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1. Don’t leave your TV, stereo and computer on standby – this is the mode when a little
light is still on. On average, a TV set uses 45 % of its energy in standby mode. If this
is done in every Maltese household, the nation will save over 1 million kgs of CO2.
2. Also, don’t leave you mobile phone charger plugged in when you are not charging
your phone. If you do, 95 % of the electricity is wasted – only 5 % is used to
actually charge your phone.
3. Don’t forget to switch off the lights when you don’t need them. Households are
responsible for 30 % of the electricity consumption in the EU. Use "task" lighting (ex.
desk lamps) rather than whole room lighting when a small amount of light is
required.
4. If you buy new light bulbs, try energy-savings ones — they last longer and use five
times less electricity than conventional bulbs.
5. Replacing existing T8 fluorescent tubes with new slim T5 fluorescent tubes one can
save up to 40%.
6. When installing a new water heater, choose the smallest possible size that suits your
requirements and that of your family and install it as close as possible to the water
taps.
8. Switch off the water heater if you do not use it regularly throughout the day.
9. If you have a solar water heater with an electric booster, make sure the booster in
winter only comes on after sundown or preferably very early in the morning before
use, to avoid heating the water before the sun has had a chance to do so. Install a
timer and set it accordingly.
10. Save hot water by taking a shower rather than a bath— it requires four times less
energy. Also, consider installing a low-flow showerhead.
11. Never leave hot water running unnecessarily while shaving or washing hair.
12. When you make a hot drink, just boil the amount of water you need.
13. Don't let frost build up in the freezer compartment as this increases energy
consumption. Check that the door seals on the refrigerator and freezer are tight
fitting. Don't put warm or hot food straight into the freezer - let it cool down first.
14. Whilst cooking put lids on pots and turn down the heat when the water starts to boil.
Use flat base cooking utensils whose base matches the heating ring.
15. If you have a microwave oven, use it as regularly as possible. It is the most efficient
electrical appliance money can buy for use in the kitchen.
16. The electric oven is expensive to use - try to use it as sparingly and efficiently as
possible. Do not open the over door to check cooking - every time you do so you lose
20% of the accumulated heat.
17. The toaster is more energy efficient than the grill for toasting bread.
19. When using a washing machine use the lowest water temperature required for the
items being washed. A full load of washing is more energy efficient that two half
loads. Use a cold rinse for your clothes. Do not use too much detergent.
20. When drying clothes in a dryer, dry heavy articles separately from light articles -
don't over dry the clothes.
21. Switch on electric blankets no more than half an hour before you go to bed and
switch off just before you get into bed.
22. When choosing an electric heater, select one that incorporates a thermostat or
energy regulator.
23. Do not leave heaters running for long periods. Heat room to a comfortable
temperature. Do not overheat.
24. Temperature settings on air conditioners should be set only a few degrees below the
outside hot ambience. It is not necessary to freeze a room. A few extra degrees of
cooling will result in a substantial increase in electricity bill.
26. Passive cooling (e.g. windows with louvers and blinds on the outside; solar films;
double glazing; pale shaded curtains; roof insulation); and natural ventilation (e.g.
open windows set high up in a room) are measures that can save great amounts of
energy in cooling.
27. If you need to buy a new electrical appliance, for example a fridge or a washing
machine, make sure that it is graded ‘A’ under the European energy efficiency label.
‘A’ certifies that it is very efficient in energy use.
Q2. Is it expensive to start energy saving?
Many energy saving measures are completely free so you don’t have to spend a cent to
start saving energy:
Lighting
In The Kitchen
Fridge/Freezer:
• Don't let frost build up in the freezer compartment as this increases energy
consumption. Defrost your freezer if the ice is more than 5mm thick (at least every 6
months).
• Try to fill your freezer up to its maximum capacity and keep the freezer well
ventilated.
• Place your fridge and freezer away from sources of heat such as cookers or even
heaters as well as direct sunlight.
