Energy-saving tips for your home

With the cost of living spiralling out of control, few of us have money at the end of the month. But what we can do, is try to reduce our monthly expenses. Here are a few tips on how to save money by saving on your post-paid or prepaid electricity bill:

Geyser

1. According to ESKOM, geysers use on average 39% of household electricity. Switch it off if you’re going away.
2. Turn the temperature down to 60 degrees Celsius – we all add cold water to our baths and showers anyway, you may as well just turn to temperature down to save electricity.
3. Insulate your geyser with a “geyser blanket” – this will help the water to stay hot for longer.
4. Use less hot water: bath instead of shower; take shorter showers; you may want to invest in an efficient showerhead.

Lights

1. Switch them off when you’re not in the room.
2. Use energy saving light bulbs – they use 75 – 80% less electricity than the usual incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Just be aware that these energy saving bulbs – compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – contain small amounts of harmful chemicals and must be disposed of safely. Drop them into the “drop-off points” at your nearest store.

Plugs

1. Switch off plug points not in use. Appliances use electricity even when they’re in standby mode.
2. Use a fan rather than an air conditioner. And get out those winter woollies and wear warmer clothes or use blankets when the weather starts to cool.
3. Most people perform better at something when they’re been monitored, so monitor the electricity consumption of your home on a month-to-month basis. It is surprisingly exciting to see how your energy saving efforts translate into monetary savings!