
Energy saving tips

Ways to stay warm in winter click here to find out.
Residential fact sheet “use only what you need”
A shower uses less water than bathing and, if you use a water-efficient shower head in your shower, you are doubling your efforts to save on hot water, which means less work for the geyser.
Spring is here and most of us will spend more time outdoors, often with cool and refreshing drinks around the braai fire. Refrigerators will once again work overtime to keep up with the constant demand for ice and refreshments. It is, however, important to keep electricity consumption low.
Rather switch off at the power switch and do not forget to unplug your cellphone charger after your phone is charged or it will continue to draw power. Make use of a smart power trip to reduce standby power usage.
Small action taken by all can make a huge difference.
Energy saving tips for kitchen appliances
Maintain it at a comfortable 23˚ C in summer – once on, all windows and doors should be kept closed.
Otherwise, if you don’t have an air conditioner:
- Fire retardant ceiling insulation makes a home up to 10˚ C cooler in summer.
- Insulate your home
- Install shade awnings on the outside of windows facing the sun – it reduces heat from entering your home.
- Open windows and doors to allow cool breezes to circulate freely.
A fan heater with a thermostat is the best choice to quickly heat an average room of 3 x 3 x 2.5 meters. It spreads heat evenly and the thermostat switches it off when the room is cosy.
- Install your geyser closest to the points in your home where you use hot water.
- Insulate a geyser with a geyser blanket.
- Insulate the first 1.5 metres of water pipes leading to and from the geyser.
- Do not let hot water run unnecessarily. Always use basin plug in your bathrooms and kitchen.
- Use cold water in your bathrooms for quick tasks like washing your hands or brushing your teeth.
- Use cold water in the kitchen to rinse fruit and vegetables.
Replace incandescent lamps with energy saving CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and LEDs (light emitting diodes) do the same with your conventional downlights.