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ABOUT ELECTRICITY - Saving electricity

Saving electricity doesn't just save money, it also saves the planet. As most electricity is generated by burning coal and running nuclear power plants there is pollution. Every time you turn on the lights, you create a little pollution. Saving electricity therefore does not just keep a bit of money in your pocket, it helps keep the air and water clean, too.
In fact, the legendary James Hansen, one of the first scientists to sound the alarm about global warming way back in the 80's, said that the real key to preventing climate change is reducing home energy use. The quickest way to reduce coal emissions by 50%, is to reduce our electricity consumption by 50%.

Fossil fuels are also becoming scarcer as we've already used more than half of the oil that exists on the planet and our energy appetite puts more pressure for utilities to build nuclear power plants, which are still under strong debate regarding their danger.

Tips to Help You Reduce Your Electricity Bill

In order to assist you in reducing your electricity bill and helping the environment, here are some energy-saving tips starting with those items that tend to use the most electricity.

Air Conditioner

  • Try increasing your air conditioner temperature. Even 1 degree higher could mean significant savings, and you will probably not notice the difference.
  • Keep central air conditioner usage to a minimum—or even turn the unit off—if you plan to go away.
  • Consider installing a programmable thermostat. Just set the times and temperatures to match your schedule, and you will save money and be comfortably cool when you return home
  • Get air conditioner maintenance each year—ensure your service person checks the condenser coils, the evaporator coils, the blower wheel, the filter, the lubrication and the electrical contacts.
  • Replace worn and dirty equipment for maximum efficiency and replace the air conditioner filters every month.
  • Buy the proper size equipment to meet your family's needs—an oversized air conditioner unit will waste energy.

Hot Water

  • Check your hot water temperature. It does not need to be any higher than 40 C for washing purposes.
  • Plug the basin or bath when you run any hot water.
  • Use a timer to make sure the heating and hot water are only on when needed.
  • Insulate your hot water pipes to prevent heat loss, and your water will stay hotter for longer. Plus, you will also use less energy to heat it. And simply fitting a jacket onto your hot water tank can cut waste by up to three quarters.
  • Take showers—a bath consumes 5 times more hot water. Buy a low-flow showerhead for more efficiency and it will pay for itself in no time.
  • Avoid washing dishes under hot running water, and do not pre-rinse before using the dishwasher.
  • Repair dripping hot water taps immediately
  • Make sure hot water taps are always turned off properly.

Laundry

  • Wash full loads of laundry—you will use your machine less often, saving time, and it is more energy-efficient.
  • Wash at a lower temperature or the economy setting to save even more.
  • Use the spin cycle, and then hang washing out rather than tumble drying—your clothes and linens will smell fresher!
  • If you need to tumble dry, try a lower temperature setting.
  • Use your dryer for consecutive loads, because the built-up heat between loads will use less energy.

Cooking

  • Make sure your oven door closes tightly.
  • Use a microwave rather than conventional oven, when possible.
  • Keep the centre of the pan over the element, and keep the lid on when cooking on the stovetop.
  • Only boil the amount of water that you need—just ensure there is enough water to cover the heating element. Turn the element or electric kettle down as soon as it reaches the boiling point.

Fridge & Freezer

  • Defrost your fridge regularly. When ice builds up, your freezer uses more electricity. If it frosts up again quickly, check that the door seals are strong and intact.
  • Do not stand the fridge next to the oven or other hot appliances if you can help it. Also ensure there is plenty of ventilation space behind and above it.
  • Empty and then turn your fridge off if you go on a long vacation (but make sure you leave the door open).
  • Aim to keep your fridge at least three-quarters full to maintain maximum efficiency. A full fridge is a healthy fridge.
  • Avoid putting warm or hot food in the fridge or freezer—it requires more energy to cool it down.

Lighting

  • Get into the habit of turning lights off when you leave a room.
  • Use only one bulb for light fittings with more than one light bulb, or replace additional bulbs with a lower wattage version.
  • Use energy-saving light bulbs that can last up to ten times longer than a normal bulb and use significantly less energy. A single 20- to 25-watt energy-saving bulb provides as much light as a 100-watt ordinary bulb. 
  • Fit external lights with a motion sensor.
  • Use high frequency fittings for fluorescent tubes because they cut flicker and are even more efficient than energy-saving light bulbs. They are suitable for kitchens, halls, workshops and garages.

Other Electrical Appliances

  • Buy appliances with higher or more efficient ratings. Fridges, freezers, fridge/freezers, washing machines and tumble dryers are now rated for energy efficiency—check the black and white label for details.
  • Switch off electrical appliances completely when not in use. TVs use power when in standby mode. PCs use quite a bit of power, too—consider upgrading to an energy-efficient monitor.

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