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Today I Discovered: Slash Your Energy Bill by Using Your AC and Fan Together

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 Summer’s here once more. If there’s one thing we Filipinos are all too familiar with, it’s the relentless heat. By now you’re likely bouncing between using the air conditioner and the fan, taking great care to minimize AC use, unless you want a scary Meralco bill to greet you next month.
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 But did you know that there is a scientifically backed way to stay cool without jacking up your electricity bill? A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that hybrid cooling—or using a fan along with an air conditioner set at a slightly higher temperature—reduces energy consumption by over 30 percent without compromising comfort.
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 The
 study
 , conducted in Singapore by the Berkeley Education Alliance for Research in Singapore, involved testing two setups: one with air conditioning set to 24 degrees Celsius without fans, and another with the AC set at 26.5 degrees Celsius paired with ceiling and desk fans. The results, needless to say, were eye-opening. Not only did participants feel just as comfortable in both scenarios, but the hybrid cooling setup consumed significantly less energy.
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 This 2023 study was shared by one of the researchers Professor Stefano Schiavon during the first
 Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) Southeast Asia Heat Health Forum
 which took place last January 7 to 10, 2025 in Singapore. During the GHHIN forum, experts gathered to discuss how our health, livelihood, and overall well-being are affected by rising temperatures all over the region and the rest of the world.
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 How the Hybrid Cooling Hack Works
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 The secret behind hybrid cooling is simple: air movement makes a huge difference. Fans help accelerate sweat evaporation—cue instant relief. According to the study, here’s what you have to do:
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  Set your air conditioner to 26.5 degrees Celsius instead of 24 degrees Celsius (or higher).
 </li>
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  Turn on a ceiling, stand, or desk fan to circulate the indoor air.
 </li>
</ul>
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 It’s that simple and you’ll be just as comfortable as when you just used AC alone—but this time, you saved energy. Professor Schiavon said, "We achieved a remarkable 32 percent reduction in energy consumption without compromising thermal comfort."
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 It’s important to keep in mind, however, that fans don’t work in all situations. University of Sydney Professor Ollie Jay emphasized during the GHHIN forum that fans are effective, cooling equipment in hot and humid climates up to 38 degrees Celsius. But in hot, dry places where temperatures play around 45 degrees Celsius, fans can actually increase heat by triple the rate.
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 "In dry conditions, a person does not sweat, and blowing hot air on the skin would make him feel hotter, increasing strain on the heart as well," the GHHIN report said.
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<h2>
 Stay Cool, It’s a Must
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 If you're not sensing it yet, the extreme temperatures in the Philippines have climbed to hazardous heights. This March, many cities were compelled to cancel classes due to the soaring mercury. Even though PAGASA optimistically notes that this year’s dry season might be more favorable compared to last year, spokesperson and assistant weather services chief Ana Liza Solis cautions that elevated heat indexes remain possible.
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 "Possibly we might experience high heat indices reaching up to 48 degrees Celsius or even 50 degrees Celsius, with our forecasted maximum daytime temperatures expected to rise as we approach the end of April or the first week of May," she stated.
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 Although those of us in Southeast Asia are quite familiar with hot weather, we must stay alert regarding its impact on our well-being. Last year between January 1 and April 29 in the Philippines, more than 70 cases related to extreme heat were documented, leading to at least seven deaths. Besides causing unease, extended periods of warmth or high temps may result in severe conditions such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and various critical health problems.
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 Apart from the immediate health effects caused by high temperatures, these temperature levels also influence the functioning of your entire bodily systems.
 World Health Organization (WHO)
 As stated on their website, "When the body exerts effort to cool down, it puts stress not only on the overall system but specifically on the heart and kidneys. Consequently, extreme heat can exacerbate the health hazards associated with long-term ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, respiratory issues, and diabetes-related complications, and may lead to acute kidney damage."
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 Heat Safety Tips
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 The WHO provides several
 recommendations
 on its website to protect people from extreme heat. One is to stay out of the heat as much as possible. Avoid the outdoors and doing strenuous activities, especially when temperatures are at their highest. If you do have to be outside, stay in the shade and, if possible, spend at least two hours during the daytime in a cool place.
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 If you are not using an air conditioner at night, the WHO advises people to cool indoor temperatures in their homes by opening the windows. During the day, however, close them and cover them using shutters, blinds, or blackout curtains. Again, they emphasize that fans are only useful when temperatures are 40 degrees Celsius and below. If the temperatures are 41 degrees Celsius and above, fans will have the opposite effect on the body.
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 The WHO also recommends wearing lightweight, breathable clothing (this includes bedding and similar items). You can stay cool by taking refreshing baths or showers, or by dabbing your skin with a wet cloth or misting yourself with water to lower your body temperature rapidly.
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 Parked vehicles are particularly dangerous. Be sure to never leave behind children or animals inside the cars. Regarding infants, the WHO emphasizes that you should never cover a stroller with a dry fabric. While you may intend to shield them from the sun and hot air, doing so would actually make it even hotter inside the carriage. They advise using a wet, thin cloth instead, re-wetting as necessary. This is best used combination with a portable fan.
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<h2>
 Would You Try the Hack?
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<p>
 As temperatures continue to rise and energy costs remain high, hybrid cooling is a simple yet cost-effective way to stay comfortable. However, various factors that could contribute to this method not working for your home such as higher-than-normal temperatures. Plus, there are others who advocate
 keeping your AC on 24 hours a day
 , saying that it is more economical to keep your home at a constant cool temperature rather than turning the AC unit on and off intermittently. Ultimately, different techniques and equipment may suit different needs. It's worthwhile to experiment with various cooling methods to determine what works best for your health, comfort, and budget.
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Today I Discovered: Slash Your Energy Bill by Using Your AC and Fan Together

