This article talks about some of the best tips to save power in the Philippines on rainy days, such as weatherproofing and making the most of smart power strips and timers.

As the rainy season arrives in the Philippines, it relieves the scorching heat and poses power consumption challenges.

According to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), consumer hours lost to power interruptions have increased by 10%. As power interruptions increase, conserving energy becomes crucial for our homes and the environment.

This article will explore practical power-saving tips for Philippine homes during the rainy season, helping you stay comfortable and energy-efficient.

Weatherproofing your home

Weatherproofing your home is crucial for saving power during the rainy season. It involves sealing gaps in windows, doors, and walls to prevent air leakage.

These gaps can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency by causing drafts and requiring your cooling appliances to work harder. Sealing these gaps creates an airtight environment, reducing the load on cooling appliances and saving energy.

Check for gaps or leaks in windows, doors, and walls and use weatherstripping or caulking to seal them. Weatherstripping involves applying a seal or strip of material around the edges of windows and doors to create a tight seal when closed.

Insulating curtains or blinds offer thermal insulation, reducing heat transfer through windows and cutting down on cooling needs. These measures enhance energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills.

Mastering smart power strips and timers

Another effective way to conserve power during the rainy season is using smart power strips and timers.

Smart power strips

Smart power strips detect device standby mode and cut off power, eliminating energy consumption from idle electronics.

Maximize smart power strips by identifying devices in standby mode (e.g., TVs, gaming consoles, chargers) and plugging them into the control outlet.

When the device plugged into the control outlet is turned off or enters standby mode, the smart power strip will cut off power to the other outlets, ensuring no energy is wasted.

Timers

Timers can also play a significant role in energy management. Consider using timers for devices like air conditioners, electric fans, or lights to schedule their operation and ensure they only run when needed.

For example, you can set the timer to turn on the air conditioner shortly before you arrive home and turn it off once you leave. This way, you can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable environment without having the appliance running unnecessarily, reducing energy consumption.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that investing in energy-efficient appliances can enhance the effectiveness of smart power strips and timers. Look for appliances with energy-saving features and high energy efficiency ratings.

These appliances are designed to consume less power while delivering the same level of performance, allowing you to save even more energy and reduce your electricity bills.

Smart power strips and timers give you control, eliminating standby power waste and optimizing appliance operation for significant energy savings in the rainy season.

Keeping yourself refreshed on rainy days

While it’s important to conserve power, it’s equally essential to maintain proper ventilation and keep yourself refreshed during the rainy season. 

Opening windows on cool and breezy days allows fresh air to circulate through your home, reducing the reliance on air conditioners and fans. Take advantage of the rain’s natural cooling effect and enjoy its pleasant ambiance.

However, close the windows when it’s raining heavily to avoid water damage to your interiors. By utilizing natural ventilation, you can create a comfortable living space while minimizing energy consumption.

Prepare for Rainy Days in the Philippines

Rainy season in the Philippines? Save power and go energy-efficient! Weatherproof, use smart power strips, timers, and open windows for natural ventilation. Make a big impact on energy consumption and a greener future with these power-saving tips.

One of the ways we can save so much energy in the rainy season is by building a net-zero home. BillionBricks can help you build the net-zero house of your dreams from start to finish. To know more about our BillionBricks and net-zero homes and communities, please email us at hello@billionbricks.org.

References:

1. RPN News. Consumer hours lost to brownouts up 10%. 2023.

2. Nicholas Fysz. What is a smart power strip? 2021.

3. Lee, Yoonill, et al. “Smart Power-Strip: Home automation by bringing outlets into the IoT.” 2017 IEEE 8th Annual Ubiquitous Computing, Electronics and Mobile Communication Conference (UEMCON). IEEE, 2017.

4. Liping, Wang, and Wong Nyuk Hien. “The impacts of ventilation strategies and facade on indoor thermal environment for naturally ventilated residential buildings in Singapore.” Building and environment 42.12 (2007): 4006-4015.