bulbs. Compact bulbs are a good choice as they not only save electricity but also have a longer average lifespan compared to regular bulbs.
Unplug Devices When Not in Use
Many people believe that electrical devices do not consume power when not in use. However, this is entirely untrue. Even when not in use, devices still draw a small amount of electricity. Over time, this small amount accumulates, leading to unnecessary waste. Unplug TVs, air conditioners, computers, etc., when not in use. This is an effective way to save on air conditioning costs.
Measure Electricity Usage to Develop Reasonable Saving Plans
Each time you receive your electricity bill, check the consumption level for the month to devise strategies to reduce electricity usage to the lowest possible level. This can help save energy and money effectively, such as reducing the frequency of using certain devices like air conditioners, kettles, and bulbs, and unplugging devices like rice cookers, fans, TVs, and washing machines when not in use.
Utilize Natural Light
Instead of using electric lights, open all windows to brighten the room with natural light. This will help you save a significant amount of electricity. Moreover, natural light enhances the atmosphere, providing a refreshing and optimistic spirit.
Natural light helps you save a significant amount of electricity.
Use a Microwave Instead of an Oven
You should use a microwave instead of an oven for daily meals (if possible). Ovens use direct heat to cook food, which takes longer. In contrast, microwaves cook food using microwaves, taking only a few minutes to cook.
Typically, the electricity usage time for cooking with an oven is about 10-45 minutes, while a microwave only takes about 3-10 minutes. Therefore, compared to ovens, microwaves are more efficient and save electricity.
Adjust Refrigerator Temperature Appropriately
Setting the refrigerator temperature correctly not only helps preserve food effectively but also saves electricity. The freezer should be set to around -18 degrees Celsius, while the refrigerator compartment should be set between 2-4 degrees Celsius. Additionally, avoid opening the refrigerator door frequently to prevent cold air loss, which wastes electricity.
Switch to Cold Water Washing 3 Times a Week
To save electricity, you should wash clothes with cold water. Use hot water only when absolutely necessary. Furthermore, you should only run the washing machine when the drum is full to the recommended capacity for a wash.
Check the Lifespan of Electrical Appliances in Your Home
Electrical appliances that do not operate normally are a source of energy waste in your home. Therefore, ensure that all electrical devices function properly. Any appliance showing signs of malfunction or damage should be repaired or replaced promptly.
Turn Off Induction Cooktops, Ovens, and Microwaves a Few Minutes Before Cooking is Complete
When food is nearly cooked, you can turn off induction cooktops, ovens, and microwaves a few minutes early. The residual heat from these devices is sufficient to finish cooking the food. This way, you prevent overcooking while effectively saving electricity.
Set Timers for Electrical Devices with This Feature
Setting timers will allow electrical devices to automatically turn on/off at your desired times. Therefore, take advantage of this feature in your devices to save power, prevent forgetting to turn off devices when going to sleep or leaving home, and most importantly, reduce monthly electricity bills for your family.
Limitations on Children’s Video Game Play
For children, playing video games is a favorite recreational activity, and they can often play for hours every day. In reality, video game consoles are energy-consuming devices that continuously draw power even when not in active use. Allowing children to play video games freely can lead to rising electricity costs, but this pales in comparison to the time you miss bonding with your kids. To foster a healthier lifestyle, encourage your children to participate in outdoor physical activities.
Cleaning Dust from Electrical Devices
According to experts, cleaning electrical devices helps them operate efficiently, extends their lifespan, and can save 5-15% on energy costs. However, it is crucial to clean these devices correctly to avoid damage.
For example, with fans, simply wiping the dust off the blades and protective casing allows the machine to run smoothly and use less electricity. For refrigerators, especially frost-free models, if you do not defrost them, the fan must work continuously at high power, leading to increased energy consumption.
Using Solar Chargers
If investing in solar panels is beyond your budget, consider using a solar charger as an alternative solution. With this charger, you only need to place it outside for a few hours to harness solar energy, which can then be used to charge your phone, tablet, or laptop.