(photo from Living Frugal Tips) | We did a number of experiments over the summer in efforts of fighting off the heat without breaking our wallets over the electricity bill. A and I did a number of brainstorming on how to go about it. So, we decided to do them in phases. |
Minimize Heat-Producing Elements
We used a combination on CFL and LED lights in the unit depending on the ceiling height and number of available bulb slots in the room. We use CFL in our high-ceiling areas .
We used a combination on CFL and LED lights in the unit depending on the ceiling height and number of available bulb slots in the room. We use CFL in our high-ceiling areas .
(photo from Energy Saver Lights Store) | 
(photo from My-Batteries) |
Our unit doesn't lack supply of natural light because we have a floor-to-ceiling window in the living and dining area. The bedroom's window isn't as high, but it is facing the morning sun. So, there's a good amount of light coming into the room. I love it that we only get to use indoor lights in the evening, but the natural light does being in additional heat into the household. A and I have different methods on how we would like to address this one. The only compromise that we ended up in is to do both of our ideas in 2 separate areas.
A's idea was to use blackout curtains to keep the light out. We got ours from SM for around 1,000 something per panel. We got ourselves 2 panels for symmetry.
A's idea was to use blackout curtains to keep the light out. We got ours from SM for around 1,000 something per panel. We got ourselves 2 panels for symmetry.
The curtains work as it's able to keep light out of the covered areas (see the amount of light coming in from the window on the left side?). The thing I don't like about it is that it makes the unit dark and there's still that heat build-up behind the curtains. So, heat slowly diffuses into the unit. I agreed to use this on the living and dining area because my curtain idea wouldn't look so pretty.
I opted to use reflective or heat-blocking curtains. A colleague of mine from work uses the same idea and bought a silver fabric curtain to reflect sunlight away. I, on the other hand, went of a silver kitchen liner that has foam insulation backing. I was able to buy this Saizen. You could also use a foiled insulation foam roll found in hardware shops. I just opted for the kitchen liner because I just wanted a thinner version that would reflect light and absorb heat sans completely going on the dark side.
I opted to use reflective or heat-blocking curtains. A colleague of mine from work uses the same idea and bought a silver fabric curtain to reflect sunlight away. I, on the other hand, went of a silver kitchen liner that has foam insulation backing. I was able to buy this Saizen. You could also use a foiled insulation foam roll found in hardware shops. I just opted for the kitchen liner because I just wanted a thinner version that would reflect light and absorb heat sans completely going on the dark side.
See what I mean about not completely blocking out the light? When we're using both the blackout and reflective curtains, the rest of the unit gets its light from the filtered natural light coming into the bedroom. It's actually cooler in our bedroom because of the heat-blocking feature of the reflective curtain. This, plus the fact that external natural wind enters our unit through the bedroom windows.
Taking The Heat Out Of The Window
Going back to the heat seeping through our living and dining area, it actually took us a while to figure out how to go about it since we couldn't install an exhaust leading out the window. We ended up using solar car vents since it's portable and runs when the sun is out.
Going back to the heat seeping through our living and dining area, it actually took us a while to figure out how to go about it since we couldn't install an exhaust leading out the window. We ended up using solar car vents since it's portable and runs when the sun is out.
(photo from everythinginbudget) | 
(photo from Ensogo Philippines) |
Unfortunately, it's very sunlight dependent. But, it's a start. At least it can draw some hot air out. And speaking of air manipulation, let's move on to our wind-producing items.
We have 2 Iwata evaporative air coolers.
We have 2 Iwata evaporative air coolers.
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(photos from Colent Marketing)
| CM-120J > 200 watts power for 25-30 sqm area > 20 liters water tank capacity > 3-speed powerful air-flow >Multifunctional air-cooler with ionizer, humidifier & 3 operating modes > Automatic vertical & horizontal swing for optimal air distribution > With LED display and air-flow temperature gauge > 24 hours timer with remote control & caster wheels > Modern & ergonomic design (black & white finish) | KF-10 > 60 watts power for10-15m area > rotary type air louver (automatic) desktop, wall-mounted or floor standing with wheels > 18 liters water tank capacity > with remote control |
We got the KF-10 about 4 years back when evaporative air coolers were just new in the market. I wasn't too impressed with the performance then as it wasn't blowing off much wind as compared to industrial fans. With the increase in variety and brands options for the evaporative air coolers, performance and features have greatly improved. So, we opted to get ourselves another one instead of getting an airconditioner.
Another energy-saving practice that we do on hot days is that we change the rotation of the fans to a counterclockwise motion so that it draws the hot air up.
I can say that our energy-saving efforts are working and paying off. We've still managed to be aircon-free and our electric bill has been consistent despite the word I've been hearing about lately about people having electricity bill increase issues.
We're still exploring other options that will help us save on our energy consumption (aside from waiting for a more affordable photovoltaic cells). Any suggestions that you guys have been using?
Another energy-saving practice that we do on hot days is that we change the rotation of the fans to a counterclockwise motion so that it draws the hot air up.
I can say that our energy-saving efforts are working and paying off. We've still managed to be aircon-free and our electric bill has been consistent despite the word I've been hearing about lately about people having electricity bill increase issues.
We're still exploring other options that will help us save on our energy consumption (aside from waiting for a more affordable photovoltaic cells). Any suggestions that you guys have been using?
