WE’VE all heard that switching from electrical to gas or solar-powered appliances could save you thousands on your annual electricity bill.
However, in these tough economic times it is not always easy to buy the expensive gas or solar alternatives. Another big problem with saving electricity is that consumers are yet to start thinking in a way that urges them to save electricity.
Taking small steps to actively save energy by simply switching off unnecessary lights and unused appliances can yield long-term results.
Here are some tips to help you get started and save a few cents on your monthly electricity bill:
1. Understand your electricity usage
Go through your utility bill each month and take note of how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you are using. Once you start making small changes, you will notice that your usage will go down and this will inspire you to keep going.
2. Look at your monthly consumption
Start by making a list of all the places in your home where you consume electricity and where you can reduce your usage by switching off or switching to gas or solar power. Then start pricing these appliances so that you know how much to budget for, but also to calculate how much you could save on energy in the long run. Each family is different; everyone’s needs are different.
3. Washing machine
We live in a beautiful, sunny country, so make use of the sun. Connect your washing machine to the cold tap and refrain from using the spin function unnecessarily. And if you can help it, give the tumble dryer a rest. Instead, make sure you use your clothes line or clothes horse to hang wet washing and let the sun do all the work.
4. Light bulb moment
Check that your home has been fitted with energy-saving light bulbs. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use up to 80 per cent less energy than conventional incandescent lamps and last up to eight times longer. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are even more energy-efficient – they use about 85 per cent less energy than incandescent lamps and about five per cent less than CFLs. Also consider using solar-powered lamps for garden and security lighting.
5. Solar power banks
Simple yet effective, these banks are powered and charged using the sun. They are an affordable and convenient way to keep devices such as laptops, cell phones and tablets charged. Bonus – no electricity required.
6. Windows
Look at your windows and think ‘lighting and cooling’. By simply making small changes in the way you arrange your furniture, you can allow natural light in while keeping the summer heat out and allowing fresh breezes to cool down your home. Also consider installing shade awnings on the outside of the windows that face the sun.
7. Your bathroom
Consider installing energy and water saving showerheads. Their efficient flow rate means you use less hot water and your geyser much less electricity to reheat a smaller amount of replacement water.
8. Your geyser
One of the most energy-expensive appliances in the home, an electrical element geyser can use up to 40 per cent of your monthly electricity. Replace it with a high-pressure solar water heating system, which can reduce your electricity bill by up to 24 per cent.
9. Gas stove
Cooking accounts for up to eight per cent of the energy consumption in your home. Consider using a gas stove. Over nine million electric hot plates and stoves are in use in South African households – alternative fuel sources in addition to energy-efficient electric cooking appliances and electricity-smart cooking methods can make a big difference in reducing the demand for electricity.
Remember – get the basics right first. Switch off unnecessary appliances, switch off lights that you don’t need and unplug chargers and other devices not in use. When considering switching from electric to solar or gas options, look at the pros and cons and don’t forget about the money you could save in the long run.
