Easy Ways to Save on Your Electricity
There’s no need to cut back on activities or give up conveniences in order to reduce energy consumption. Newer, more efficient (and often more reasonably priced) technology has made it easier than ever to get more out of your home while decreasing your impact on the environment and your utility bills. If you want to start with the easiest ways to save on your electricity at home, consider these options.
Convert to energy saver bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs don’t last as long as their energy-efficient counterparts and use significantly more electricity.
LED light bulbs consume up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while producing the same amount of light. Although initially more expensive, energy-saving light bulbs save money in the long run due to their reduced energy consumption and extended service lives.
Take note of energy-draining appliances
Did you know that most of the electricity used by your electronics occurs when they are turned off?
A quick walk-through of your home should reveal at least a few appliances and gadgets that are constantly using power but going unused.
Electronics that are powered but not actively being used are one such example. While waiting to be used, many of these appliances still consume some electricity.
If a device has a standby mode or a little indicator light that illuminates while it waits to be used, it is consuming power even when it is not in use. If you are not going to be using these appliances for a time, turn them off at the wall.
The amount of energy they use may seem insignificant, but it will build up on your power bill over time. Watch out for any older appliances that could be wasting electricity as well.
Cold wash wherever possible
Warm washes should be reserved for when they are truly necessary. The water you use to wash your clothes doesn’t need to be heated every time.
With the advanced features of today’s washing machines and the special detergents made for cold washes, you’ll soon discover that cold water washing truly does produce immaculate results.
While it’s true that your new washer and dryer are certified as energy-efficient, even they require a significant amount of power every time you run them.
It is more efficient to do multiple full loads of laundry at once, so get your family or roommates involved. Therefore, you use the washing machine less frequently over the week. If it helps, try visualising how much cash you’re wasting every time you wash a couple of items.
Airdry your clothes and dishes
You can also conserve energy by drying your clothing outside in direct sunshine (if you live in a home that allows it). If you can’t avoid using the dryer, use a lower setting, even if drying will take longer.
If you use a dishwasher, skip the heated drying cycle and instead dry with a dishtowel. To save money on the heat cycle, you might alternatively leave the dishwasher door open and allow for air drying. Allowing dishes to air dry is OK; they will be just as hygienic.
Remember to switch off your lights
One simple piece of advice is to always turn off lights when you leave a room. Using light bulbs with greater wattages and fewer lights in each room is an effective way to save electricity at home. For instance, a single 100-watt bulb can replace two or three 60-watt lamps in a given space.
As such, one of the simplest ways to cut down on energy consumption is also one of the easiest to forget. Allow in as much natural light as possible and switch off any artificial lighting during the day. When working from home, natural light is preferable. Be sure to switch out the lights before leaving the house.
Consider lowering the temperature on your fridge
The majority of us don’t give our refrigerator’s temperature much thought. Assuming, of course, that the drinks are cold and the vegetables stay fresh. However, while trying to conserve energy, even a slight drop in temperature might make a difference.
You can lower your refrigerator’s energy use and save money on utility costs by simply adjusting the temperature setting.
Choose ceiling fans over aircons
A room with a ceiling fan can be cooled without turning on the air conditioning, saving significant amounts of electricity. When used together, they provide welcome relief from the heat of warmer areas, while reducing the energy footprint of the air conditioner.
Check your insulation
When insulation is damaged, it can lead to higher heating and cooling costs.
Insulating your home properly to prevent heat loss during the winter is one of the most effective ways to save money over time, in addition to reducing the strain on your air conditioner during the warm summer months.
If you need to install or repair your home’s insulation but don’t have the funds to hire a professional, there are plenty of do-it-yourself videos online to help you out.
Insulation materials including fibreglass, natural fibre, slimline foils, and firm foam boards are all easily accessible and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
By putting into practice even a few of our suggestions for reducing household electricity consumption, you can help make a difference. Doing so will not only help you save money on your monthly electricity bill, but it will also help you make a positive impact on the environment by lowering your overall energy consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What saves more electricity?
Turning off lights or appliances while not in use is a simple way to conserve energy. You can also save energy by conducting household duties manually, such as hanging your clothing to dry instead of putting them in the dryer or washing dishes by hand.
How can I lower my electricity bill in South Africa?
Replace incandescent bulbs with LED, energy-saving alternatives. It’s a modest investment, but they’ll last longer and save you a lot of money in the long run. Upgrade to ‘A’ rated, energy-efficient appliances and use the ‘ECO’ feature whenever possible. Standby – If not in use, turn it off and disconnect it!
What is the cheapest time of day to use electricity?
Late evenings and early mornings are the cheapest times of day to utilise electricity. These are the times of day when most people are sleeping and so not doing laundry or dishwashing. They are not watching television and do not have many lights on in the house.
What uses a lot of electricity?
Your heating and cooling system is the top electricity consumer in the average home. By a wide margin. Central air conditioners and heaters consume a lot of energy to keep your home at the proper temperature.
How do you save money on your geyser use?
Make sure the temperature is between 40 and 75 degrees Celsius. The majority of geysers have a thermostat set to 60 degrees or higher. The thermostat controls are now visible in certain geysers. You have the option of altering the temperature settings.
