SHAH ALAM, Aug 5 — A viral claim suggesting that switching off water filters from 11pm to 12pm daily can help save up to RM100 a month is false, and such a practice would not result in significant savings on electricity or water bills, said an expert.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Engineering dean Prof Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir said that while turning off water filters may help lower energy consumption, the savings are minimal.
He said though water filters are considered high-power appliances, the average monthly electricity consumption ranges from RM7 to RM20, depending on the model and individual usage habits.
“Some believe (turning off water filters) can significantly reduce electricity bills, but in reality, the savings don’t even come close to RM100.
“If you really want to cut costs, you need to change your overall electricity usage pattern, especially when it comes to using high-consumption appliances at home,” he told Media Selangor, adding that people shouldn’t believe every tip that goes viral on social media.
Zainal said electrical appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators consume significantly more energy, and improper use can lead to a sharp increase in electricity bills.
He said switching off electrical appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient LED lighting, and setting air conditioners to between 24 and 26°C can lead to significant energy savings.
“In the long term, this has a positive impact on the environment by reducing global warming and supporting efforts to combat climate change,” he said, adding that many may not realise that the longer electrical appliances run, the more electricity is used.
According to Zainal, older appliances are often less energy-efficient than newer models.
For example, old refrigerators can use twice as much electricity compared with new models that have the Sirim label with a five-star energy-efficiency rating.
“If you want to save electricity and extend the lifespan of your appliances, consider installing voltage stabilisers for your refrigerator and washing machine.
“Avoid using overloaded socket extensions, clean your air conditioner filters every two months, and perform regular maintenance,” he said.
Zainal also said hotter temperatures cause air conditioners to work harder and longer to cool indoor spaces. The same applies to refrigerators and water purifiers, which must maintain constant temperatures.
As a result, electricity bills can increase by 10 to 30 per cent or even more, especially with the new electricity tariffs that took effect on July 1.
However, Zainal said the tariff hike can be mitigated by switching to a solar energy system. While the installation price is relatively high, it is a cost-effective option for households with monthly electricity bills exceeding RM250.
