Bright sparks on a budget: 7 simple hacks to get you saving big on your electricity bill.

It’s not just load shedding that’s made us all the more aware of electricity… it’s the escalating cost of it too. So here are our best energy-saving tips, to help you save on watts and cents. Best of all? They’re surprisingly simply to do – as easy to implement as they are smart. Read on to become the brightest spark on your block.

1.BE SURE TO SWITCH OFF

Even when devices are not in use, if they’re still plugged in, they’re taking electricity out. Your TV in stand-by mode for example. Your phone charger (even when no phone is connected to it). Your always-on desktop computer and printer… All of these are sneaky electricity hogs, so be sure to switch off at the wall socket to save electricity. 

2.HAVE A LIGHT BULB MOMENT

Rethinking your lights can have a big impact on your electricity usage. Add a motion sensor to your outdoor lighting fixtures for instance and invest in energy-saving light bulbs – they last much longer and use a fraction of the electricity. But if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to old-school bulbs, consider simply adding a dimmer switch. Dimming a light by just 10% more than doubles the bulb’s life!

3.PLAN AHEAD & COVER UP

A simple timer on your geyser that automatically switches it on for the few hours ahead of your morning and evening routine can contribute to an immediate decrease in your electricity bills. Add to this solar panels to heat your geyser and an insulation blanket to conserve its warmth – and you’ll be well on your way to saving big. While we’re talking insulation, the relatively small cost incurred to insulate your roof is a great way to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer – without the use of electricity-draining heaters, fans and air-con units.

4.BLOW A GASKET IF YOU NEED TO

What exactly is a gasket you ask? It’s the rubber seal that keeps your fridge and oven really closed. Slip a small paper note between the rubber gasket on these appliance’s doors and their supporting frame, then close the door and tug on the note. Notice any resistance? If not, the seal’s not tight enough and cold/hot air is leaking through, making them use far more electricity to stay cold/hot than is needed. Try this on all four sides of the door. If necessary, call the manufacturer’s service department to find out how to replace the gasket.

5.STACK THAT DISHWASHER

If you have one, doing a full load in your machine is far more efficient than washing the same number of dishes by hand. This is especially true if you have an Energy Star dishwasher, which requires far less water than washing in the sink. In fact, using your dishwasher will save you almost 20,000 litres of water, loads of electricity (from not having to use so much hot water), and about 230 hours of your time each year. As if we needed any more convincing!

6.TURN DOWN THE HEAT

Turn your geyser’s temperature setting down from piping hot, to just hot. Not only will this save you some bucks, it’ll also slow down mineral buildup and corrosion, prolonging the life of your geyser and pipes.

7. TAKE YOUR FRIDGE’S TEMPERATURE

Stick an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of your refrigerator, or between frozen goods in the freezer, overnight. Your fridge temp should be between 2.5 – 4.5 degrees Celsius (no more, to keep bacteria at bay); your freezer between -17 and -15 degrees Celsius. If either compartment is too cold, adjust the setting, since keeping them just a few degrees colder than necessary can spike your energy consumption by up to 25%.

That’s it! Simple ways to really save. I really hope it helps.

Why not share this list with a friend? And if you have any other great ones, share them below in the comments and you’ll then stand a chance to win a Mumspiration hamper worth R250.

Written by Julie Williams: Lifestyle Editor