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Enemalta Help Desk

FAQs – ENERGY SAVING AT HOME


Q1. I want to start energy saving at home. What everyday
tips can you give me?
A1. TOP TIPS FOR SAVING ENERGY AT HOME

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.

7. Set your water heater to a comfortable temperature; 60 deg C is enough. Reducing


the temperature by 5 deg C reduces consumption by 10%. Mixing hot and cold water
produce the required temperature wastes energy.

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.

18. Dishwashers are to be loaded to full capacity before running.

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.

25. Filters for air conditioners should be cleaned regularly.

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:

A2. ENERGY SAVING TIPS IN SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE HOME AT NO COST

Lighting

• Turn the lights off when leaving a room.


• Use "task" lighting rather than whole room lighting when a small amount of light is
required.
• Regularly clean light fittings, reflectors and lampshades.

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.

Toasters & Kettles:


• The toaster is more energy efficient than the grill for toasting bread.
• When making tea or coffee, boil only the amount of water required (but make sure the
heating elements of electric kettles are covered!).

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

• Set your water heater to a comfortable temperature. 60 deg Celsius is enough.


Reducing the temperature by 5 deg Celsius reduces consumption by 10%.
• Mixing hot and cold water to produce the required temperature wastes energy.
• If you can, have a shower instead of a bath. If you use a bath, use only the amount
of hot water needed.
• Choose the smallest possible water heater that suits your requirements and that of
your family.
• Switch off your water heater if you do not use it regularly throughout the day.
• Repair leaking water taps, particularly hot water taps.
• When installing a new water heater, try to place it as close as possible to the water
taps.
• Don’t run the water continuously while shaving or washing your hair.
• Use cold water in your washing machine especially if you do not have a solar water
heater.
• Try to fill your washing machine or tumble dryer up to their full load.
• Do not use too much detergent. Over use makes your washing machine work harder
and use more energy. When clothes are lightly soiled use short wash cycles.

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.

In The Living Room

• Switch off appliances when you are not using them.


• Do not keep doors and windows open in rooms where an air conditioner is in use, both
in winter and summer.

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?

A3. During 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.

Q4. What are the basic tips to save electricity in Summer?

A4. During Summer

• If you have an air conditioner, clean its filters regularly.


• Do not over cool a room in summer. A few extra degrees of cooling will result in a
substantial increase in your electricity bill.
• Install white (or pale shaded) curtains or blinds to reflect away the heat.
• Make use of louvers to keep your room cool.

Q5. Could I receive a grant towards energy saving and/ or


investing in renewable energy at my home?
A5. Refer to recent government subsidies from MRA site:
http://www.mra.org.mt/grants.shtml

Also, refer to FAQs for RENEWABLE ENERGY AT HOME.


FAQs EU Energy Label

Q6. What should I look for before purchasing an appliance or


a light bulb?
A6. Be demanding when you buy, check the EU energy
labels on appliances. Purchase ‘A’ rated or better appliances
whenever possible, they can save their replacement cost
over their lifetime and benefit the environment.

Q7. What products carry the EU Energy


Label?

A7. Most electrical appliances(e.g. refrigerators, airconditioners, washing machines) light


bulbs, and cars carry the EU Energy Label. The energy efficiency of the product is rated in
energy levels ranging from A to G on the outside label. 'A' stands for the most energy
efficient and 'G' for the least energy efficient.

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.

Q8. What does the classification really mean?

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

20-50% 50-75% 75-90% 90-100% 100-110% 110-125% >125%


Refrigerators and freezers

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

<30 <42 <55 <75 <90 <100 <110 <125 >125

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

<0.19 <0.23 <0.27 <0.31 <0.35 <0.39 >0.39

Dishwashers

The energy efficiency is calculated according to the number of place settings.


For the most common size of appliance, the 12 place setting machine the following classes
apply.

The unit is expressed in kWh per 12 place settings.


