Top Tips to Save On Electricity

Load-shedding may have cast its dark shadow on us all, but when the lights are on, there’s still more than enough reasons to reduce our electricity usage.

Not only because of the hikes in electricity tariffs and our nation’s ongoing power crisis, but also try and reduce our carbon emissions. In short, there’s never been a better time to get smarter about saving electricity.

Here are our top tips to save electricity, money and the environment too…

1. THINK BIG

If you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to evaluate how your big appliances may be having a big impact on your electricity usage. Geysers, fridges, air-con units, pool pumps, washing and dishwashing machines and dryers… all of these kinds of appliances use a lot of electricity. Yet in each of these cases, many newer generation models come equipped with incredible energy-saving capabilities.

So when shopping for a new appliance, search for the most energy efficient options – the long-term savings will certainly outweigh any premium you may have to pay now.

2. SWITCH OFF

Even when devices are not in use, if they’re still plugged in they’re using electricity. Your TV in stand-by mode for example. Your phone charger. Your always-on desktop computer and printer… All of these are sneaky electricity sappers, so be sure to switch off at the wall socket to save electricity.

3. LIGHTEN UP

There are more and more smarter lighting solutions on the market. By investing in energy-saving LED light bulbs for example, you’ll notice a marked drop in your electricity usage. Add a motion sensor to your outdoor lighting fixtures too. And if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to incandescent bulbs, consider adding a dimmer switch. Dimming a light by just 10% more than doubles the bulb’s life.

4. PLAN AHEAD

A timer on your geyser that automatically switches on for the few hours ahead of your morning and evening routine can contribute to an immediate decrease in your electricity usage and 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 becoming a super electricity saver.

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.

5. 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.

6. MAKE A DATE WITH YOUR METER

IBM reports that homeowners reduce their electricity usage by up to 15% by simply knowing where it goes, when and why. Find a simple way to monitor your usage… perhaps check daily at the same time how many units you use. Keep track of when you use more or less, and try to determine why. In addition, if you have a pre-paid meter, make sure you buy your electricity units on the first day of each month.

This is when the tariffs are at their lowest. Most of us use more electricity in winter, so if you can afford to, buy a little more than you need in the summer months, so that by the time winter rolls around, you have enough units saved to not have to increase your monthly spend.

6. BLOW A GASKET

Slip a small piece of paper between the rubber gasket on your freezer and fridge doors and the frame, then close the door and tug on the note. Notice any resistance? If not, the seal’s not tight enough and cold air is probably leaking out, making your fridge work harder to stay cool. 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.

That’s it from us—any extra energy-saving tips, tools or great devices you’d like to share with the rest of us?