SLC32-W1 || Real Life Problem Solving Challenge: Save Electricity At Home

manuelhooks (72)Club100in Steem For Pakistan • yesterday

_{^{Captured and edited Galaxy-A15...Showing a power transformer}}

Saving Electivity

We as humans have grown so fond of electricity that I sometimes wonder what life will look like without this form of energy. I am of the opinion that without electricity different homes, cities and communities would be affected differently.

Where I live, constant electricity from the power grid is a luxury, so we find alternative power sources. Most homes have a petrol generator while some homes have a hybrid that combines solar electricity with a petrol generator backup.

This is the petrol generator that powers my home. Its output is limited to only 3.5 kVA and running it is very expensive so I devised a strategy that lets me use electricity at a reduced cost which led to my identifying the two appliances that consume the most power in my home.

My Refrigerator and Washing Machine

I use a small, single-door LG Expresscool mini-refrigerator in my kitchen to preserve food, drinks and some vegetables.
Designed to run on a 220–240V AC power at 60Hz, this refrigerator consumes 75 watts of power.

Built with good internal insulation, it can hold its internal temperature for 2 days without power if stocked well and not frequently opened.

The second among high power consuming appliances im my home is my Samsung machine.

It's a Samsung front-load with a washing capacity of 8.0 kg with EcoBubble technology and a digital inverter motor. Running an operating voltage of 220 - 240 V at 60 Hz

Reducing Electricity Consumption

To reduce power consumption, I have installed a Photovoltaic system that cares for all the lighting in my home. Being a renewable system, after the initial cost of installation I now feel as if I am running free lighting.
I have not bought a candle for more than eight years now

The blinking light is an indication that the system is charging. Which means my bulbs will be on from evening till morning of the next day when the system will recharge again. It's my plan to go fully Photovoltaic.

Looking at how much I have saved, for eight years now, my bill for lighting is zero. The cost of lighting for the first two years covered the installation cost. Meaning I have been enjoying 6 years of free lighting.

The second way I save power applies to other appliances that are not currently powered by the Photovoltaic system I installed. Because I have a plan to switch to fully Photovoltaic, I make a careful selection of the devices I buy. They must have low power consumption and settings that make them more energy-friendly.

_{^{Switching to a setting that saves power}}

With this, I soak the clothes for 3 to 4 hours, then can wash them with the express option. It washes and strains the clothes in 15 minutes. Without using heat or drying the clothes plus the EcoBubble technology and a digital inverter motor system, with a little fuel, my 3.5 kVA generator can help me wash two batches of clothes in 30 minutes.

_{^{The 15' Express setting saves power}}

Reduction in Electricity Bill

My washing machine is not connected to the power grid, so when powered by the generator, the electric meter is not counting. Only 3 litres for so much clothes. On the other hand, I do not pay for lighting which is a massive saving. Yes the two methods I have adopted have saved me a lot.

1 litre of fuel is 1300 Naira. in a month I use six litres

Monthly fuel 1300 × 6 = 7800

With 7800 Naira, I can only wash seven clothes at the laundry shop. But can wash 16kg at home

habit that save electricity

The first I will love to outline is the habit of buying appliances with power-saving in mind. When going for any appliance, I want to know how much power it uses and the power-saving features it has. I also consider how it will fit into my Photovoltaic system in the future.

Understanding and exploring settings that save power is an important habit. Some people have appliances with good power-saving options but they have no idea that such options exist.

Try not to get attached to old technology. New devices are often more energy efficient compared to old devices. So it's good to upgrade when better appliances are available.

My advice and suggestion.

The best way to save yourself from electricity bills is to make that initial investment in an upgradable Photovoltaic system. After that first cost, you will have years of free electricity with minimal servicing costs.

Having an old air conditioner as a family heirloom can cost a lot as those old appliances consume a lot of power. Swap old CRT TV for new LCD that needs less power, the same applies to your old Dell laptop that heats up like a bread oven.