With the cost of electricity increasing again from 1 July 2012, the City is providing well-researched, easy-to-do actions you can take to save electricity at home. Throughout the upcoming chilly winter months, you’ll be able to read about these here, in newspapers and the website.
The City’s Top Ten Ways to Save Electricity at Home
Implementing all of the actions outlined below will save you 50% or more on your electricity costs, while at the same time adding to the value of your home.
No-cost changes (Easy-to-do changes that are the foundation of Smart Living)
- Turn your geyser temperature down to 60°C
Hot water accounts for almost 40% of your electricity bill. Turning down the thermostat by a degree or two will save you 5% on your electricity bill - Use less hot water
Take a short shower instead of a bath. Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need. Wash a full load of dishes, rather than one dish at a time. Wash clothing in cold water - Switch off equipment when not in use
Turn appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby as this can still draw about 6% or more electricity. - Reduce pool pump operating hours
Drop pool pump operating hours to six hours in summer and four hours in winter. Clean filters regularly, and consider a pool cover and turning off the pump entirely in winter. - Reduce excessive heating or cooling
- Space heating in winter is a big power ‘guzzler’, and the same for summer cooling. Use oil heaters with thermostats and avoid under-floor heating. Wear warmer clothing. In summer use a fan rather than air-conditioning
Low-cost options (Investing under R1 000)
- Install an energy efficient showerhead and insulate the geyser with a geyser blanket . Do the same with hot water pipes leading from the geyser to maximise heat retention
Install efficient lighting
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) use five times less power than incandescent bulbs, and last much longer. LEDs are even more efficient, using nine times less power; they are also becoming cost competitive and are very long lasting – LEDs are particularly good for down lighters (which use a lot of electricity if they are not LEDs!). Of course, switching off lights in unoccupied rooms is an obvious way to save.
Invest-to-save options (Investments that create greater long-term savings )
- Install a solar water heater
It uses the sun to heat up your water, saving at least 25% on your electricity bill. With rising electricity tariffs and subsidies from Eskom, the payback period is no more than three to five years. Heat pumps are also now becoming cost competitive – so if your home is not suited to a solar water heater (which is still the most efficient water heater), consider a heat pump. - Insulate the ceiling
Ceiling insulation can keep the home 5°C warmer in winter, and 10°C cooler in summer.
For help in taking action, visit www.SavingElectricity.org.za or click here for our poster.