• Check fridge and oven door seals for air leaks. Replace the seals if defective.
• Check that your fridge’s on/off cycle is working properly.
• Don't put warm or hot food straight into the fridge- let it cool down first.
• Use your electric kettle for heating small amounts of water and fill only with the
required amount of water. It is considerably more energy efficient than an electric
hob.
• Lots of energy saving cooking devices are under used: like slow casseroles, insulated
deep fat fryers, microwave ovens and pressure cookers. They can save both energy
and time - with better results!
Microwaves:
• If you have a microwave oven, use it as regularly as possible. It is the most efficient
electrical appliance money can buy for use in the kitchen.
• In a microwave oven, arrange unevenly shaped items with the thickest portion to the
outside. Stir or turn the food over to speed up cooking time. Remember a microwave
is more efficient than a cooker for reheating food.
Electric Ovens:
• The oven is expensive to use - try to use it as sparingly and efficiently as possible.
Where possible use it for more than just one item and remember you can cook at a
higher temperature at the top of the oven, and simultaneously at a lower temperature
at the bottom.
• Do not open the over door to check cooking - every time you do so you lose 20% of
the accumulated heat.
Cooking:
• Use flat base cooking utensils whose base matches the heating ring.
• Thaw frozen food before cooking.
• Put lids on pots and turn down the heat when the water starts to boil. The lids not only
keep heat in the pot but also reduce condensation in the kitchen.
• At a certain point in cooking, turn off electric rings and use their residual heat.
• Load the dishwasher to full capacity before running.
• Don’t run the water continuously while washing dishes.
• Lots of energy saving cooking devices are under used: like slow casseroles, insulated
deep fat fryers, microwave ovens and pressure cookers. They can save both energy
and time - with better results!
Electric Ovens:
• The oven is expensive to use - try to use it as sparingly and efficiently as possible.
Where possible use it for more than just one item and remember you can cook at a
higher temperature at the top of the oven, and simultaneously at a lower temperature
at the bottom.
• Do not open the over door to check cooking - every time you do so you lose 20% of
the accumulated heat.
Dishwashers:
• Stop the dishwasher before the drying cycle and open the door to let the dishes air dry
and always use the economy button where possible.
• Try to load the dishwasher to its maximum capacity.
In The Bathroom/Washroom
In The Bedroom
• Switch on your electric blanket only half an hour before you go to bed and remember
to switch it off when you get in.
• When choosing an electric heater, select one that incorporates a thermostat or energy
regulator.
• Do not leave heaters running for long periods. Heat your room to a comfortable
temperature. Do not over heat.
• If you are buying an air conditioner, select one that has a heat pump. Heat pumps are
significantly more efficient to run than ordinary heaters.
• If you have an air conditioner, do not leave it on in rooms you are not using.
Computer:
• Configure your computer to "energy saving" mode in which it will automatically change
to the state of low consumption.
• Switching off the screen can save even more than just letting the screen saver run.
• Turning your computer off at night instead of leaving it on will save on average 25% of
its annual energy bill. Remember you should turn off your computer whenever you
are not going to use it for more than an hour.
Television:
• A television in standby mode can use up to as much as half the electricity as when it is
switched on.
Q3. What are the basic tips to save electricity in Winter?
• Keep curtains closed to prevent heat losses through windows and doors.
• Keep unused areas closed.
• Do not overheat a room. A few degrees of extra heat will result in a substantial
increase in your electricity bill.
• Keep heaters clean by removing dust and fluff from fans, and reflective surfaces.
Apart from the clear color-coded classification there is also other information on the energy
label. For example, the energy label for lightbulbs often shows its 'lumen', an indication of
perceived power of light, and 'Watt', the consumption of joules of energy per second.
Recently, also the qualification A+ and A++ were introduced for refrigerated appliances.
The Energy Rating label enables consumers to compare the energy efficiency of appliances.
It is also an incentive for manufacturers to improve the energy performance of their
products.
