In summer, electricity consumption in apartments and private homes increases. People turn on air conditioners and fans and use refrigerators and other appliances intensively. Therefore, on hot days, the strain on the power system increases, and utility 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 monitor exactly when the most energy-intensive appliances 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 indoor spaces. An air conditioner may run for several hours a day, especially in apartments on upper floors or in homes with windows facing the sunny side.
Fans, water heaters, electric stoves, refrigerators, and freezers create an additional load. Refrigeration equipment switches on more often in hot weather. In turn, it consumes more electricity because it has to maintain the set cooling mode when the room temperature is higher. 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 considering 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 is constantly escaping outside, the appliance operates almost continuously. During sunny hours, it is also advisable to close curtains, blinds, or shutters. This reduces the heating of the room and makes it possible to turn on cooling less often.
Air conditioner filters should be cleaned regularly. A dirty filter worsens air circulation, causing the appliance to take longer to reach the set temperature. The sleep mode or timer can also be useful so that the air conditioner does not run 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 tolerate.
How to use a refrigerator and other household appliances efficiently
A refrigerator should preferably be installed 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 harder.
The optimal temperature in the refrigerator compartment is approximately +4 degrees, and in the freezer it is about -18 degrees. Excessive cooling does not improve food storage, but it increases electricity consumption.
For a refrigerator to consume 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 washing machines and dishwashers only when they are 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 matches the size of the burner.
An electric kettle should be filled only with the amount of water needed.
Lighting and habits that help save
In summer, daylight hours are longer, so it is worth making maximum use of natural light. It is best to place the workplace near a window and open the curtains 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 going to be used for a long time. Power strips with a switch are convenient for this purpose. With one press, you can disconnect the television, set-top box, speakers, and chargers from the power supply.
Owners of dual-zone meters should shift part of their consumption to nighttime hours. During this time, they can run the washing machine, water heater, or dishwasher, provided the appliances have a timer and their operation does not disturb the neighbors.
Simple hacks to reduce your electricity bills
The best way to understand where electricity is being used is to regularly record the meter readings. If you write them down once a week, you can notice which changes caused consumption to increase or decrease.
In addition, it is advisable to check the water heater settings. Constantly maintaining the maximum temperature increases costs. In many cases, it is sufficient to set a moderate temperature and turn off the water heater when the residents leave the home for an extended period.
When buying new appliances, you should 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.