10 Ways to Save Electricity at Home and Keep Bills from Soaring
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Electricity bills are one of the regular household expenses paid every month. If consumption is not controlled, costs can rise, particularly when various electronic appliances are used for long periods or left switched on when they are not needed.
The good news is that saving electricity does not always mean sacrificing comfort at home. Simple habits, such as switching off lights when leaving a room, managing the use of air conditioning (AC) and choosing energy-efficient appliances, can help control electricity consumption.
As well as reducing expenses, using electricity efficiently helps cut energy waste. It is therefore important to know which habits can be adopted to keep electricity use under control.
- Switch off lights when they are not needed
Leaving lights on in empty rooms can increase electricity consumption, particularly if it happens every day for long periods.
Make a habit of switching off lights when leaving the bedroom, bathroom or other rooms that are not in use. During the day, make use of sunlight by opening curtains or windows, if conditions at home permit.
You can also replace conventional bulbs with more energy-efficient LED lights. LEDs generally use less electricity than incandescent bulbs while providing comparable brightness.
Although it may seem simple, consistently switching off lights and using only the lighting needed can help reduce electricity consumption.
- Use air conditioning sensibly
Air conditioning is an appliance that requires attention because it can consume considerable electricity, depending on its capacity, efficiency and how long it is used.
If you use AC, set the temperature according to your needs and avoid choosing an excessively low setting simply to cool the room quickly. You could try a temperature of around 24–26 degrees Celsius, then adjust it according to comfort and the conditions in the room.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has also recommended setting AC to around 24 degrees Celsius as one way to save energy.
Keep doors and windows closed while the AC is running so that cool air does not escape easily. Clean the filter regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions so that airflow remains unobstructed and the appliance works properly.
When the weather permits, you can use a fan or natural ventilation instead. Switch off the AC if the room will be unused for a long time.
- Switch on electronic devices only when needed
Televisions, computers, games consoles and other electronic devices should be switched on only when they are genuinely needed.
For example, if you turn on the television just for background noise while doing something else, consider switching it off when you are not watching it. The same applies to computers that will not be used for hours.
Some devices can still consume electricity in standby mode. Devices that will not be needed for a long time can therefore be switched off completely, in accordance with their operating instructions.
However, not every device needs to be unplugged all the time. Equipment that must remain on, such as network devices or appliances with a specific function, should be used according to need and the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Use the washing machine efficiently
Washing machines make household chores more convenient, but using them too frequently for small loads can increase electricity and water consumption.
If possible, collect dirty clothes until you have a load suited to the machine’s capacity. Do not overload it, as this can disrupt the washing process.
Choose a wash programme suited to the type of fabric and how dirty the clothes are. Avoid additional features that use more energy if they are not necessary.
You can also dry clothes in the sun instead of using an electric tumble dryer, if the weather and your living arrangements allow.
Planning when to do the washing and using features only as needed can make electricity use more efficient.
- Use the refrigerator carefully
A refrigerator is generally switched on throughout the day, so the way it is used also affects electricity consumption.
Make sure the door is properly closed after taking food out or putting it in. Opening the door too often or leaving it open for too long can let cold air escape, forcing the refrigerator to work harder to maintain its internal temperature.
Avoid putting hot food or drinks straight into the refrigerator. Let them cool safely first before storing them.
Do not overfill the refrigerator to the point that air circulation is restricted. Set the temperature according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and clean components that require regular maintenance.
Check the door seal, too. If it is loose or damaged, the door may not close properly, reducing cooling efficiency.
- Unplug chargers and appliances that are not in use
Mobile-phone chargers, adaptors and some electronic devices may continue to use a small amount of electricity while plugged into a socket, depending on their type and design.
Make a habit of unplugging chargers when they are no longer needed after use. You can also switch off the socket for devices that can safely be disconnected from the power supply.
Although one charger generally uses little electricity, leaving many devices plugged in for long periods can add to unnecessary consumption.
However, prioritise safety. Do not unplug or touch devices with wet hands, avoid overloading extension sockets, and check damaged cables immediately.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances
If you are planning to buy a refrigerator, AC unit, washing machine or other new appliance, consider more than just its price and appearance. Pay attention to its power consumption and energy efficiency, too.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has introduced the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (SKEM) programme and Energy-Saving Label for a range of appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, fans, rice cookers, LED lights and televisions.
The label can help consumers compare the energy efficiency of products before buying. Also consider capacity, specifications and household requirements so that the appliance is suited to everyday use.
More energy-efficient appliances could help reduce running costs over the long term. Even if the upfront price is higher, consider the cost of using the appliance over its lifetime, not just its purchase price.
- Make use of natural light and ventilation
A home with good lighting and air circulation can help reduce reliance on lamps and air conditioning at certain times.
During the day, open the curtains to make use of sunlight, provided this does not make the room too hot. You can also open windows when the air outside is comfortable and conditions allow.
If direct sunlight makes a room hot, use curtains or window coverings to reduce the heat entering. This can help keep the room comfortable and reduce the need for AC.
If you are renovating your home, consider window placement, cross-ventilation and natural lighting so that rooms do not depend too heavily on electrical appliances.
- Use rice cookers and water dispensers thoughtfully
Rice cookers and water dispensers should also be considered when looking for ways to save electricity.
If your rice cooker has a keep-warm function, use it as needed. Avoid leaving rice on the keep-warm setting longer than necessary, especially if nobody will eat it soon.
For water dispensers, consider whether the water-heating or cooling function needs to remain on all day. If it is not needed at certain times, use the relevant setting or switch in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Each appliance’s electricity consumption depends on its power rating, features and duration of use. Checking power labels and reviewing usage habits can help you identify where savings are most needed.
- Monitor electricity use and review bills
Saving electricity is easier when you know how it is being used at home. Record or check consumption regularly so that changes in usage can be identified early.
Post-paid customers can compare monthly bills to see whether consumption has risen. Pre-paid customers can monitor how often they buy electricity tokens and how much energy they use over a given period.
You can also use official PLN services, including the PLN Mobile app, to check usage information or access customer services available for your meter and service type.
If a bill suddenly rises, check for changes in household habits, newly added appliances or longer-than-usual use of AC. Also consider the applicable payment components, as the total bill is not always determined by energy consumption alone.
By identifying the largest sources of consumption, you can prioritise the most appropriate ways to save, rather than simply switching off every appliance without considering your needs.