A8:
Light bulbs
The label shows the classification of the lightbulb's electrical consumption relative to a
standard (GLS or incandescent) light bulb that produces the same brightness (lumen).
Class A & B Energy savers fall in to these categories.
They are the most efficient type of light bulb and use up to 80% less
energy than standard GLS light bulbs.
Class D Mains voltage halogen bulbs usually fall into this category.
Class E & F Standard incandescent light bulbs are the least efficient alternatives.
A B C D E F G
The number is calculated according to the consumption and the compartments' volume of
the appliance.
This is an index, it is not calculated in kWh.
A++ A+ A B C D E F G
Washing machines
For washing machines the energy efficiency scale is calculated using a cotton cycle at 60°C
(140°F) with a maximum declared load. This load is typically 6 kg.
The energy efficiency index is in kWh per kilogramme of washing.
A B C D E F G
Dishwashers
Cars
For cars it is not the electrical efficiency that is indicated, but its carbon dioxide emissions in
grammes per kilometre travelled.
A B C D E F G
Average Energy
Appliance Consumption Units
Kitchen Appliances
Refrigerator Medium Size -
Class "A"/New 263 kWh/year
Refrigerator Large Size -
Class "A"/New 526 kWh/year
Fridge-Freezer - Class
"A"/New 613 kWh/year
Freezer - Class "A"/New 526 kWh/year
Refrigerator Medium Size -
Unclassed/Old 613 kWh/year
Refrigerator Large Size -
Unclassed/Old 876 kWh/year
Fridge-Freezer -
Unclassed/Old 1139 kWh/year
Freezer - Unclassed/Old 876 kWh/year
Electric Hob/Hot plate 2000 W
Oven (350 degree) 2400 W
Toaster (1200W) 1200 W
Electric Kettle 2000 W
Instant Water Heater 3,500 W
Small Water Heater for
Kitchen Use (10 litre) 2000 W
Microwave Oven (Standard) 1000 W
Microwave Oven
(Combination/Grill) 2000 W
Air Conditioners
Air Conditioner 12,000 btu 'A'
rated/New 1250 W
Air Conditioner 18,000 btu 'A'
rated/New 1800 W
Air Conditioner 24,000 btu 'A'
rated/New 2300 W
Air Conditioner 12,000 btu
Unclassed/Old 1500 W
Air Conditioner 18,000 btu
Unclassed/Old 2200 W
Air Conditioner 24,000 btu
Unclassed/Old 2800 W
Miscellaneous Equipment
Equipment left on Standby 7 W Average
Clock Radio 10 W
Stereo CD Radio Tape 60 W
Computer - PC (picture-tube
monitor) 200 W
Computer - PC (flat-screen
monitor) 100 W
Laptop 20 W
High Performance PC 500 W
DVD CD VCR 30 W
TV - picture tube 100 W
TV - LCD 130 W
TV - Plasma 260 W
Setup Boxes/Satellite
Receivers 25 W
Vacuum Cleaner 1000 W
Well Pump 500 W
Swimming Pool Pump motor 2000 W
FAQ Freezers/Refrigerator
FAQ Dishwasher
Q15. Are there any simple ways I can save energy and
money with my dishwasher?
A15. Run full loads whenever possible (this also saves water), and use the "air dry" setting
or open the door after the cycle is completed, instead of using the "heated dry" cycle.
• Always use the lowest appropriate temperature settings (for both washers and
dryers
• Do wash at full load but do not overload the machine. Avoid usage of drier unit of
the machine so as to save on electrical energy.
• Keep the lint filter of the drier clean.
• Presoak heavily soiled laundry whenever possible.
• Use two loads one after another to dry out in the drier. This will help make use of
the heat still available within the drier unit that was produced to dry out the first
load.
• Adjustable water level should be correctly used so as to save on quantity of water
used in a wash.
• Weather permitting, always use a "solar clothes dryer" (clothesline).
