Lower electricity bills are a top priority for Singapore homeowners as the summer sun cranks up the heat. Singapore’s tropical climate, with temperatures between 25°C and 31°C and sky-high humidity, makes air conditioners and fans work extra time. This makes the electricity rates skyrocket, leaving a hole in the pocket. However, you can keep yourself cool and save some dollars using simple, Singapore-specific tips.
Let’s explore how to lower electricity bills in summer with some unique and practical advice and remain comfortable at home. Moreover, LS Electrician Servicing Singapore’s detailed process is a guide on this matter. Let’s also not forget their efficient services in lighting installation, power socket installation, and switch installation domains.
Why Summer Drives Up Electricity Bills in Singapore
The summer season in Singapore extends between June and September with sweltering heat and humidity. Air conditioners become lifelines, but they consume a significant amount of energy. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) also found that an average household consumed approximately 24 percent of its power on air conditioning.
The hot weather also strains other household appliances like refrigerators and water heaters, increasing the bills further. Knowing what adds to such costs would enable you to adopt clever cost-cutting measures and reduce electricity bills in summer.
8 Practical Ways to Lower Electricity Bills in Summer Singapore
1. Master Your Air Conditioner Settings
Air conditioners are the most energy-hungry appliances in Singapore households. To Lower Electricity Bills in Singapore, set your air conditioner to 25°C, as advised by the National Environment Agency (NEA). This temperature keeps you cool and does not overwork the unit. Use “eco” or “sleep” modes at night to save energy.
The filters need to be cleaned after every two weeks. Dirty filters make the unit consume more energy. When upgrading, use an inverter air conditioner. These regulate the cooling power according to the room temperature, reducing the consumption by 30 percent as compared to the non-inverter models.
2. Switch to Energy-Saving Appliances
Appliances that are Energy-efficient will help Lower Electricity Bills. When shopping, look out for NEA Energy Labels. Appliances with four or five ticks are the most efficient. An example is that a five-tick refrigerator consumes about 50% less electricity in comparison to a one-tick refrigerator.
Another cool option is fans that contain brushless DC motors. They use less power compared to ordinary fans. The use of energy-efficient appliances to replace older appliances is a long-term method that will help you save money during the Singapore heat.
3. Cool Smarter with Simple Habits
Small changes in how you cool your home can lower electricity bills. Pair a ceiling fan with your air conditioner to spread cool air evenly. This lets you raise the air conditioner’s temperature without feeling hot.
During the day, close curtains or blinds to block sunlight, keeping your home cooler naturally. At night, open windows to let in cooler breezes, reducing the need for air conditioning. These habits work well in Singapore’s HDB flats and condos.
4. Light Up with LEDs
Lighting adds about 10% to your electricity bill in Singapore. LED lights are a good alternative to outdated incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.
For instance, a 10W LED bulb gives the same brightness as a 60W incandescent bulb. Turn off lights in unused rooms, especially in shared spaces like HDB corridors. This simple switch can noticeably reduce your summer electricity costs.
5. Use Water Heaters Wisely
Water heaters are sneaky energy users in Singapore homes. To save electricity, take shorter showers to cut hot water use. Set your water heater to 50°C instead of 60°C. It’s still comfortable but uses less power. If you’re replacing your water heater, go for a heat pump model. These are up to 30% more efficient than traditional storage heaters, according to SP Group. Smart water heater habits can make a big dent in your electricity bills.
6. Shop Smart with the Open Electricity Market
The Open Electricity Market (OEM) initiated in 2018 in Singapore allows you to choose your electricity provider. Visit the websites of Geneco, Keppel Electric, or Tuas Power to compare plans in order to get lower prices or fixed rates.
Other retailers provide off-peak discounts, which makes them perfect to use during nighttime to run appliances like washing machines. All you need to do is visit the Price Comparison Tool on the EMA to select a plan that suits your household needs. This will cut down your summer electricity expenditures by 10-20 percent.
7. Cut Standby Power Waste
Electronics like TVs, chargers, and microwaves use “standby power” even when off. In Singapore, this can add 5-10% to your electricity bill. Unplug devices when not in use to stop this energy leak.
Power strips make it easy to switch off multiple devices at once. For example, unplugging a gaming console or coffee maker when idle can save a few dollars each month. Over a year, these savings add up, especially during summer’s high energy use.
8. Insulate to Keep Cool Air In
Home insulation is a way of ensuring that cool air is confined within the house. To improve insulation and close any gaps, weatherstripping should be applied to windows and doors in Singapore’s HDB apartments and condos.
Such improvements save the need to use air conditioning all the time, thereby saving electricity consumption bills. They are cheap and efficient and can make your house energy-efficient all year round.
Singapore-Specific Savings Programs
Singapore offers unique programs to help you save on electricity. The NEA’s Climate Friendly Households Programme gives HDB households e-vouchers to buy energy-efficient appliances, like air conditioners or refrigerators.
To see whether you qualify and how vouchers can be redeemed, go to the NEA website. SP Group’s My Green Credits program rewards you with bill rebates for cutting energy use. Signing up for these programs can help Decrease Electricity Bills in Singapore’s summer.
Stay Cool and Save Big This Summer
Lower electricity bills don’t mean sacrificing comfort in Singapore’s summer heat. Making some smart adjustments, such as turning your air conditioner to 25°C, replacing conventional lights with LED lights, or trying the Open Electricity Market, can save you money and keep your house cool.
There are schemes such as the Climate Friendly Households Programme to make energy-efficient appliances more affordable. Put these tips into practice this season and have an easy, on-budget summer in Singapore.