Are you ready to power up and beat the summer heat with Meralco Bright Ideas? This summer, #WeGotThePower to transform the way we use electricity to be more energy efficient! 
 

Did you know that your electricity consumption can increase by 10-40% during the months of March, April, May, and June? This is because the surrounding heat increases the consumption of cooling appliances like Aircons and refs whose compressors work harder to cool and achieve their target temperatures. Plus, we tend to use fans and air coolers longer and more often.

But don’t worry, with Meralco Bright Ideas tips and hacks, you can manage your bills and stay cool all summer long. Volt in with the family to get these done:

Here are five tips for air conditioners (AC):

1. Use a fan or air cooler to boost your AC.
   This will help cool the room faster and reduce your AC’s workload. Face the fan away from the AC and save P200.98/mo.*
    
2. Clean AC regularly.
   Cleaning your AC filters every two weeks will ensure that it’s running efficiently and save you up P86.40/mo.** A quarterly preventive maintenance will also help and save up to P195.31/mo.***
    
3. Set your AC temperature to 25℃ instead of 18℃.
   Studies have shown that this is the optimal temperature for your comfort, and cooling time is the same regardless of temperature. Doing so can save up to P1,895.91/mo.****
    
4. Set your AC timer an hour earlier, and switch to a fan.
   Your fan will help keep the air cool until you wake up – save P90.50/mo!*****
    
5. Install curtains or blinds to block out the sun’s heat and keep your room cooler.
    

^{*Tested using 1hp non-inverter window-type ACU and 16"" AC fan in 18sqm room, 8 hours usage per day
**Tested using two identical 1hp window-type inverter ACU in an 18sqm room, 8hrs usage per day
***Tested using two identical 1hp window-type inverter ACU in an 18sqm room, 8hrs usage per day
****Tested in 1hp window-type inverter ACU at 18°C vs 25°C, 8 hours usage per day
*****Tested using an ACU for 7 hours and shift to a fan for 1 hour. Tested using 1HP window-type (Inverter) and 16” Fan}

Here are five tips for refrigerators:

1. Check if your fridge door seal is tight.
   Seals in good condition help avoid warm air from going in and will save you P506.67/mo* Do a paper test to check:
   1. Inspect the seal for damage like cracks, tears, or holes
   2. Insert a paper or bill in-between the seal and the fridge
   3. Pull out the paper. If there is some resistance, that part of the seal is working fine; but, if the paper slides out too easily, then the seal is loose.
       
2. Keep your fridge about 67% full.
   This will help maintain its temperature and reduce the energy it uses. Doing so can save you P288.72** vs overloading.
    
3. Set your fridge to mid-setting for optimal energy savings.
   Shifting from high to mid-setting can save you P248.55/mo.***
    
4. Keep your fridge away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
    
5. Defrost your direct cooling fridge at least once a month to keep it running efficiently.
    

^{*Tested with a 7 cu.ft conventional Refrigerator with 15 mm GAP at door for 24 hours
**Tested with a 7 cu.ft conventional Refrigerator with 67% load capacity and 120% load capacity at 24 hours usage per day
***Tested with a 7 cu.ft two-door conventional Refrigerator with 24 hours usage per day}

Here are five tips for fans:

1. Consider upgrading to a DC fan.
   DC or direct current is a new tech for fans where the electric current flows in one direction, consequently, consuming less energy than AC or alternating current wherein the current reverses. This new tech gives you more fan speed settings but uses less power and can save you P151.30/mo.*
    
2. Clean your fan blades every two weeks to ensure that they’re running efficiently.
    
3. Unplug your fan when not in use.
   You may plug it into a power chord to make it easier to turn off.
    
4. Consider a fan instead of AC for small spaces.
   Based on tests, a 16’’ stand fan consumes only P0.50/hr on low, P0.58/hr on medium, and P0.67/hr high setting.**
    
5. Use a fan (and setting) that best suits your home setup and budget.
   Based on tests, different types of fans have different costs to use: stand fans – P272.68/month; personal fans – P33.56/month; industrial fans – P667.01/month; bladeless fan – P222.34/month.***
    
6. Use handheld fans when outdoors.
   Handheld fans are convenient when travelling or commuting and only cost P0.22**** to fully charge.

^{*Tested in 16" AC vs DC stand fan, 12hrs usage per day
**Average CTO of tested 16" stand fan (50–60W)
***As tested using different sizes for 12hrs
****Average CTO of tested 3,600mAh handheld rechargeable fan charging time}

And here are five new energy-efficient technologies that are relevant for the summer:

1. Air coolers can be an alternative to ACs.
   If you just need to cool small spaces for a few hours – these cost only P0.85/hr to use.
    
2. Ice makers can save you during your summer get-togethers.
   These just cost P1.43/hr to use.
    
3. Energy-efficient LED light bulbs can help reduce the heat generated by your lighting.
   You can further shorten your usage by using motion-sensor LED bulbs and save P29.98/month.
    
4. Smart power strips can help you manage the power consumption of your appliances and turn them off when they’re not in use.
    
5. Calculate!
   Check and track your appliances’ consumption using the Meralco Appliance Calculator.

^{*Tested using a 60W air cooler
**Tested using a motion-sensor LED bulb vs an ordinary light bulb operating 16hrs/day}

So don’t let the summer heat drain your energy and your wallet. Remember, with Meralco Bright Ideas, we’ve got the power to stay cool and save energy.

_{Based on Jan-Dec 2024 Ave. Residential Rate: 12.1817}