Here's how to save money and still stay cool in Bahrain's sweltering heat!

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

Proactive measures can help save energy as well as safeguard one's health in the sweltering summer heat as energy use in Bahrain reaches an all-time high, an expert opined. The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) recently recorded Bahrain's highest-ever electricity consumption of 3,798 megawatts.

"There are a lot of things people can do to lower their consumption," Bahrain-based environmental advocate Kai Miethig told The Daily Tribune. Being mindful and conscious is the first step, he said.

"In almost every household, there’s an oversupply of lighting and many electricity-demanding items that consume energy, even if switched off," Kai relayed. "In rooms that aren’t utilised or temporarily not occupied, you can conserve energy by just turning off the AC, lights, and outlets to avoid energy consumption by equipment not in use."

The German waste management and efficiency expert also suggested that by removing excess light bulbs around the house, energy can be saved easily. The expert disclosed that he had personally removed eight of the 12 spotlights from his hallway, leaving just four lights, which he claimed were sufficient for lighting it up and resulted in a 66 percent energy savings.

AC usage

According to Mr. Miethig, a little increase in the AC temperature results in more savings. "If you raise the AC temperature by just one degree from 17 degrees to 18 degrees, it can result in 6 percent energy savings."

The minimalist claimed that since temperatures at places like cinemas and shopping malls are maintained very low, if the AC temperatures were raised by two or three degrees (hardly making a difference), 12 to 18 percent of energy could be saved.

He emphasised that implementing these measures doesn’t mean compromising comfort but rather being effective and mindful—concentrating on what is really needed, not what is wanted. However, excessive use of AC can have an impact on more than just your energy costs but also your health.

Meanwhile, according to American Mission Hospital pulmonologist Dr. Chellaraja Chellasamy, changes in the quality of air, both inside and outside, may place you at risk for a variety of health problems.

"Hot summers in Bahrain mean increased use of AC and less outdoor exercise or activity," he said. "And due to the change in air quality, we tend to develop certain health issues, like respiratory problems."

The pulmonologist asserted that humidity, pollen, dust concentrations, and air temperature abruptly shift as people move between chilly interior environments and hotter outdoor ones several times throughout the day. "This indicates that this movement has the potential to worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergic bronchitis, sinusitis, or nasal blockage," Dr. Chellaraja stated.

The expert pointed out that maintaining air quality with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers is crucial for people with pre-existing medical disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma, to stop mould growth indoors. "Staying hydrated, taking antihistamines as needed, and avoiding smoking can also help," he added.