Unknown energy conservation, energy consumption, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, heat

Summer’s here once more. If there’s one thing we Filipinos are all too familiar with, it’s the relentless heat. By now you’re likely bouncing between using the air conditioner and the fan, taking …

How Renewable Energy Benefits Our Planet: Insights from Singapore

<p>
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  The Beginning of Clean Energy
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xaQjA" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xaQjA.jpg"/>
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  Renewable energy has emerged as a ray of hope for environmental enthusiasts. In contrast to fossil fuels, which emit damaging pollutants, renewable energy sources are both pristine and sustainable.
 </p>
 <p>
  Picturing the sunlight beaming down, producing power with absolutely no negative aftermath. It’s akin to possessing a limitless stock of fresh air right at our command.
 </p>
 <p>
  This move toward clean energy isn't merely a passing fad but an essential step. With growing public consciousness about environmental problems, the requirement for renewable sources is surging dramatically.
 </p>
 <p>
  It's an initiative aimed at transforming our world for the better.
 </p>
 <h2 id="h-harnessing-the-power-of-the-sun">
  Unlocking the Potential of Solar Energy
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 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xaOvM" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xaOvM.jpg"/>
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  One of the most readily available types of renewable energy is solar power. Through the capture of sunlight and transforming it into electrical energy, solar panels offer an environmentally friendly option for generating power suitable for residential use, commercial establishments, and isolated regions alike.
 </p>
 <p>
  The elegance of solar energy stems from its straightforwardness. Imagine a sunflower pivoting to face the sunlight, soaking up its beams.
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  Likewise, solar panels harness sunlight and convert it into power silently and cleanly. This advancement helps lower our environmental impact and lessens our dependence on non-renewable sources.
 </p>
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  Wind Energy: Nature's Turbine
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 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xaZCe" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xaZCe.jpg"/>
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  Wind power serves as another potent weapon in combating environmental deterioration. The imposing structures of wind turbines use their large rotors to capture wind energy and convert it into electrical power.
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  It's somewhat akin to nature providing assistance. As the wind gusts, these turbines rotate, generating power with zero emissions.
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  This approach to generating power is both effective and environmentally friendly. Wind, being plentiful, allows us to considerably cut down on our release of greenhouse gases when harnessed.
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  Water: The Driving Power of Hydroelectricity
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xaSHW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xaSHW.jpg"/>
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  Hydropower stands as one of the earliest and most dependable sources of renewable energy. It operates by harnessing the movement of water to produce electricity, typically via structures like dams or traditional waterwheels.
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  Picturing a river cascading downriver, where its force is harnessed to energize houses and urban areas. This form of renewable resource serves as an effective and eco-friendly solution.
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  By harnessing the inherent flow of water, we can generate power without the adverse impacts linked to conventional energy methods. Additionally, hydroelectric facilities boast an extensive operational life, rendering them a prudent financial commitment for years ahead.
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  Geothermal Energy: warmth derived from beneath the earth
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  Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth's inner warmth to generate electricity. As a sustainable power supply, it offers robustness and reliability since the planet’s center perpetually produces heat.
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  Imagine the Earth giving off warmth and power just like a comforting hug. Geothermal facilities draw this heat from far underground, transforming it into electricity with zero emissions.