A B C D E F G

<1.06 <1.25 <1.45 <1.65 <1.85 <2.05 >2.05

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

<100 <120 <140 <160 <200 <250 >250


FAQs Appliances

Q9. What are the typical energy consumptions of household


appliances?
A9. Typical energy consumption for a variety of appliances can be found here:

Note: If needed running costs can be worked at €0.16/kWh depending on no. of


hours used or refer to HOME ENERGY CALCULATOR on Enemalta website:
http://mps0p905412/EnergyCalculator/Default.aspx

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

Dishwasher Class "A"/New 1.1 kWh/usage

Dishwasher Unclassed/Old 1.8 kWh/usage


Laundry
Clothes Washing Machine
Class "A"/New : >60 deg C
cycle at Full load 1 kWh/usage
Clothes Washing Machine
Class "A"/New : 30-40 deg C
cycle at Full Load 0.6 kWh/usage
Clothes Washing Machine
Unclassed/Old : >60 deg C
cycle at Full Load 1.8 kWh/usage
Clothes Washing Machine
Unclassed/Old : 30-40 deg C
cycle At Full Load 1.1 kWh/usage
Tumble Dryer Class "A"/New
(at Full Load) 3 kWh/usage
Tumble Dryer Unclassed/Old
(at Full Load) 4.5 kWh/usage
Iron, Medium Temp. 1800 W
Bedroom
Razor 15 W
Curling Iron 600 W
Hair Dryer 1500 W
Electric Blanket 120 W
Cooling, Heating &
Ventilation
Dehumidifier 750 W
Space Heater with Thermostat
(Oil convection or radiation) 2000 W
Ceiling Fan 100 W
Pedestal Fan 80 W
Extractor Fan 40 W
Electric Water Heater
40/50/80 litres 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

Q10. I have a separate chest freezer - is this costing me a lot


to run, and how can I cut the cost?
A10. Refrigerators and freezers are among the largest energy consumers in the average
home. A separate freezer makes economic sense when you can buy large quantities of food
and freeze it. If the freezer is empty or nearly empty, try to use the freezer compartment in
your refrigerator and turn off the additional freezer.

Q11. Are there any simple, inexpensive things I can do to


save energy with my refrigerator?
A11.
• Open refrigerator door only when necessary and know in advance what exactly you
are looking for inside it.
• To keep your refrigerator running smoothly, clean the coils periodically by removing
all sorts of dust that might have settled on it. Ensure that these coils are a minimum
of 4 inches away from the nearest wall and their is enough room around them breath.
• Do not place the refrigerator near heat sources like ovens, gas stove, etc.
• Adjustable shelves can help you use the internal space more efficiently. Special
storage compartments keep meat, fruits and vegetables at the right temperature.
• Remember to cover the food before putting it inside the refrigerator.
• Have the door seal checked on annual basis to confirm that its working properly. At
the same time, get the thermostat checked as well.
• Defrost your refrigerator if the ice inside gets more than quarter of an inch thick.
Regular defrosting helps in conserving electrical power.

Q12. How much electricity is wasted by leaving a refrigerator


door open?
A12.
• The exact answer depends on the size, age and style of refrigerator you have – but on
average, up to 30 percent of the cooled air can escape every time you open the door!
• The same holds true for ovens – every time you peek in, a significant amount of
heated air is lost, resulting in wasted energy trying to replace it.

FAQ Cooking - Oven & Microwave

Q13. Are there any simple, inexpensive things I can do to


save energy whilst cooking?
A13.
• Use pots that fit the range of cooing unit, cover the pans and use only a little
amount of water. Keep the cooking range clean and the reflectors in a shiny
condition.
• You can cook many foods in the oven at the same time or make extra portions for
future meals. Arrange the dishes inside the oven for proper flow of air.
• Use small appliances and the microwave oven as much as possible. They are not
only quicker but even more economical than a cooking range.
• Do not pre-heat the oven unless your recipe calls for it. Ensure that the oven
doors remain closed during baking period.
• Keep your microwave oven clean so that the heat is concentrated on the food and
not the spills!

Q14. Is it true that one can save energy by using a


microwave for cooking and defrosting frozen food?
A14. Yes. Microwaves are excellent for defrosting and reheating cooked food, and use much
less electricity than an electric range or oven.

