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Keeping down heat and energy costs
By Huan Huan |
June 29, 2009, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
EVERY time when it comes to summer, my family's energy costs rapidly increase. This summer will be the same, and my father cannot fall asleep even with the air-conditioner on. He'd rather sleep to the noise of television.
For me, I like to keep my computer on to download movies overnight. However, several days ago, after my mother almost fainted when seeing the energy bill, we were determined to begin a "revolution" in our energy use.
First there's the shower. Now my mother has closely scheduled regular shower times every day, from 8pm, one after another.
It saves energy since the water heater works continuously.
Also, it's a time when you often feel tired after dinner and watch television so you save energy by not turning it on.
Then there are the computers. Of course, they should be shut down when not used but that's not enough.
Remember to unplug them because it may save you 4-10 of percent of energy costs. Since I always forget to do so, I bought an energy-saving outlet, which automatically cuts the power when the computer is shut down. So, even if I forget to unplug, it doesn't cost money.
Last but also the biggest problem is the air-conditioner.
It's something that people both love and hate - you love it when you feel cool in a room during summer, and you hate it when you catch a cold.
So my mother decided that we could only turn it on when it's extremely hot, when the temperature is above 26 degrees Celsius, which is environmentally friendly as well as good for the health.
However, those hot days are very tough without air-conditioning.
But mum has come up with some great ideas - we made ice blocks in the freezer and put them into very big vacuum flasks without lids. We then aimed the fan toward them.
The ensuing breeze is soft and comfortable and, most importantly, it's cool.
It works just like an air-conditioner, but with much less cost.
After we take all these measures, we're no longer afraid of seeing the energy bill, and our life has become more interesting and comfortable.
(Translated by Pan Zheng)
For me, I like to keep my computer on to download movies overnight. However, several days ago, after my mother almost fainted when seeing the energy bill, we were determined to begin a "revolution" in our energy use.
First there's the shower. Now my mother has closely scheduled regular shower times every day, from 8pm, one after another.
It saves energy since the water heater works continuously.
Also, it's a time when you often feel tired after dinner and watch television so you save energy by not turning it on.
Then there are the computers. Of course, they should be shut down when not used but that's not enough.
Remember to unplug them because it may save you 4-10 of percent of energy costs. Since I always forget to do so, I bought an energy-saving outlet, which automatically cuts the power when the computer is shut down. So, even if I forget to unplug, it doesn't cost money.
Last but also the biggest problem is the air-conditioner.
It's something that people both love and hate - you love it when you feel cool in a room during summer, and you hate it when you catch a cold.
So my mother decided that we could only turn it on when it's extremely hot, when the temperature is above 26 degrees Celsius, which is environmentally friendly as well as good for the health.
However, those hot days are very tough without air-conditioning.
But mum has come up with some great ideas - we made ice blocks in the freezer and put them into very big vacuum flasks without lids. We then aimed the fan toward them.
The ensuing breeze is soft and comfortable and, most importantly, it's cool.
It works just like an air-conditioner, but with much less cost.
After we take all these measures, we're no longer afraid of seeing the energy bill, and our life has become more interesting and comfortable.
(Translated by Pan Zheng)
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