Household electricity saving tips
How to save electricity during power shortages
- Switch off lights when you leave the room.
- Use energy saving light bulbs where possible (this will also cut your electricity bill)
- Turn off the TV and Hi-fi when you are not using it. Leaving it on stand-by uses energy.
- Rather use the microwave than your stove. Did you know that microwave cooking saves up to 15-20% energy?
- When cooking on the stove ensure that vegetables are covered in water and cover saucepans with lids to reduce the cooking time.
- Use a jug kettle with a water level indicator to boil only the amount of water that you need for that cup of coffee / tea. It is a waste of energy to boil a full kettle when you are going to use only part of it.
- In South Africa we still enjoy fairly warm winters (compared to Europe and America). Hang clothes on the line outside to dry rather than drying everything in the tumble dryer.
- Switch the Dishwasher off when it comes to the drying cycle and allow dishes to air dry.
- Wait until you have a full load before using the Dishwasher and or washing machine.
- Ensure that your fridge/freezer door seals work properly.
- Cool food down before storing it in the fridge.
- Defrost your freezer regularly - every time around 0.5 cm ice has been formed inside the freezer. Place your fridge in the coolest part of the kitchen if space allows- not right next to the stove or in direct sunlight.
- Turn off your geyser when going away for week ends or extended periods of time.
- Use hand tools rather than power tools in your workshop if and when you could. Nothing wrong with a bit of elbow grease at times especially when there is an energy crises.
- Appliances - ask the sales person whether or not an appliance utilizes energy-saving. Avoid the use of appliances that use over 1000 Watt energy. It is also a good idea to keep all appliances clean and in good working order as it will ensure that no energy is wasted.
- Depending on the area where you live and minimum/maximum temperatures, it might be a good idea to insulate your roof.
- If you have both a shower and bath, rather take a shower as you do not only save water but save the geyser from having to heat up large amounts of water all the time.
In conclusion we should view the availability of electricity as a luxury and not a right. That way when we are all of a sudden left in the dark during power black-outs we could enjoy the silence and close family relationships with quality conversations that dinner at candle light or gas/paraffin lamps bring versus the rushed 2006 lifestyle with dinner in front of television with no conversation.
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