Case 1: Family of 2: 40L Unit. Time to heat up is approximately 30mins. With some
experimenting with temperatures one can find the ideal temperature to bathe directly with
the hot water supply, rather than mixing with cold water, thus leaving hot unused water in
the water heater. After use, the unit can be switched off.
Case 2: Family of 4: 80L Unit. Time to heat up is approximately 1 hour. If the family
members will bathe after each other, the unit can be switched off once ready. If on the
other hand the family members don’t bathe after each other, but the time lapse between
baths is a few hours the water heater may be left on. If it’s more than six hours then its
better to switch it off and on again 1hour before use.
Once the temperatures and using time when to switch on and off are noted a suitable timer
can be used to avoid manual switching.
The difference in design is mainly due to the insulation used from one type of solar panel to
another; flat plate collector uses polyurethane to insulate their panels whereas the vacuum
tubes will use the vacuum itself (thermos effect) to insulate the tubes. The problems start
when the vacuum tubes keep collecting heat in summer without being able to lose that heat
- until the heat in the boiler goes over 100 degrees Celsius. The first thing that will happen
is that the vacuum tube boiler might not be able to withstand the pressure created by the
now boiling water and develops a leak. The second is that the vacuum tube boiler will start
spurting water from the safety valve on top of the boiler to release the pressure. If the
water over 100 degrees Celsius goes into pipework that cannot handle the heat, the pipe or
fittings could give way.
Q25. Will a solar water heater in Malta supply us with all our
hot water?
A25. The answer is yes, however it is unrealistic to expect that all that hot water will be
supplied from the sun for free! There are actually two reasons for this; the first is that if one
uses all the stored hot water at night or late evening, there is no sun to reheat the water.
The second is that there will be days in winter where the light intensity is too low to heat
the water up to a level used for washing. The electrical backup element will therefore have
to be used sparingly in winter. Good solar water heaters are also usually supplied with a
control system that allows the hot water level to lower before allowing the entry of cold
water. This is particularly useful to ensure that hot water is still available in the morning
even if some of it is used in the previous evening.
Q27. I have installed a solar water heater but was told that it
still consumes some electricity for heating in winter, why is
that?
A27. If you have a solar water heater, with an electric booster (heater), make sure that the
booster in winter only comes on after sundown or preferably very early in the morning
before use, to avoid heating the water before the sun has had a chance to do so. Install a
timer and set it accordingly.
On the other hand if €23 of Fossil Fuel is converted in electricity only €7 arrives to our
homes as €16 are lost in generation & transmission losses. If these €7 are fed to resistance
heaters we only get around €6 worth as heat energy. On the other Hand if the AC is used to
heat it will use the €7 of electricity to extract €21 of heat from the outside; thus being more
efficient for the consumer, but €16 are still lost in transmission from the power station to
our homes. Thus Gas is the most cost effective way for heating.
Q36. What are the best practices for cooling a home in
winter?
A36. Cooling: Keep the Sun and hot temperatures out and use a lot of shading – external
shading is more effective than internal shading. As regards cooling, most of us think that
AC’s or fans are the ultimate resource, we tend not to consider Natural Ventilation
Techniques. Natural Ventilation is obtained by creating a draught inside the living
environment. It can be simply created by having two openings in the same room / building
– the further away from each other, both horizontally and vertically, the better the effect.
Windows should be opened to favour the wind direction as shown below. If one considers
using fans, ceiling ones are more efficient than standing models. If the latter is not possible
try putting a fan close to a window in a summer evening, when the outside temperature is
cooler than the inside one; this will force a cool breeze inside the room, cooling down the
room’s temperature which is much more effective than a fan on its own circulating the same
hot air in that room. The forced breeze is also much more comfortable than the cold blowing
air an AC blows.
When using AC’s it is best to use combined ceiling fans to gain an extra 30deg C drop in
temperature on our bodies – this is know as evaporative cooling. Allow Natural Ventilation
to both cool and remove excess moisture in summer.
