Citizens' Burden Rises After Three Consecutive Electricity Price Hikes
Active Sharing of Heating Cost Saving Tips on SNS
As severe cold continues nationwide day after day, citizens are feeling economic burdens due to soaring heating costs. In response, some citizens are making efforts to save on heating bills by using various methods such as attaching draft stoppers or air caps (bokkbokk-i) to window frames.
Recently, more people are worried about the heating bill shock. This is because the 'heat charge' related to heating and hot water costs has been raised three times this year. The heat charge is imposed by combining heating and hot water usage, and the Korea District Heating Corporation calculates it linked to city gas rates.
According to the Korea District Heating Corporation, the residential heat usage fee per 1 Mcal (megacalorie) rose consecutively from 66.98 won in April to 74.49 won in July, and 89.88 won in October. This is a staggering 37.8% increase compared to the end of March (65.23) before the hike. The heat charge increase this year appears to be due to the sharp rise in international energy prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as the increase in gas prices.
Heating Cost Burden Leads to Sharing of Saving Tips on SNS
With the increase in heating cost burdens, methods to save on heating bills are being shared on online communities and social networking services (SNS). One netizen said, "I attached bokkbokk-i to the windows and even hung blackout thermal curtains over them," adding, "Wearing thick thermal underwear and sleep socks completes my winter preparation." Simple methods such as ▲tilting the boiler valve slightly closed ▲using a humidifier together when turning on the boiler are also gaining attention.
Citizens are heading to work wearing thick coats at the Gwanghwamun intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
The appropriate indoor temperature during winter is 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Setting the indoor temperature too high can reduce the body's adaptability and immunity, increasing the likelihood of catching colds or other illnesses.
It is also important to block drafts coming through windows. Many people attach bokkbokk-i to windows to block drafts. Simply attaching bokkbokk-i can raise the indoor temperature by 2 to 3 degrees and also block drafts effectively.
The method of attaching bokkbokk-i is simple. First, remove all foreign substances on the window with a clean towel. Then, cut the bokkbokk-i to fit the window size and spray water on the window with a spray bottle. After that, attach the bokkbokk-i with the smooth side facing outward on the window.
Wearing sleep socks or thermal underwear can also increase the perceived temperature. Wearing sleep socks or indoor slippers blocks cold from the floor. Additionally, wearing thermal underwear can raise the perceived temperature by 2 to 3 degrees, so it is good to wear thermal underwear or several thin layers of clothing indoors.
Other methods include ▲laying carpets on the floor ▲using humidifiers ▲closing curtains before sleeping ▲using heating products such as heating tents, hot water mats, and heaters.
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