ECR's Top 5: How to reduce your electricity consumption
Save a few bucks by using these tips.
Loadshedding. Urgh.
Despite many parts of Durban being exempt from loadshedding, the province is not in the clear.
Read More: AKA calls on Elon Musk to help with South Africa's loadshedding issues
Chuck in the fact that everything is going up in price, and life in South Africa is really hard for many.
Susan Steward from Budget Insurance has mentioned that there are a few simple and practical changes people can make in their use of electricity. Consumers can actually use these changes to help keep the lights on and save a substantial amount of money in the process, too.
Read more: Eskom pumps up load shedding to stage 6
Here are some tips to take the burden off your pocket and the national grid:
1. Energy efficient light bulbs
Switch to energy efficient light bulbs. They may be more expensive, but energy efficient light bulbs last longer and use substantially less electricity
Read more: The top 6 things to do during Stage 6 loadshedding
2. Remove old appliances
Letting go of large appliances such as a fridge can seem counter productive, especially if you are trying to save money. However, the newer fridges are more energy efficient and could save you more in the long run. Appliances are actually graded from A to G on their efficiency. A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.
Read more: Which household appliances use the most electricity?
3. Low consumption alternatives
Taking a shower instead of a bath or even using a microwave instead of the stove or oven to cook. There are simple ways to warm food that can save huge energy and money. People can also open windows instead of using the air conditioner or close them to retain heat instead of using heaters.
Read more: Massive increase in electric appliances prices expected
4. Smart plugs
Smart plugs can be set to switch off your appliances. Smart plugs typically have a companion app, allowing you to set preferences and time schedules. These plugs can be switched off manually when not in use.
5. Long-term planning
Some of the bigger ways to reduce electricity consumption should be considered as part of a longer-term investment and cost-saving exercise. This includes putting in solar panels, switching out electricity-run stoves and ovens for gas and replacing air conditioning units and heaters with ceiling fans and fireplaces.
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