In summer, electricity consumption in apartments and private houses increases. People turn on air conditioners and fans and use refrigerators and other appliances intensively. As a result, on hot days the load on the power system increases, and electricity bills may come as an unpleasant surprise. At the same time, it is possible to reduce expenses. To do this, it is enough to set up appliances correctly, change a few household habits, and keep track of when the most energy-intensive devices are used. UNN explains how to do this.
Why electricity consumption increases in summer
The main reason for the summer increase in electricity consumption is cooling rooms. An air conditioner may operate for several hours a day, especially in apartments on upper floors or in houses with windows facing the sunny side.
Fans, water heaters, electric stoves, refrigerators, and freezers create an additional load. In hot weather, refrigeration equipment switches on more frequently. In turn, it consumes more electricity because it has to maintain the set cooling level at a higher room temperature. If the door is opened frequently or hot dishes are placed inside, the compressor will run longer, and consumption will increase.
In summer, electric kettles, kitchen appliances, dryers, washing machines, and chargers are also used more frequently.
It is also worth taking into account appliances in standby mode: televisions, routers, set-top boxes, microwave ovens, and charging units continue to consume electricity even when they are not being used.
How to save on air conditioning and ventilation
An air conditioner does not necessarily have to operate at the minimum temperature. A temperature of 24 - 26 degrees is comfortable for most people.
It is worth remembering that the greater the difference between the temperature outside and in the room, the more electricity the appliance consumes. Therefore, windows and doors should be closed before turning on the air conditioner. If cooled air constantly escapes outside, the appliance operates almost continuously. During sunny hours, it is also worth closing curtains, blinds, or roller shades. This reduces the heating of the room and makes it possible to turn on cooling less frequently.
Air conditioner filters should be cleaned regularly. A dirty filter impairs air circulation, causing the appliance to take longer to reach the set temperature. The sleep mode or timer will also be useful so that the air conditioner does not operate all night unnecessarily.
In the morning and late evening, when the temperature is lower, it is better to ventilate the room by opening the windows.
In addition, in small rooms, a fan can successfully replace an air conditioner. It does not cool the air, but it keeps it moving and helps make the heat easier to bear.
How to use a refrigerator and other household appliances efficiently
It is advisable to install the refrigerator away from the stove, oven, radiators, and direct sunlight. There should be space between the back of the appliance and the wall for ventilation. If heat is not dissipated, the compressor works more intensively.
The optimal temperature in the refrigerator compartment is approximately +4 degrees, and in the freezer - about -18 degrees. Excessive cooling does not improve food preservation but does increase electricity consumption.
To ensure that the refrigerator consumes electricity economically, several simple and effective rules should be followed:
- hot dishes should first be cooled to room
temperature, and only then placed in the refrigerator;
- the door should not be kept open longer than
necessary;
- it is important to check the seals;
- the freezer should be defrosted periodically
if a thick layer of ice has formed on the walls.
It is better to run the washing machine and dishwasher only when fully loaded. For most items, washing at a temperature of 30 - 40 degrees is sufficient. Heating water requires a significant share of electricity, so a lower temperature helps reduce consumption.
When cooking, it is advisable to cover pots with lids and use cookware whose diameter corresponds to the size of the burner.
And an electric kettle should be filled only with the amount of water needed.
Lighting and habits that help save
In summer, daylight lasts longer, so it is worth making maximum use of natural light. It is best to place the workplace near a window and keep the curtains open during the day on the side where there is no direct sunlight.
LED bulbs remain the most economical option for the home. They consume less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs. At the same time, even energy-efficient lights should not be left on in an empty room.
It is useful to unplug appliances that are not used for a long time. Power strips with a switch are convenient for this purpose. With one press, you can cut power to the television, set-top box, speakers, and chargers.
Owners of dual-zone meters should shift some of their consumption to nighttime hours. During this time, they can run the washing machine, water heater, or dishwasher if the appliances have a timer and their operation does not disturb the neighbors.
Simple hacks to reduce electricity bills
The best way to understand where electricity is going is to record the meter readings regularly. If you write them down once a week, you can see which changes led to an increase or decrease in consumption.
In addition, it is advisable to check the water heater settings. Constantly maintaining the maximum temperature increases costs. In many cases, it is enough to set a moderate mode and turn off the water heater when residents leave the home for an extended period.
When buying new appliances, pay attention to their energy-efficiency class and annual consumption. A cheaper appliance can sometimes cost more because of high bills over several years.
Reminder
Earlier, UNN published 5 tips on how to effectively reduce electricity use.