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.

FAQ Washing Machine/Dryer

Q16. How can I save energy and money on washing and


drying clothes?
A16. Washing machines can also prove out to be power hungry devices if not utilized
correctly. To make better use of them, follow these tips ...

• 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).

Q17. Can I save by unplugging appliances that are not in


use?
A17. If the appliance has an "on/off" switch, turning it off has the same effect as
unplugging it. Extra refrigerators or freezers should be unplugged when not in use.

FAQs Heating & Cooling

FAQ Water Heaters

Q18. What is the best temperature setting for my water


heater?
A18. The lower the temperature setting, the lower your water heating costs will be. The
best setting is the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable. Most people can be
comfortable at a setting of 60 deg C - each degree higher than that can increase your
heating costs by 1-2%. Mixing hot and cold water to produce the required temperature
wastes energy.

Q19. Should I leave the water heater ON the whole day or


should I switch it OFF after use? Will a timer on my electric
water heater help reduce my bills?
A19. It is a very common habit to leave water heaters on the whole day – this is wrong!
This is because water heaters available on the market are not designed to efficiently keep
the water at high temperatures – 50 deg C to 60 deg C. Heat simply leaks out and thus the
unit constantly switches on and off (this is the reason why units used in such situations
wear out much quicker) and mixing hot with cold water to produce the right temperature
simply wastes energy. The idea on how and when to heat up these units is relative to size
and the number of users. Typically 20 litres are enough for the needs of one person.

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.

Q20. What size water heater should I have?


A20. It depends on family size and lifestyle, but for the average family of four, a 40 to 50
litre tank should be sufficient.

Q21. Aside from adjusting the temperature, are there other


easy ways I can save on water heating?
A21. The simplest way to save is to use less hot water. Use low flow showerheads, wash
clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot, and only run full loads in your clothes washer
and dishwasher.

Q22. What is an "instantaneous" or "on demand" water


heater?
A22. An instantaneous or on-demand water heater is a small heating unit located close to
the point of use, which heats the water just before it is used (ex. underneath kitchen sink).
These units have no storage capability, and are usually not well suited for "whole house"
use, as multiple units are typically needed.

Solar Water Heating

Q23. What savings should I expect from a solar water


heater?
A23. In Malta we are blessed with very high levels of sunshine and has the highest level of
solar irradiation in the EU and this contributes to a high level of performance from solar
water heaters. Malta is right in the center of the Mediterranean and therefore we experience
adequate sunlight for around 80% of the year. A good comparison is that a user of solar
water heaters will save over 80% of the cost of running an electric boiler. For an average
family of 4 this will translate in savings of €350-€500 annually (at current prices 2008).

Q24. What is the difference between the flat plate collectors


and vacuum tubes?
A24. Flat plate collectors in Malta are very suitable panels to use for our climatic conditions
and there are specific reasons for this. We have to find a balance between adequate heating
in winter and avoiding overheating in summer. If a solar water heater using flat plate
collectors is sized correctly (depending on the number of users and their consumption
pattern) then the user will be supplied with an adequate supply of hot water.

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.

Q26. Does a solar heater use UV to heat water?


A26. UV (ultraviolet light) is often mistakenly thought to be the magical part of the sun’s
radiation which heats water! UV is only a small part of the whole light spectrum and will not
heat water on its own. It is the intensity of the whole spectrum of the light which will heat
water – the more intense, the more hot water from your solar heater!

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.

FAQs Air Conditioning

Q28. How often should I clean the filters in my air


conditioning system?
A28. You should check your filters on a regular basis (monthly checks are recommended),
and clean them whenever they appear dirty. A dirty filter can interfere with the proper air
flow through the system, making it work harder and increasing operating costs.

Q29. I've seen air conditioners rated in terms of BTUs. What


is a BTU?
A29. A BTU or British Thermal Unit is a unit of heat. One BTU is roughly equivalent to the
amount of heat produced by a single kitchen match burning completely.

