The recent spate of blackouts has affected all of us. In fact, I am sitting in candlelight right now – thanks to Eskom. It could be said that load shedding is currently a dark force in South Africa. After the recent budget speech, we know that the cost of electricity is on the rise too. According to the government, load shedding really is a last resort, intimating that the situation is truly dire.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to save electricity wherever possible. Here are some great ways to save electricity at home:
Turn your geyser’s temperature down.
Your geyser is usually set at a temperature of 70°C. By turning your geyser down to 60°C, you can save electricity without having to put up with tepid showers. This will work far better if you use a geyser blanket to insulate your geyser.
Turn off appliances when not in use.
Turn off all appliances at the wall plug when they are not in use. Leaving your appliances on standby can still draw around 20% electricity use. This is wasteful. For instance, leaving your phone charger in a turned-on wall socket is using electricity for no good reason.
Stop your pool from guzzling electricity.
Reduce your pool pump’s operating hours. Six hours a day should suffice. Take other measures to keep the pool clean. For example, consider investing in a pool cover and turning the pump off for a period of time in the winter months.
Heating and cooling systems in the home are not ideal.
Air conditioning in the home uses excessive amounts of electricity. By using smaller temperature control appliances and spot heating or cooling, you can save electricity. Only use these appliances in the rooms that are occupied and switch them off as soon as the room is emptied. Fans in summer are the best option and oil heaters in winter help save electricity. Alternatively, insulate the home with window treatments designed to help with temperature control. When and where you can, keep warm or stay cool by wearing the right clothing and using non-electrical solutions to assist. Yes, that means open the doors, have a swim or grab a blanket and sit near a lit fireplace.
Save electricity and water.
In our Guide to Green Building your Home we take a look at how to save electricity and water in your home. By taking a shower instead of a bath, you are doing both. Less electricity is used as less hot water is used. Also, don’t fill the kettle unnecessarily or heat up water that won’t be used. Use cold water in your washing machine.
There are various ways to save electricity without giving up your creature comforts in your home.
If you would like to know more about various products on the market that can assist you to save electricity, read this. Turning your home into a green home will save electricity and water. Remember: every small change helps.
