As summer approaches and temperatures
rise, there is an increase in the use of appliances such as air conditioning,
fans and fridges. Aiming at encouraging conscious consumption in this period, Neoenergia has listed some habits that foster
the best use of energy. The results can be seen both in the reduction of the
bill and in the preservation of the environment, reducing environmental impacts
based on energy efficiency practices.
One of the recommendations
is when buying home appliances or electronics, as advised by Neoenergia’s
Energy Efficiency Manager, Ana Mascarenhas. "The existence of Procel seal,
which indicates the products with the best levels of energy efficiency and
lowest energy consumption per category, should always be observed. People with
old equipment should also be attentive, as it may require maintenance or to be
replaced, due to the higher energy consumption", she
says.
Other guidelines refer to
changing habits in common daily activities, such as bathing and refreshing.
Learn which equipment deserves more attention and how it can be used more
efficiently:
Fridge
It accounts for around 30%
of the monthly consumption in the energy bill. To prevent the consumption of
the equipment from weighing on the energy bill, just avoid opening it several
times. Also, do not put hot food in the fridge - wait until it is at room
temperature to cool.
Air
Conditioning
In the hot season, people
tend to keep their air-conditioning appliances on for longer and at lower
temperatures. This leads to higher energy consumption and a consequent increase
in the bill. In this case, it is recommended to keep the equipment temperature
between 23º and 25º and to set the automatic shutdown 30 minutes before leaving
the environment. The other option is to purchase equipment with reverse
technology, in which the compressor is better used, reducing the equipment
consumption by up to 40%.
Shower
The simple act of changing
the shower from "winter" to "summer" already provides a
differential that can generate a reduction of about 40% in the monthly
consumption of the unit. With the higher temperatures between December and
March, this option provides a much more pleasant water temperature.
Lamps
The use of LED lamps represents an investment that will be reverted
into benefits later on. This is due to the fact that they provide the same
light package with less power, so they consume less energy, with a reduction of
up to 80% in monthly spending.
Environmental
benefit
The adoption of energy
efficiency habits brings two main benefits: the economic and the environmental.
When it comes to sustainability, the figures provide a good overview: for each
50 kWh of energy saved, it is equivalent to 8 kg of carbon that ceases to be
emitted into the atmosphere, according to the calculation made by the Green
Initiative institution. With the decline in the emission of polluting and
greenhouse gases, such as CO2, the effects of climate change that cause
disastrous impacts on life on the planet are reduced.
Neoenergia contributes actively to this
scenario by fostering attitudes towards sustainable development. Among them is
the Energy Efficiency program of its distributors, regulated by the National
Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL), which provides, among other things, initiatives
to exchange conventional lamps for LED lamps free of charge in homes and
public institutions, the installation of solar panels and the training of
children and adolescents on the conscious use of energy.