Cover image via Free Malaysia Today & FreepikAccording to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the dry weather is expected to last until the end of March
Image via South China Morning Post
Northern states like Perlis, Kedah, and Penang, as well as the interiors of Kelantan and Pahang will feel the heat the most, with temperatures of up to 37.5°C.
While your first instinct to the hot weather would be to blast the air conditioner, that may cause your electricity bill to surge. In light of this, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has come up with practical tips for Malaysians to save electricity and get through the hot, dry season.
Here are TNB's 5 tips for how you can stay cool and save electricity:
1. Regularly service your air conditioner
This is to ensure that your air conditioner is well maintained and functions at an optimum level. What's more, you should consistently clean or change the filter to maximise the cooling effect, as a dirty filter disrupts the airflow and decreases the air conditioner's efficiency.
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2. Keep the temperature of your air conditioner between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius
Since the weather lately has been hot, air conditioners have to work extra hard to keep your homes cool. If you hear your air conditioner's fan outside running, it's the compressor working to reach your thermostat temperature.
The ideal AC temperature helps you save energy and maintain a comfortable temperature. If you have a timer on your AC, you can use it to minimise the hours of usage. Also, don't forget to shut all doors, windows, and ventilation outlets when you have your AC on. You don't want the cool air to escape!
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3. You should also avoid washing clothes with warm or hot water whenever possible
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Using the cold cycle (30 degrees Celcius) will save you a tremendous amount of electricity and still have your clothes nice and clean!
You can also take advantage of the hot weather to dry your clothes naturally by hanging your clothes out under the sun to dry. It's a great way to make use of the heat!
4. Consider switching to LED lights
LED lighting is eco-friendly and durable, producing brighter light while consuming less power. So replace your old light bulbs with energy-saving bulbs to see the huge difference in your electricity bill!
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5. If you're purchasing a new electrical appliance, you should refer to the number of stars on the Energy Efficiency Label
Image via Clicon Solutions
The more stars on the label, the more efficient the appliance, and the more energy you will save.
