Using Electric Hot Water Boilers Smartly to Save Money and Energy!
For busy city dwellers in Hong Kong, boiling water to brew a cup of fragrant tea is a common practice that allows us to take a moment and rest our weary bodies and minds. However, there is a significant difference in energy consumption between traditional electric water heaters and modern electric kettles (also known as electric hot water boilers or boiling water machines). Today, let’s understand how to use these appliances smartly to save money and contribute to a greener environment.
Part 1: Electric Water Heaters vs. Electric Kettles
- Electric water heaters use continuous heating to maintain the water temperature, which means they consume electricity even when not in use.
- In contrast, electric kettles (or electric hot water boilers) only heat water when needed and do not consume electricity when not in use.
- For example, a 5-liter electric water heater can consume as much electricity in a year just for keeping the water warm as a small refrigerator does in its annual energy consumption!
Part 2: Choosing the Right Electric Kettle
- Electric kettles come in different designs, such as standard and vacuum insulated models, with the latter being more energy-efficient.
- When shopping, refer to the energy efficiency labels and choose models with higher ratings.
- Check product test reports to understand the safety and energy consumption of the electric kettle, and make an informed purchase decision.
Part 3: Energy-Saving Usage Tips
- Before boiling water, fill the electric kettle with the exact amount needed to avoid wasting energy.
- Set the appropriate water temperature; in most cases, 80°C (176°F) is sufficient for drinking, and there is no need to boil the water to 100°C (212°F).
- Make good use of the timer function to avoid keeping the water warm for extended periods.
- Remember to turn off the power when leaving home to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.