OR
Turning the bulb on and off repeatedly may shorten its life, but normal household use
shouldn't cause any problems. In fact, Energy Saving Bulbs are tested through 1,000s of
cycles of switching.
However, to help it last as long as possible, it is best to leave it on for a 'stabilising' period
of 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
And if you're still using traditional bulbs, remember to switch them off every time you leave
a room unoccupied.
Q42. Don't energy saving light bulbs take a long time to light
up?
A42. No, most modern energy saving bulbs takes little more than a few seconds to warm
up to full brightness.
This short warming up process is due to the way they work. An electric current is passed
through gas in a tube, making the tube's coating glow brightly. In traditional bulbs, the
current is passed through a wire which heats up and produces light straight away. What
makes them incredibly inefficient is that 95% of the electricity used is lost in the production
of heat.
Energy saving bulbs, by contrast, use the same efficient technology as fluorescent lights -
but are more compact and use even less energy.
Q46. Don't CFLs contain mercury? And isn't that bad for the
environment?
A46. Energy saving bulbs contain only tiny traces of mercury - imagine a pellet smaller
than the tip of a biro. What's more, in the long term, CFL technology will actually help less
mercury to pollute the air.
This is because burning fossil fuels like coal is the biggest source of mercury in the air. And
as energy saving bulbs use 80% less electricity than a traditional bulb, they mean far less
mercury overall.
Vacate the room and ventilate it for at least 15 minutes. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, but
clean up using rubber gloves and aim to avoid creating and inhaling airborne dust. Sweep
up all particles and glass fragments and place in a plastic bag. Wipe the area with a damp
cloth, then add that to the bag and seal it.
Q48. So how should I recycle a CFL?
A48. CFLs are classified as hazardous waste under the EU Directive, Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE), meaning that their manufacturers and importers will soon be
obliged by lay to pay for CFL treatment and recycling. Thus eventually, any retailer selling
a CFL either has to take back a waste one, or advise on how to dispose of it (ex. take it to a
Wasteserv ‘CA’ site).
There are also energy saving bulbs that can be used with 'staged dimming'. This requires a
special sort of dimmer with three separate settings - high, low and off.
Some of the most common products are TVs, VCRs, cable & set-top boxes, stereo systems,
and telephone answering machines.
In most countries, TVs have the greatest total standby energy consumption. If you inspect
your home and tally up the appliances, you may be surprised how many appliances use
electricity all the time.
From a hardware point of view, there are only two common contributors to standby power
use: low-voltage power supplies and DC circuitry (including sensors and displays).
Home Computing:
• Desktop - 3.4W
• Laptop - 1.3W
• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor - 2.1W
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor - 1.1W
• Inkjet Printer - 1.5W
• Laser Printer - 14.2W
• Photo Printer - 1.9W
Main Televisions:
• CRT - 2.6W
• LCD - 2.7W
• Plasma - 4.0W
Domestic Appliances:
• Dishwasher - 0.2W
• Washing Machine - 0.5W
• Washer Drier - 0.5W
• Electric Oven - 3.0W
• Electric Hob - 0.6W
• Gas Oven - 3.0W
• Gas Hob - 0.2W
• Microwave - 2.3W
A58. Yes. Overcharging can also damage batteries. Mobile phone chargers unnecessarily
left on charge wastes energy (typically 5€ annually for each charger).
GENERIC FAQs – BILLING & TARIFFS
• Watts is the measure of the rate of electrical use at any moment. For example, a
laptop computer uses about 50 watts.
• Kilowatt-hours is the total energy used over time.
Q62. My neighbor's bills are much lower than mine are, even
though they have children, and are home more than we are.
Why are my bills so high?
A62. There are a number of factors that cause differences in energy bills, so comparing
your bill to someone else's is like comparing apples to oranges. The ages of major
appliances, especially refrigerators and airconditioners, can make a dramatic difference in
your bill. Other factors that can result in significant differences in bills are the number and
kinds of lighting fixtures, thermostat settings, the number of loads of laundry, and hobbies
that result in electricity use.