DOE issues power-saving tips

MANILA, Philippines - As part of its campaign to promote energy security, the Department of Energy (DOE) is urging consumers to use fuels and electricity judiciously, especially during the summer months when demand will be high. Some simple household energy-saving tips are posted on the DOE website and www.wattmatters.org.ph.

Equally important, the DOE is also encouraging consumers to buy products that carry an energy label. Yellow energy labels are mandatory on household air conditioners (except inverter type), household refrigerators (size range: 5-8 cubic feet), compact fluorescent lamps (self-ballasted), linear fluorescent lamps, circular fluorescent lamps and ballasts.

To reduce electricity bills from air conditioning devices, look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) when buying a new unit. EER refers to the cooling efficiency of the unit. For refrigerators and freezers, the yellow energy guide bears the Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF) of the unit.

The higher the energy efficiency rating, the lower the energy consumption. For fluorescent lamps, the energy label indicates the light output in lumens, power consumption, lamp efficacy and average life. More lumens mean more light output. The higher the efficacy rating, the lower the energy consumption.

The safety tests, on the other hand, are being administered by the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry.

In addition, the DOE has established state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for performance testing of television sets, washing machines, refrigerators, and freezers through the assistance of the Asian Development Bank.