Energy saver devices

Q. Emily Ortega of Cebu writes: "I recently bought an energy saver and appliance protector branded Y.E.S. Would this gadget save electricity for my family?

A. No gadget will help you save on electricity cost. According to the performance tests conducted by the Department of Energy’s Fuels and Appliance Testing Laboratory since 1985, "no device could cut electricity consumption and, at the same time, keep the same level of useful energy output" as claimed and promoted by the inventors and manufacturers of such products.

Reports from DTI’s field offices reveal that these devices, which are manufactured locally, are widely sold in the provincial markets. Consumers are made to believe that when such devices are used on electrical appliances, electricity consumption and costs are lessened.

There are various types of energy-saving devices that have been introduced in the market and are now giving false hopes to consumer, relative to the use of household electrical appliances.

A pre-programmed electronic timer is used with room air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers. For electronic stoves, flat irons, and portable submersible heaters, an electronic device called diodes is used. An anti-leakage device is used for a liquefied petroleum gas or LPG cylinder, which allegedly automatically shuts off when there is a leak along the hose. Other gadgets claim that they protect the appliance from sudden surge of electricity.

In the performance tests of the YES product, DoE-FATL concluded that the "claim of the manufacturer of potential savings of 38% which could be realized when using the subject energy saving device is misleading."

Tests showed that the energy consumed to boil water in the air pot is practically the same even when the device is not connected. "The immediate reduction of power input to the system when the device is connected is negated by the longer time to boil the water in the air pot. Since energy is a function of time, the reduction of input power does not necessarily mean corresponding energy savings."

Thus, the product in question actually decreases the performances of the appliance and may shorten the appliance’s life span.

Providing misleading claims for a product to be purchased is a violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines that requires manufactures and importers to sell and distribute only safe and quality products in the market. A product in the market should be reliable and should perform according to its manufacturer’s or importer’s specifications.

A manufacturer or importer that is found providing misleading claims for a product shall be held liable according to the Standard Law. Punishment under the law may include the issuance of a cease and desist order or closure of the establishment.

We encourage all consumers to be critical in making their purchases from the market.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI-Domestic Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. You may also call us at our consumer hotlines 896-5740 or 890-4938. Our e-mail address is www.e-reklamo.net.ph)