Q30. I have my air conditioning system checked every year,


and it always seems to need "recharging" with refrigerant -
is this normal?
A30. Refrigerant does not shrink or disappear - a need for regular recharging indicates a
refrigerant leak. The solution is to fix the leak, not to keep recharging the system.
Q31. Will ceiling fans help cool my home in summer, and
should I run them constantly, even when my air conditioning
is running?
A31. Ceiling fans can help make the home more comfortable, either alone or in combination
with your air conditioner, by creating more air movement, which makes the air feel cooler.
But remember that they do not actually cool the air, so there is no point in running them in
unoccupied rooms or when no one is at home.

Q32. What is the most efficient thermostat setting for air


conditioning and for space heating?
A32. Before switching on Heaters and AC’s one has to try and make oneself comfortable by
wearing adequate/suitable clothing related to the actual temperature. After that, one has to
consider efficient heating/cooling and use economic appliances. The average comfortable
temperatures with adequate clothing are 20 dec C – 23.5 deg C for winter and 23 deg C –
26 deg C for summer. 40% - 60% Humidity all year round is considered ideal.

FAQs General Cooling & Heating

Q33. I have one room in my home that is always too hot in


the summer - what can I do to make that room more
comfortable?
A33. If the room has a large area of exposed glass, keep curtains or blinds closed during
daylight hours, particularly at times when the sun would shine directly in. You can also
install solar films to the windows to reflect the sun radiation and heat or have double glazed
windows installed.

Q34. What are the best practices to heat a home in winter?


A34. Heat rises by natural convection so the lower the source is, the better. Before heating
an area, close the door/s and window/s and always try to keep the cool temperatures out.
In addition, allow the winter sun in to naturally heat the rooms.

Q35. What is the most cost effective way for heating?


A35. The best and most economic method are gas heaters – in adequately ventilated areas.

Note: If €23 of gas are consumed €22 will be converted in Heat.

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.

Q37. Does an electric blanket use much electricity?


A37. Very little (about 14 units/month), and it is much less expensive than keeping the
whole bedroom warm while you sleep.

Q38. I often need to use a dehumidifier to control excess


moisture in my house. Is this costing me much, and if so how
can I reduce the cost?
A38. A dehumidifier running 12 hours a day in winter will cost about €7.20 per month. Use
dehumidifiers only as needed. In mild weather, try opening windows and using either
natural air circulation or fans to dry up any excess humidity.
FAQs Lighting

Q39. Is it a good idea to turn off lights when leaving a room?


Don't they use more energy when they are first turned back
on?

OR

Q39. Doesn't switching lights on and off use more energy


than leaving them running?
A39. You should turn them off. Incandescent or fluorescent lamps do not use any additional
energy at start-up. Switching on an energy saving bulb only uses the same amount of
power as leaving it on for a minute or two.

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.

Q40. I've seen compact fluorescent bulbs in stores and they


seem quite expensive - will they really save me money?
A40. Although the initial cost is quite a bit more than standard incandescent lamps, they
last up to ten times as long and use only about one-quarter of the amount of
electricity to provide the same amount of light. Over the life of the bulb, the reduced
energy costs combined with reduced replacement costs make compact fluorescents an
excellent investment.

Q41. Will compact fluorescents provide the same amount and


quality of light as regular (incandescent) light bulbs?
A41. As long as you use the correct size or wattage, you will get the same amount of light,
and today's compact fluorescents have a much better quality of light and color rendition
than old fluorescents - you really should not notice a difference.

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.

Q43. How do I know what wattage I need with a compact


fluorescent?
A43. A general rule when buying CFLs is to choose a wattage that's about one-third of what
you usually buy. The list below shows some typical wattage conversions:

• 25-watt incandescent = 7-watt compact fluorescent

• 40-watt incandescent = 11-watt compact fluorescent

• 60-watt incandescent = 15-watt compact fluorescent

• 75+-watt incandescent = 18-watt compact fluorescent

Q44. How much money do energy saving lightbulbs save?


A44. A 20 watt, 12,000 hour Compact Fluorescent Lamp will save around €140 over its
lifetime compared with a 100 watt tungsten filament bulb. This saving takes into account
the initial cost, electricity used and replacement rate.

