CAVITE – When it comes to ingenious ways to save money, life hacks abound online. But not all trendy tricks are meant to be followed, as a Tanza-based entrepreneur learned the hard way.

Rheez Larry Ramos' Facebook post on May 25 made the rounds online as he shared how he tried a tip that advises keeping the inverter air-conditioner on for 24 hours a day to save on energy expenses.

“Sabi ko, sige, kung lalaki man ang bill ko, tatanggapin ko, kumbaga, I’m willing to take the risk. Now, if hindi naman, syempre, thankful ako (I said, if my bill rises, I will accept it. If not, of course, I will be thankful),” Ramos told the Manila Bulletin on May 30.

“Then, unfortunately, dumating ‘yung bill, ayun, na-life shock ako (when the bill came, I was 'life shocked’),” he said, chuckling.

Image courtesy of Rheez Larry Ramos (MANILA BULLETIN)

The 27-year-old’s usual electric bill of around P3,000 a month tripled to P9,394 when he tried the “hack.” He said he only plugs in one air conditioner, a television, a water dispenser, his phone charger, and an electric fan that he barely uses.

Ramos said he does not consider the money wasted as it kept him comfortable during hot days over the past month.

However, he advised netizens to do their research before trying any advice they see online, especially if they are not ready to pay the price.

“'Wag tayong maniniwala basta-basta sa mga kuno-kuno. Kailangan nang mabusising pag-aaral muna lagi and then ‘wag tayong sumabay lagi sa trending (Let us not believe in hearsay easily. You need to examine things carefully and not do something just because it is trending).”