The arrival of the COVID-19 changed the lives of millions of people. One of those was that some daily activities went virtual. In this way, people began to use their electrical appliances more frequently, which finally caused an increase in the amount of the light bill.
In order to help citizens, the Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining (Osinergmin) provides information on how to recognize the devices that must be unplugged if we want the amount on our bills to go down.
What are the electrical devices that I must unplug to reduce the payment of my electricity bill?
According to data provided by Osinergminthe appliances that should be unplugged for significant energy savings are the following:
- electric water heater: the bath should be kept off during the day and it is preferable to turn it on only before bathing.
- Computer: when the computer is not used for a while, it is best to turn off the monitor. Do not forget to do the same with the stabilizer when you finish using the equipment.
- Chargers: It is important to unplug the cell phone or laptop charger once the charge is complete.
- TVs and sound equipment: it is best not to use the television or the sound system to fall asleep, but to go to sleep with everything previously unplugged.
Recommendations to save energy at home
Likewise, the entity detailed what the recommendations are for a correct significant energy saving.
- Use saving bulbs or LED instead of incandescent bulbs. Where possible, take advantage of natural light.
- Avoid ironing at night, because the consumption of the iron is added to that of the spotlight (to illuminate the room). Nor should you try to dry clothes with this appliance, as this consumes more energy.
- Do not open the refrigerator unnecessarily. It is important to check that the door seals are in good condition.
Where to find the cheapest fuel in Lima?
The price of fuel has risen in recent years. Given this, the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) created the “Facilito” application to find the cheapest taps in Lima.
How much electricity is spent on a washing machine?
According to engineer Óscar Chevarría, Osinergmin’s Citizen Services supervisor, there are two types of washing machines: top-loading and front-loading, which have different capacities in kilograms of clothes.
- Normal wash, cold water and two rinses: 0.20 kWh and S/ 0.13
- Normal wash, water at 40 °C and two rinses: 0.70 kWh and S/ 0.46
- Normal wash, water at 40 °C and two rinses and drying: 2.50 kWh and S/ 1.70
- Normal wash, very dirty clothes or sanitary wash, water at 90 °C and two rinses: 1.50 kWh and S/ 0.98
- Normal washing of 2 garments, water at 40 °C and two rinses: 0.40 kWh and S/ 0.08
- Only drying for 1 hour: 2.20 kWh and S/ 1.43.
How much is spent on the hot spring or electric shower?
According to Osinergmin, with the electric water heater it has 1,500 watts of energy and this increases the price of the electricity bill to 216 more soles. Meanwhile, the electric shower has 5,000 watts. “So, we would be paying 3 soles for an hour of use in an electric shower,” she commented.
How much energy does the TV consume?
The specialist Óscar Chevarría explained how much energy a television consumes at home, which depends on the size of the equipment. “The average power of a 32″ television is 45 Watt; 40″ is 55 Watt; a 55″ one is 75 Watt; a 65″ one is 90 Watt and a 75″ one is 140 W,” he explained.
What should I do to save energy with the TV?
- Decrease the brightness of the television, activating its energy saving option, which lowers the lighting.
- Do not sleep with the television on, program it so that it has an automatic shutdown.
- If other activities are carried out, turn off the television because energy is wasted and equals more money.
Updated by Micaela Ríos.