Households urged to make energy saving a habit

Sunday 13th of November 2011

DAVAO CITY, Nov. 13 (PIA) –- The Davao Light and Power Company provided helpful tips on conserving energy at home, urging households to make these a daily habit.

The Aboitiz-owned power firm continued to emphasize to its household clients the need to save energy, noting that said sector consumes the largest percentage of the total energy uses.

DLPC said that “managing the use of the appliances and other devices found at home are commonly taken for granted and, often, forgotten.”

Its first tip called on households to unplug appliances when not in use and to keep them unplugged until they are needed, considering that the standby consumption can be equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.

Those owning computer units were advised to set computers to sleep mode and allow to hibernate which DLPC said are more time-efficient than shutting down and restarting computer again.

Computers should be shut down when use is done for the day, it said.

Another efficient appliance use tip is to set refrigerator temperature at three to six degrees Celcius, and to ensure the door is tightly closed.

In washing machines, water level should be set appropriately for the size of the load. It was also suggested to always wash and rinse in cold water when practical.

For the use of microwave oven, cooking or reheating should be in small items, and seal on the oven door should always be checked.

DLPC reminded the public to always turn off lights when not in use which should also be a habit at the office. Lights in unused conference rooms should be turned out or dimmed.

It also has advice for office employees to switch off lights during lunch breaks, and to work by daylight when possible, noting that typical commercial building uses more energy for lighting than anything else.

The power company further brought up a suggestion in using sunlight wisely, citing that shades and blinds must be left open on sunny days, but closed at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.

During the summer or when the air conditioner is in use or will be in use, shades and blinds should also be closed, DLPC stated.

DLPC emphasized that “conservation is not only about saving money but it is also a way of saving the environment for the next generation.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)