Q45. Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of


fixtures?
A45. There are several different types and shapes of compact fluorescents available that
should fit most fixtures. In some cases an adapter may be necessary.

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.

Q47. What danger is there if a CFL breaks?


A47. The advice for cleaning up a broken bulb:

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).

Q49. Are halogen bulbs more efficient than traditional bulbs?


A49. Yes, but they are not as energy efficient as normal energy saving bulbs. So, halogen
bulbs should only be used in your existing halogen fittings. Also, nowadays certain types of
halogen lamps can by replaced by LEDs which are highly energy saving but still very costly.

Q50. Lots of my lights have dimmer switches. Can I fit them


with energy saving bulbs?
A50. Most energy saving bulbs aren't fully compatible with dimmer switch circuits at the
moment. A standard dimmer switch will simply make the bulb flicker: annoying for you and
not good for your bulb.

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.

Q51. Is the government really banning traditional


incandescent bulbs?
A51. There is a proposal for a phasing out of traditional bulbs in the next few years. This
will give manufacturers and retailers enough time to develop additional products that will
take their place.

Q52. Does outdoor security lighting use a lot of electricity,


and how can I save while still protecting my home and
property?
A52. Electric use will depend on the wattage of the lights and hours of operation. Since
outdoor security lights are typically higher in wattage than indoor lights, the cost can be
significant, particularly if a large number of high-wattage lights are used. You can save by
limiting the hours of operation with timers, photocells or motion detectors.
FAQ Standby Power

Q53. What is standby power?


A53. Standby power is the power consumed by an appliance during the lowest possible
electricity consuming mode.

Q54. Which appliances consume standby power and how


much?
A54. Anything with an external power supply (wallpack), remote control, or clock display
require standby electricity.

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.

Q55. How do I measure standby power?


A55. To measure standby power accurately, you will need a suitable power meter.
Unfortunately, few meters have sufficient resolution to measure standby power accurately.

Q56. Is standby power use necessary?


A56. Although appliances require some electricity for standby functions, most standby
power is consumed by inefficient power supplies and unnecessarily energized components.
This is mainly because appliance manufacturers have no reason to design their products
with efficiency in mind -- after all, they don't pay your electricity bill! Some important
appliance functions that do require small amounts of electricity include:

• Maintaining signal reception capability (for remote control, telephone or network


signal)
• Monitoring temperature or other conditions (such as in a refrigerator)
• Powering an internal clock
• Battery charging
• Continuous display

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).

Q57. How much energy can be saved by using efficient


electronic equipment and switching things off standby?
A57. The fact:
• The average Maltese household wastes €30 each year by leaving an average of five
appliances on standby, which is equivalent to approximately 1% (25GWh) of all
electricity consumed on the island. This is more than the electricity consumed for all
the street lighting of Malta & Gozo (20GWh).

Typical standby consumption of computer and electronic equipment and appliances:

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

DVD Players & Recorders:


• DVD Player - 1.9W
• DVD Recorder - 9.4W
• Video Casette Recorder (VCR) - 4.0W

Set Top Boxes


• Cable - 15.2W
• Satellite - 15.0W
• Terrestrial - 6.4W

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

Q58. Do chargers used with portable equipment continue to


use electricity after it has fully charged?

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

Q59. What is a kilowatt hour (or one unit of electricity)?


A59. One kWh is equivalent to one unit of electricity. When you use 1000 watts for 1
hour, that's one kilowatt-hour. For example: 1000Watt electric heater running for 4 hours
will consume 4 kWh or 4 units.

Q60. What is the difference between Watts and kilowatt


hours?
A60.

• 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.

Q61. What's the single biggest user of electricity in my


house?
A61. If your house has air conditioning, the air conditioner will probably be the biggest
user. Although used only a few months of the year, the annual cost can be much greater
than the annual cost of your water heater or refrigerator, which are typically the next
largest users.

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.

Q63. Why are my utility bills still so high when I'm on


vacation?
A63. Many of your appliances (ex. refrigerator), electronics and equipment left on standby
keep drawing power even when you're not home.

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