Electricity saving tips
You're only allowed to complain about the blackouts if you're doing your bit to save electricity. Here's how.
These simple tips energy saving tips don't require radical lifestyle changes, and they'll save you money in the long run.
General
Step one: switch off all lights when you leave a room, and unused appliances like TVs.
Remember to unplug your cellphone charger: it's the most energy-heavy aspect of cellphone use.
For fresh air, open a window before automatically reaching for the aircon or fan switch. Through-flow of outdoor air is important for reducing indoor pollution. Nonetheless, it’s often helpful to draw blinds and curtains and keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day, then let the cool air in at night.
Get the whole household to take more of an interest in the electricity bill... and in reducing it from month to month. Use the money saved to buy everyone who turned off a light a small treat.
Cooking
Heat only the amount of water you need.
Use boiled water straight away, rather than leaving it and then re-boiling.
Put well-fitting lids on pots.
Be sure pots and pans completely cover the stove plates – this can save you up to 25% on the electricity you use while cooking.
Use the microwave when possible: it uses less power than a conventional oven, and produces less waste heat.
Keep oven doors completely closed until food is cooked. Every time the door is opened, the oven temperature drops, and the heat must be replaced.
Fridges/freezers
Check your door seals – they should be able to grip a piece of paper.
Check that the fridge is not near the stove.
Defrost the fridge regularly. Defrosting of chest type freezers should be done once or twice a year. For upright models, defrosting should be done two or three times a year.
Use old newspaper to fill gaps in the freezer when you are not storing much food – it is more efficient.
Try not to open the fridge too often and to avoid leaving the door open for too long.
Dishwasher
Wait till you have a full load before operating.
Turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse, before the drying cycle. Wipe dishes dry with a cloth.
Use short wash cycles.
The dishwasher filters must be kept clear of debris. A blocked filter reduces efficiency and wastes energy.
Washing machine
A front loading washing machine uses less water and costs less to operate even though the purchase price may be higher than a top loader.
Use warm and cold water setting as much as possible in order to cut down on energy needed to heat the water.
The automatic washing machine uses the same amount of electricity for a full load as it consumes for a single item. Save dirty clothes until a full load has accumulated.
Never overload your automatic washing machine. Overloading will reduce the cleaning action.
Use low-temperature washes whenever possible.
Dry clothes naturally.
Bathroom
Don't bath! Shower instead: it uses two thirds less energy.
Reduce the temperature of your geyser (around 55 degrees is recommended) – you shouldn't need to add loads of cold water when you shower or bath (or do the washing up).
Insulate your geyser by wrapping newspapers, old blankets or other insulating materials around it and the hot water pipes.
Appliances
Turn off the TV at the mains rather than by remote control. On standby, energy is still being used.
Turn off your computer when you are not using it.
Energy-efficient products
Where possible, buy energy-efficient products, like geyser blankets, roof, door and window insulation, low-flow showerheads and tap aerators. Ask retailers about energy- and electricity-efficient products.
Did you know?
Five ordinary light bulbs can burn up to seven tons of coal in only a few years. Fit energy-efficient bulbs to cut consumption by up to 80%. Fluorescent lamps also give five times the light and last up to 10 times as long as ordinary bulbs.
For more info on how to save electricity visit www.eskom.co.za
Got any tips of your own you'd like to share? Post them in the comment box below.
- Women24