Tips to Reduce the Waste of Electric Power

Electric Shower :
It is a high-energy consumer appliance.
Avoid using it during the peak hours (6 to 9 PM).
In warm days, turn it to “summer” position.
Turn off the faucet while soaping and shampooing.
Periodically clean the showerhead.
Use only original resistors. Avoid adaptations. 

Refrigerator / Freezer :
Prefer products with the Procel Logo for Energy Saving.
Place the appliance in a ventilated area, not too close to the wall (minimum 15 cm), far from the stove, heaters or direct sunlight.
Take food and beverages all at once. Avoid keeping the door open for a long time. Warm air inflow makes the engine work harder.
Arrange your things inside so that you can easily find them.
For better air circulation, do not coat the refrigerator shelves with glass or plastic.
Do not put food or liquid in the refrigerator while they are still hot.
Defreeze the freezer periodically to avoid ice caps thicker than half centimeter.
Keep the coils (behind the appliance) clean and unobstructed and do not use them to dry pieces of cloth.
When out of home for a long period, empty the refrigerator and freezer and turn them off.
Verify the rubber seals and gaskets of the refrigerator door to avoid leakage of cold air.
During the winter, adjust the thermostat to minimum.
* Be careful with old refrigerators as the CFC gas inside can leak and threaten the ozone layer.

Light Bulbs :
Avoid turning lights on during the day. Open windows, curtains, blinds and let sunlight come in.
When purchasing, prefer compact and circular fluorescent lamps. They illuminate better, last 5 to 10 times longer and save energy. Install them in the kitchen, laundry room, garage and any other room where lights are turned on more than 4 hours a day.
Always turn off the light when leaving a room.
Light color walls and ceilings reflect more light and delay the need to turn lights on.
Use focused lighting to reading and handcrafting.
Keep light bulbs dusted off.

TV Sets :
Turn them off if nobody is watching.
Avoid sleeping with the TV on. An option is to use the timer to turn it off automatically.

Electric Iron :
Let clothes pile up so you will turn the iron on once for all.
Before turning it on, separate the clothes that will not require ironing.
Start ironing from the delicate clothes that do not require much heat. Leave light clothes to the end after you turn the iron off but there is still some heat.
Avoid ironing while other appliances are being used to avoid power surges.
Do not leave the iron turned on unnecessarily.

Washing Machine :
Only turn it on with the maximum load as recommended by the manufacturer. Save water and power.
Always keep the filter clean.
Use only the recommended amount of soap in order to rinse only once.
Prefer to use a clothesline instead of the dryer to dry your clothes.

Air Conditioner :
When installing, protect its external part from direct sunlight without blocking the air vents.
Install it in a place with adequate air flow.
Keep doors and windows closed when using it.
Do not block its ventilation.
Avoid excessive coldness by adjusting its thermostat.
Always keep clean filters for best air flow.
Before purchasing, consider a ceiling fan instead.

Computer :
Don’t keep printers and other peripherals turned on when not in use.
Configure it so that the monitor turns off automatically when not in use. Ask for professional helpful tips.

Solar Heater :
An excellent alternative to save energy is a solar collector to heat water, usually placed on roof tops of houses or buildings. In the long run, you will save energy and money.

When purchasing :
In Brazil, always verify whether the product bears the PROCEL LOGO FOR ENERGY SAVING whose objective is to guide consumers on the products with best levels of energy efficiency within each category such as : refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, solar collectors, compact and round fluorescent lamps.
PROCEL - Programa Nacional de Conservação de Energia Elétrica – also aims at encouraging the manufacture of more efficient products and contributes to the reduction of environmental impacts.
There is also the CONPET Logo for Energy Efficiency intended for appliances and equipment using oil and natural gas as fuel such as stoves, ovens and water heaters.

Ecologic Home
Sustainable Buildings – Architects can plan for ecologic buildings by using : reforesting wood, solar energy, water reuse (especially for toilet flush), rainwater collection systems, raised gardens to reduce heat absorption, presence sensor for lighting systems, wide ventilation (windows), glass bricks and tiles to use sunlight as much as possible, etc. Trees provide shade and reduce temperatures.

Unplug appliances when not in use.

Safety Tip
Remember : keep electric appliances far from sinks, tubs and wet surfaces to avoid electrical shocks.

Energy is money. Don’t waste.

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