Simple practices that help reduce energy bills in the heat Dino

According to Ricardo de Almeida, CFO of Cartão de Todos, “Extreme heat forces the constant use of fans, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, which are the largest energy consumers inside the home. In areas where temperatures rise for several days in a row, the electricity bill rises quickly and without warning.”

For the economist, the increase in consumption greatly affects the budgets of low-income families. “More than 80% of Brazilian families belong to categories C, D and E,” he says. “Any increase directly affects the monthly budget. Without planning, the cost of comfort becomes a headache at the end of the month.”

An economy that begins with routine

Almeida reinforces that heat may continue to break records, but the energy bill does not need to follow the same path, as simple changes in habits can make a big difference in the value of the bill.

“Those who can invest in more sustainable solutions, such as efficient equipment or solar energy, will reap the rewards in the coming years. For those who cannot take this step yet, alternatives such as a solar subscription and simple changes in routine already bring immediate relief to their pockets. The key is to use available resources conscientiously.”

To face the months of extreme heat without having to worry about the electricity bill, the economist lists ten measures that help reduce consumption:

1. Unplug equipment when not in use;
2. Reduce time in the bathroom.
3. Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers frequently;
4. Use fans whenever possible before turning on the air conditioner;
5. Program the air conditioning with a timer and maintain the temperature between 23°C and 25°C;
6. Try to use home appliances during times of low demand;
7. Close curtains and blinds during the day to reduce interior heating;
8. Take advantage of natural light and turn off unused lamps and equipment;
9. Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs;
10. Conduct regular maintenance of electrical appliances to ensure efficiency and reduce consumption.

The villain of consumption: uncontrolled air conditioning

According to Almeida, on hot days, air conditioning is one of the main reasons for increased energy bills. This is because prolonged use and without adequate maintenance is one of the most common mistakes. “The biggest mistake is leaving the device running for hours without controlling the temperature, with doors and windows open or using equipment without maintenance. Using air conditioning to cool environments that can be naturally ventilated also increases the energy bill,” explains Almeida.

To achieve a balance between comfort and economy, the professional recommends some measures to improve air conditioning efficiency and reduce energy consumption:

• Leave the room closed while the air is running;
• Clean the filter regularly;
• Prefer models with Procel seal and inverter technology, which consume less energy.

Investments that generate returns

As tensions increase, the economist advises that thinking about long-term solutions is an important step. “Equipment with the Procel seal and Inmetro A rating consumes up to 40% less energy, which represents a decent saving in the medium and long term,” he advises.