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  This approach offers a dependable and eco-friendly power supply that can greatly decrease our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.
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  Biomass Energy: Nature's Recycling
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xaVca" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xaVca.jpg"/>
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  Biomass energy entails transforming organic substances, including plants and animal refuse, into useful power. This process mirrors nature’s method of recycling.
 </p>
 <p>
  Rather than allowing refuse to break down and emit damaging gases, biomass technology intercepts this material, converting it into electricity or fuel. This method decreases waste and offers a sustainable power source that can complement various eco-friendly technologies.
 </p>
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  By using materials that would typically be thrown away, biomass energy provides a sustainable approach to meeting our energy requirements.
 </p>
 <h2 id="h-the-economic-benefits-of-going-green">
  The Financial Advantages of Embracing Sustainability
 </h2>
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  Renewable energy solutions provide environmental benefits as well as substantial economic perks. When nations put money into renewables, they decrease reliance on foreign fuel sources, thereby achieving greater energy self-sufficiency.
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  This transition generates employment opportunities within the renewable energy industry, spanning production to setup and upkeep. Additionally, with technological progress, the expense of renewable energy keeps dropping.
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  This renders it a compelling choice for both industrialized and emerging countries aiming to ensure a sustainable energy future.
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  Community Impact and Empowerment
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 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zv4sI" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zv4sI.jpg"/>
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  The implementation of renewable energy solutions can significantly affect local populations. Offering accessible and budget-friendly power through these technologies strengthens communities, particularly those located far from urban centers or lacking proper services.
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  For instance, solar panels can supply power to remote villages that were once dependent on kerosene lamps. Such consistent energy access can enhance education, healthcare, and general living standards.
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  In addition, community-driven renewable energy initiatives encourage active participation and ownership at the local level, instilling a sense of pride and duty towards caring for the environment.
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 <h2 id="h-a-path-towards-a-sustainable-future">
  A Journey to a Sustainable Tomorrow
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 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xb1W1" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xb1W1.jpg"/>
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  Shifting towards renewable energy systems is crucial for a sustainable tomorrow. These solutions provide a greener, more sustainable choice compared to conventional energy supplies, lessening our ecological footprint and safeguarding natural assets for coming decades.
 </p>
 <p>
  By adopting renewable energy sources, we can fight against climate change, decrease air pollution, and foster a healthier world. Although the path to a sustainable energy future presents various difficulties, the advantages significantly surpass these hurdles.
 </p>
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  As we keep innovating and putting resources into these technologies, we get nearer to a future fueled by clean, sustainable power.
 </p>
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<p>
 What are your views on this subject? Please share your opinions in the section below—We're eager to get insights from you! Would you like to read similar articles? Follow us to ensure you never miss out!
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How Renewable Energy Benefits Our Planet: Insights from Singapore

Unknown alternative energy, energy efficiency, energy sustainability, environmental friendliness, renewable energy

The Beginning of Clean Energy Renewable energy has emerged as a ray of hope for environmental enthusiasts. In contrast to fossil fuels, which emit damaging pollutants, renewable energy so…