ONE key indicator whether your home appliances are energy efficient
The Know Your Number campaign not only helps consumers understand how much their Randfontein homes are consuming, but also assists them in reducing their energy usage by providing the required tools and advice, and which should result in a minimum of a 10 percent reduction in household consumption, without any investment.
Another festive season is upon us, and that usually means an uptick in spending.
Many people use their well-earned, year-end bonuses on replacing appliances. When you make such a sizable purchase, there are a number of key aspects to consider. Given the environmental concern globally, one of the key aspects to consider is the energy efficiency rating of the appliance.
Apart from the fact that it will be kinder towards the environment, it will save you a lot more money in electricity, and where applicable, in water consumption too. Another consideration is that the better the appliances’ energy rating, the greater the impact will be on your home’s overall energy rating, which you can calculate at www.49M.co.za.
The Know Your Number campaign by 49M encourages South Africans to be the drivers for social and behavioural change and to encourage everyone to ‘Live Lightly’ in terms of energy efficiency.
Investing in energy smart appliances is one of the many things consumers can do to reduce energy consumption beyond 10 percent. In fact, some recent domestic projects undertaken have resulted in savings as much as 53% purely by considering your consumption behaviour and investing in some basic energy efficient lighting and appliance options.
Energy efficient appliances are slightly more expensive due to the advanced technology used, but the marginal premium paid at purchase is generally paid back through the electricity and, where applicable, water savings achieved through these advanced technologies.
Aside from its energy efficiency, some appliances also use water. As a result, when an appliance is labelled as green it will also mean that it uses a lot less water in its operation. There is no water consumption rating system at this stage.
Lower energy consumption means less pollution as a result of the generation of electricity. This is important because the majority of the electricity generated is achieved through using non-renewable sources, mainly fossil fuels.
Green appliances work in different ways [RUN YOUR MOUSE OVER THE INFO BARS TO READ MORE]
WASHING MACHINES
FRIDGES
AIR CONDITIONERS
TELEVISIONS
CELLPHONES:
Michelle Potgieter, Samsung’s Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications, says their products all go through a design process that is made up of three components:
- The environmental impact of the products is assessed;
- Eco-friendly practices are used during the manufacturing of the product and
- The ordering of sustainable materials and the establishing of partnerships with similar eco-minded suppliers.
In the following video, Michelle explains why Samsung have turned to green appliances:
About 49M: The 49M campaign was launched in March 2011 as a response to the country’s constrained power system. The campaign encourages individuals and corporates to lead energy smart lifestyles thereby saving the planet and their pockets. South Africans are encouraged to join the campaign by visiting www.49m.co.za to pledge their support. Go to the 49M Facebook page or tweet @49m_Co_Za.
The following infographic provides more information about Know Your Number:
