7 Ways to Save Electricity at Home

Although Indonesia isn't officially experiencing a heatwave , the heat is still palpable . Good news for those who run Teh Manis Solo outlets, but a heat index above 34 degrees will only increase the amount of BIOTA's monthly donation to PLN.

In times like these, awareness and knowledge about energy use are crucial. Not only can it cut electricity bills and the frequency of topping up, but adhering to energy-saving tips at home can also help alleviate the burden of climate change!

How to save electricity at home?

Fortunately, saving electricity at home doesn't always require major sacrifices . With tropical humidity making temperatures of 34 degrees feel even hotter, we understand that relaxing at home can be difficult without air conditioning.

Well, the key to saving electricity lies in optimizing the use of electrical appliances at home. A study has shown that reducing household energy use by up to 20% is very possible with just small behavioral changes at home .

Just imagine how much you could save for your child's college education from those electricity savings? Not to mention the reduced carbon emissions, which also contribute to keeping the Earth habitable for the future.

So, from using AC more selectively to utilizing smart home technology , the following examples of ways to save electricity at home can be an inspiration!

Optimizing the use of air conditioning at home

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Mimin BIOTA opened the discussion by mentioning air conditioning, and it's not without reason. Air conditioning accounts for up to 56% of energy consumption in tropical countries , so saving on AC electricity alone can have a significant impact on overall household electricity use.

Setting the AC at 18 degrees when you first get home from work will only skyrocket your electricity consumption and shorten its lifespan. Using a timer to set the AC at 25 degrees while you're still on the road, for example, will provide cool air without wasting electricity.

But what about people like me, like BIOTA, who often buy snacks and hang out, often getting confused about when they get home? It's also incredibly wasteful of electricity if the AC in your room is on from 7 p.m. but you're still lying around at the street food stall at 9 p.m.

Well, this is where smart home technology, through the Smart Universal IR Remote, can play a role in saving electricity. Simply open the BIOTA Smart Home app and turn the AC on or off while on a motorbike or train, as long as you have an active internet connection.

Maintain your AC maintenance routine every three months.

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Remember the three things from BIOTA: eat before you're hungry, stop before you're full, and schedule your AC service before it starts to get hot , guys . Honestly, who here still has the habit of waiting until the AC is still hot at 18 degrees Celsius before calling an AC repairman?

The dirtier the AC, the less efficient it is, and it has to compensate by working harder and consuming additional electricity to cool the room. Sorry, but even if you're sick, I shouldn't force my evening run, but postpone it.

While increasing the frequency of AC cleaning isn't free, the potential long-term savings are far greater. Besides saving electricity, regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of your AC unit .

Unplug electrical devices when not in use

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With most of our free time at home spent gaming , leaving PCs and monitors plugged in 24/7 is commonplace. It wasn't until recently that I started to realize that I'm turning off unused devices as a way to conserve energy.

The problem is, with our often hectic morning routines , forgetting to unplug the power before leaving for work is also commonplace. This is why BIOTA's admin has started turning to Smart Plugs and Smart Power Strips as a solution.

Simple yet powerful, these two smart devices automatically upgrade all plugged-in devices to become "smart." From PCs to coffee makers, the BIOTA Smart Home makes it easy to operate all your home electronics anytime, anywhere.

Use a variety of energy-saving devices at home

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If upgrading from a PS4 to a PS5 is a no-brainer, why not also upgrade your home's AC and lighting to more advanced models? Using efficient inverter AC units and smart light bulbs can be a great way to save energy at home.

By adjusting the compressor speed, an inverter AC can reduce energy consumption during relatively favorable weather. Meanwhile, the Smart Light Bulb uses longer-lasting LEDs with a dimming feature that's not only easier on the eyes but also more energy-efficient.

Consider using solar panels

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Living in Indonesia means inevitably relying on a limited electricity grid, especially outside Java. One way to reduce dependence on PLN is by using solar panels or rooftop solar power plants (PLTS).

PLN has also supported the rooftop solar power program , but it does require a bureaucratic process and significant initial investment. However, like using energy-saving devices, the potential return on investment from this energy-saving method is worth considering.

Like smart home devices that can operate independently, rooftop solar panels can also make homes more independent when it comes to electricity. If there's a surplus of electricity, it can be exported back to PLN, generating additional income!

Reduce the use of electric water heaters

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Electric water heaters can indeed be a haven for warmth when you get caught in the rain on your way home. But it's also undeniable that electric water heaters are one of the most energy-consuming appliances.

One solution could be to switch to solar water heaters, which unfortunately won't be much help during the rainy season. Ideally, though, it 's best to stick to cold showers, and this energy-saving method can also lead to a healthier lifestyle !

Reduce the use of hot water when doing laundry

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Early in the adulting phase , one thing BIOTA's admins had to learn was the various options available on washing machines, including cold or hot water. While effective at removing stubborn stains, it's worth reiterating that using hot water is very energy-consuming.

To save electricity at home, use hot water for laundry only when needed or if the instructions on the garment call for hot water. Fortunately, I mostly use linen, which is relatively easy to care for.

Tips on how to save electricity at home

The convenience provided by technologies like 24-hour air conditioning is certainly tempting, but this habit comes at a cost. Besides increasing electricity bills or the frequency of top-ups, it also increases the burden on planet Earth.

Many power plants today still use fossil fuels and contribute to carbon emissions. This means that following the electricity-saving tips above is not merely for personal gain, but also contributes to the sustainability of humanity.

Cover image adapted from Rawpixel.com on Freepik