6 Energy Saving Tips for the Malaysian Household

The electric bill is one of the many expenses Malaysian households have to deal with by the end of every month. Homes that take steps to cut their energy use not just save money though—they do their part in saving the environment too!

Here are a few tips on how you too can start saving electricity around your home.

Regular Maintenance Clean Ups of Air Conditioners

As temperatures get higher, people turn on their air-conditioners more often. Air-conditioners consume a lot of energy and can use up to 750 watts. So remember to clean the filters so yours can run more efficiently. Set the thermostat to 22˚ to 26˚C for maximum comfort. If you’re using it in the morning, make sure the curtains and shades block out the sun so it won’t have to work too hard to cool the room. If you’re buying one, make sure you get a model that’s just the right size for your room. Buying a unit that’s too big for your space will just cost you a lot of money in the long run.

Taking steps to insulate your room properly will also help reduce air-conditioning use and save you more on energy bills. Painting your roof white can help deflect sunlight so the room doesn’t get too hot. Adding insulation between your roof and ceiling can also help keep the heat out.

Replace Lighting with Energy-Efficient Models

Turn off lights whenever these aren’t in use. If your light bulbs have given out and it’s time to buy new ones. Make sure to pick energy-efficient LED bulbs for your home. These consume much less electricity but give off the same amount of light. LED bulbs consume up to 85% less electricity than traditional bulbs. The good thing about LED bulbs is that the prices for these are quickly catching up to CFL bulbs or compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFL bulbs can save you up to 75% on your energy bill.

Get an Advanced Power Strip

Your home probably has a TV, DVD player, game console, and desktop computer. All of these appliances still use energy even if these are turned off. So get an advanced power strip that turns off power on unused devices. There are several types available and these include power strips with timers and master-controlled power strips. Master-controlled power strips turn off peripheral devices (such as game consoles and DVD players) when the primary device (like your television) is turned off.

Save Energy with a Good Fridge

The fridge is one of the top appliances around the home that consumes the most electricity. When buying one, find the most energy-efficient model with a 5-star rating. You could also put your food inside the refrigerator in a way that allows free air movement between food items so that the refrigerator runs more efficiently. Avoid putting hot food in the refrigerator and let the food cool before putting these inside.

Iron the Right Way

An electric iron uses up to 1,000 watts. That’s a lot of electricity. To save on energy, try to iron clothes at the same time and avoid ironing wet clothes.

Save Electricity and Save Money

These are some of the ways for you to save electricity inside the home. Saving electricity doesn’t just help put more money in your pocket, it also ensures a greener, healthier environment for everyone.

Turning off the appliances and unplugging devices not in use will help you cut your home’s energy consumption by as much as half. Buying energy-efficient appliances will also make it possible for you to reduce your household’s energy bill—a quality you should look whenever you buy a new electric home appliance. Buying new appliances with cashback credit cards, though, won’t just provide you with a substantial rebate on your purchase. It comes with rewards too, such as longer warranty periods, so check your credit card on how you can avail of these benefits—among others.

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