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Samsters should learn from these low ses Sinkies how to save $$$$
A family of five in Singapore pays just S$40 a month for electricity — less than half of what most households in Singapore spend.
They told CNA Insider's Money Mind that they manage this by rarely using air conditioning.
For Chng Jun Hao and Yeo Min, their monthly electricity consumption is about 150kWh.
Chng said they use their aircon once a month, and sometimes even less than once a month.
"The idea is we don't want the kids to get used to having the air con on all night, because we are mindful of the electricity bill," Yeo said.
Sometimes, they would turn on the air conditioner at a higher temperature, while also using a fan at a low speed to make the room cooler.
They would then turn off the air conditioner, and the room would still feel cool, they said.
"Every time we have air con is like a source of celebration. I guess you can say like having an ice cream."
For one, they often take cold showers.
They also bring their kids to the water park so they can "cool down" and expend their energy before coming back home.
Another easy switch for them was using LED lighting, which cuts energy consumption by up to 80 per cent.
They also avoid using electrical appliances they do not need, such as a dishwasher, humidifier, and air purifier.
For the appliances they need, they make it a point to choose energy-efficient ones.
For Chng and Yeo, their low consumption is not a response to rising energy prices, but a result of habits built over time.
Both shared that they grew up with parents who were also frugal with energy use.
This habit has now been passed on to the couple's older boys, Chng said, adding: "I think that the boys just get it through, like osmosis, they see what we do, then they follow."
"Turn on all the fans and take a cold shower," the younger one cheekily said, while the older one chimed in: "Pray for a nice, cool weather."
Some felt that a good night's sleep was "worth more than S$50/month".
Others commended the family for not only saving money but also helping to reduce global warming and climate change.
S'pore family of 5 pays only S$40 a month for electricity, does it by rarely using aircon & relying on fans
And pray for a nice, cool weather, the older son said.
A family of five in Singapore pays just S$40 a month for electricity — less than half of what most households in Singapore spend.
They told CNA Insider's Money Mind that they manage this by rarely using air conditioning.
Rarely uses aircon
Larger households' monthly electricity consumption can exceed 300kWh, costing around S$80 to S$90.For Chng Jun Hao and Yeo Min, their monthly electricity consumption is about 150kWh.
Chng said they use their aircon once a month, and sometimes even less than once a month.
"The idea is we don't want the kids to get used to having the air con on all night, because we are mindful of the electricity bill," Yeo said.
Sometimes, they would turn on the air conditioner at a higher temperature, while also using a fan at a low speed to make the room cooler.
They would then turn off the air conditioner, and the room would still feel cool, they said.
"Every time we have air con is like a source of celebration. I guess you can say like having an ice cream."
Other habits
Other than not using air conditioner, the couple also practise other habits.For one, they often take cold showers.
They also bring their kids to the water park so they can "cool down" and expend their energy before coming back home.
Another easy switch for them was using LED lighting, which cuts energy consumption by up to 80 per cent.
They also avoid using electrical appliances they do not need, such as a dishwasher, humidifier, and air purifier.
For the appliances they need, they make it a point to choose energy-efficient ones.
Habits built over time
This cost-cutting might be more relevant due to current geopolitical situations.For Chng and Yeo, their low consumption is not a response to rising energy prices, but a result of habits built over time.
Both shared that they grew up with parents who were also frugal with energy use.
This habit has now been passed on to the couple's older boys, Chng said, adding: "I think that the boys just get it through, like osmosis, they see what we do, then they follow."
"Turn on all the fans and take a cold shower," the younger one cheekily said, while the older one chimed in: "Pray for a nice, cool weather."
Divided response
Comments under the video were divided in their responses to the family's energy-saving habits.Some felt that a good night's sleep was "worth more than S$50/month".
Others commended the family for not only saving money but also helping to reduce global warming and climate change.
