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BY GEORGE MOUSKIDES
Barring the romantics amongst us, ask anyone if they could imagine life without electricity, the answer would be a resounding ‘’No’’. At the same time it is also a fact that we all must and can live with less electricity.
Another fact is that the monthly electricity bill for common areas in a block of flats is the most expensive utility for residents.
Being careful with the use of electricity does not mean residents having to ignore their basic daily needs, they merely must exercise caution. Cutting back other than being beneficial to our monthly budget is also environment-friendly.
COMMON-AREA LIGHTING
To begin with, the management committees of buildings must consider switching from traditional lamps for the lighting in common areas (like hallways and parking places) to the fluorescent type which are both more economical and with a much longer lifespan.
The initial cost of purchase for these might be somewhat higher but the much lower consumption will compensate for this. We must be careful to buy suitable fixtures so that the expensive lamps will not fall prey to theft. It is also a good idea if lamps in these areas are connected to sensors so that they are operable during darkness and not all day long, as the island’s sunshine provides natural lighting year-long.
ELEVATOR
An elevator is a dietician’s worst enemy. Though not dieticians by trade, we cannot agree more. A little exercise can go a long way… and can save money as well. We’re not suggesting you climb the stairs to the top floor carrying the week’s groceries. But if, for example, you’re already in the elevator and see someone approaching, and wouldn’t mind the company, wait for them to climb aboard. You’re saving electricity and hard-earned cash.
Management committees must also be vigilant as far as elevator maintenance is concerned. They must not fall into the trap of spacing scheduled maintenance further apart to save money. Besides being potentially illegal, it is possible that during these longer periods an undetected problem or malfunction leads to much higher electricity consumption or even failure.
WATER PUMPS
Back in the days of frequent water shortages, most apartment blocks were forced to install water tanks at ground level and electric pumps to send the low-pressure water to the roof-top tanks. During the last couple of years, rain has been adequate throughout the island and the need to pump water from the ground up is not a must any more.
We’re not suggesting that these high-consumption motors are dismantled altogether. Any electrician, at a low cost, can actually bypass them until and if there is a need to use them again.
VIGILANT AT HOME
People can also save on electricity bills if they are careful while at home as well.
Domestic appliances are in a field where a lot can be done. The most basic of steps you can take is to wait for the laundry and the dishes to pile up before you operate the washing machines.
Other than being the ‘’island of love’’, Cyprus also enjoys sunshine during most days of the year. It would be a pity to use electric water heaters for baths and showers when you can get hot water with zero money from solar heaters.
A lot can also be saved by weather-insulating doors and windows and aiming for ‘’sensible’’ temperatures when operating central heating or air-conditioners.
If Managing Committees join forces with their Property Management company and pass these messages along to their residents, the outcome will be beneficial to all.
The Property Management Company will work together with every managing committee to find the appropriate specialists to enforce these economical solutions.
George Mouskides is President of the Cyprus Association for the Promotion of Property Development and Manager at FOX Smart Estate Agency.
