Household Saving Tips: Train Your Helper On Efficient Electricity Use

(Published on June 19, 2024)

Household electricity bills in Hong Kong are influenced by various factors including consumption habits, the size of the dwelling, and the efficiency of appliances. The cost of electricity in Hong Kong is determined by two primary utility companies: CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) serving Kowloon and the New Territories, and Hong Kong Electric Company Limited (HK Electric) serving Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island.

The electricity cost charged by HK Electric is known to be more expensive than CLP. Electricity usage typically spikes in the summer months due to air conditioning, which is one of the largest contributors to higher bills during this time. If employers want to save money on household electricity use, here are some practical tips.

Train Your Domestic Helper

Teaching your domestic helper to save on the electricity bill can be beneficial for both the environment and your budget. Here are some effective strategies to share with them:

Understand the Basics of Energy Usage

Explain the Cost: Begin by explaining how different appliances and practices affect energy consumption and costs.
Read the Meter: Show them how to read the electricity meter and track usage over time, making them aware of peak hours if your area has variable rates.

Efficient Use of Appliances

Refrigerator: Ensure it’s set to the optimal temperature (usually between 3°C and 5°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer).
Air Conditioning: Set air conditioners to an efficient but comfortable temperature, typically around 24°C. Encourage the use of fans when possible as they consume less power.
Washing Machine and Dishwasher: Use them only when fully loaded to maximise efficiency. Opt for cold water settings unless hot water is necessary.
Ironing: Accumulate clothes for ironing in bulk to avoid wasting energy by heating the iron multiple times.

Lighting

Switch to LEDs: If not already done, switching to LED bulbs can reduce a significant amount of power used for lighting.
Natural Light: Encourage opening curtains and using natural light during the day instead of electric lights.

Unplug and Switch Off

Not in Use, Turn It Off: Stress the importance of switching off lights and appliances when not in use.
Standby Modes: Teach them to unplug devices or use a power strip to turn off multiple items at once, avoiding the ‘standby’ mode that still consumes energy.

Maintenance

Clean Appliances: Regular cleaning and maintenance, such as defrosting the freezer, cleaning the air conditioner filters, and descaling the kettle, can improve efficiency.
Check Seals and Insulation: Checking the seals on fridges, freezers, and doors/windows ensures that no extra energy is spent on cooling or heating.

Monitor and Reward

Regular Check-ins: Have monthly reviews of the electricity bills and discuss how changes have impacted them.
Incentives: Consider offering incentives for reducing energy costs, which can motivate continued vigilance and innovation in saving energy.

Educational Resources

Guides and Tutorials: Provide access to simple guides or online tutorials if available, to help them understand and implement energy-saving techniques effectively.

By taking these steps, you’ll not only help in reducing the electricity bill but also a sense of responsibility and empowerment in your domestic helper regarding energy conservation.

AC Usage During The Summertime

Saving on electricity bills during the summer in Hong Kong, where the climate can be particularly hot and humid, requires a focus on reducing air conditioning usage and improving overall energy efficiency. Here are some practical tips:

Optimise Air Conditioning Use

Set the Thermostat Wisely: Maintain your air conditioner at about 25°C. Each degree lower can significantly increase your electricity usage.
Use Timers: Use the timer function to turn off the air conditioning when it’s not needed, especially at night or when the house is empty.
Clean Filters Regularly: Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy consumption. Clean or replace air conditioner filters every month during heavy use periods.

Enhance Home Insulation

Weather-Stripping and Caulking: Seal doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping. This can be a cost-effective way to maintain temperatures.
Use Curtains and Blinds: Block out sunlight during peak hours to keep your home cooler naturally. Thermal or blackout curtains can effectively block heat.

Ventilate

Use Fans: Ceiling or standing fans use considerably less electricity than air conditioners and can help circulate air and make the environment feel cooler.
Natural Ventilation: Open windows in the early morning and late evening to allow cooler air to circulate through the home.

Consider Appliance Use

Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances: Minimise the use of ovens, stoves, and other heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which emit less heat and use less energy.
Unplug Electronics: Devices left on standby still consume power. Unplug electronics when they’re not in use to avoid passive energy use.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy Star Products: When replacing or buying new appliances, look for those with good energy ratings.
Smart Thermostats: These can optimise your air conditioning usage by adjusting the temperature based on your daily schedule and weather conditions.

Regular Maintenance and Upgrades

Service Your Air Conditioning Units: Annual servicing can ensure that your air conditioning units are running as efficiently as possible.
Upgrade Old Appliances: Older appliances tend to be less energy-efficient. Consider upgrading to newer, more efficient models.

Monitor Your Usage

Check Your Energy Bills: Regularly review your bills to monitor your consumption patterns. Many utilities provide tools to help track and manage your energy usage.

Implementing these strategies can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill, especially during the energy-intensive summer months in Hong Kong.

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