Energy-saving tips to reduce electricity bill

Hot water

– Turn down the thermostat on your electrical element geyser to 60°C

– Do not use hot water for tasks you can accomplish with cold water, such as rinsing dishes and vegetables

– Only use hot water for cleaning tasks that really need it, such as washing your hands

Fridge freezer

– Set your fridge to 3°C – any lower and it will use more electricity than necessary

– Make sure the seals of your fridge and freezer doors are intact

– Do not open the door unnecessarily

– Place your fridge somewhere cool – away from sun-facing walls and windows and as far as possible from the stove

– Defrost your chest freezer twice a year; upright freezers should be defrosted three times a year

– Do not overfill your fridge or freezer; only use 90% of its capacity

Living rooms and bedrooms

– Always switch off lights in unoccupied rooms

– Unplug all appliances you are not using

– Do not leave computers, TVs and DVD players on standby – if you do, these appliances use up to 50% of the power they normally use

– Keep curtains and blinds open during the day to optimise natural light and postpone switching on artificial lighting until it gets dark