Electricity has become expensive worldwide. With Global Warming and Climate Change affecting our planet, reducing the amount of power we consume in our homes and businesses has become even more critical. Importantly energy saving results in an improved back balance. We look at ten easy ways to save electricity in the house.
Above all, electricity and the supply of electricity is in demand worldwide, with climate change being one of the driving factors. Above all, there are many ways to save electricity. However, this post looks at the most effective ways to save power.
10 Easy Ways To Save Electricity
We all know the cost of energy is high. So, how can we save energy without spending a fortune? In this post, we look at ten easy ways to save electricity in the home.
Current Price Of Electricity In South Africa
Prices of electricity As of July 2018 Courtesy Of Review
- (0-50 kWh) is set at 90c per kWh Domestic Homes (Block 1)
- (51-350 kWh) will be 112c per kWh. (Block 2)
- (351-600 kWh) is set at 165c per kWh. (Block 3)
- ( more than 600 kWh) is set at 194c per kWh. (Block 4 )
A basic charge of R87 per month is payable per household.
Commercial users, prepaid and conventional, will pay a basic charge of R485 per month.
Converting Watts into Kilowatt Hours
To calculate the Kilowatt Hours of an electrical device, one must confirm the wattage of the electrical equipment.
Once we know the duration of the appliance and the watts produced, we can calculate the amount of electricity consumed while switched on.
Formula to calculate electricity consumption = watts converted to Kilowatts x hours run time.
An Example of Standard 50 watt Down-lights
10 Down-lights @ 50 watts for 7 hours run time will be as follows.
500watts ÷ 1000= .5 watts now multiply .5 x 7 hours run time = 3.5kWh.
3.5kWh x 30 days @ R0.90 per kWh= R94.50 on 10 Down-lights.
An Example LED Energy Efficient Down-lights
10 Down-lights @ 3 watts for 7 hours run time will be as follows.
30watts ÷ 1000= .03 watts now multiply .03 x 7 hours run time = .21kWh.
.21kWhx 30 days @ R0.90 per kWh= R5.67 on 10 Down-lights
End Result LED lights run at 16.5 times less electricity. It makes you wonder how much we could have saved over the years.
Install LED Lights
As we all know, lighting can pull large amounts of electricity. Most modern homes have many Down-lights. Additionally, most of the Down-lights are 40 watts or even 50 watts. As a result, a house with 30 Down-lights switched on will consume 1200 watts to 1500 watts an hour.
One can see the amount of electricity wasted to supply lighting in the home. LED lighting is 16.5 times more economical than conventional lights.
Energy Star Appliances Are More Energy Efficient
It is estimated that electrical appliances will draw as much as 20% of our electricity bill. Modern-day devices will save up to 50% on electricity.
Modern-day appliances are far more energy-efficient. As a result of the worldwide energy crisis and Global Warming, all major appliance manufacturers are pushing for the most efficient machines in line with energy-saving.
With EnergyStar appliances, the highest-rated and most energy-efficient is the A+++. For example, a washing machine with an A+++ rating will use as much as 50% less electricity and 55% less water when one considers that homes will have fridges, freezers, TVs etc., in the house. If all these products were EnergyStar rated, we would save a substantial amount of electricity in the home.
Turn Down Your Hot Water Geyser
The hot water geyser will consume as much as 3000 watts while heating. Turning the thermostat settings lower will improve energy loss. However, the best option is to switch off the geyser when not used. Having the geyser switch off automatically for certain times in the day or night will help substantially in lowering the electricity loss.
Hot water geysers are the most prominent electricity thief in the home, followed by Air-conditioners and heating. Hot water geysers will consume between 30% and 50% of the electricity in the house.
As a result, lowering the thermostat reduces the need for the thermostat to kick in often, resulting in less loss. Another option that works well is switching off the geyser during the daytime. In most cases, this works well in winter as well.
Electricity is expensive, especially in a country like South Africa with load shedding. Our electricity costs are far higher than in most countries, and we have an electricity shortage. For this reason, we need to look at ways to save electricity to save money on our monthly living.
Solar Geysers will save a substantial amount of electricity in the home. Look at these Solar Geyser prices to see if they fit your long-term budget to save money on reducing electricity costs in the house.
Without a doubt, Solar power is one of the better ways to save electricity, especially in South Africa, where we have long, hot days. Solar heating has come a long way in the last few years.
In fact, as a result of the energy crisis, worldwide solar power and many alternative energy sources are emerging. Above all, there are many solar energy advantages.
The Solar Energy pieces have dropped substantially over the last few years. In particular, Canadian Solar panels are affordable and very effective. For this reason, the number of solar panels required is far less. The latest Canadian Solar Panels are 380watts per panel.
Fridge and Freezer
Reduce the amount of energy lost by opening and closing these appliances immediately. When the refrigerator or freezer is opened, warm air rushes in immediately. As a result, the longer the device is open, the longer the cooldown time will be.
Gas Stoves Are Far More Energy Efficient
Electric stoves are energy guzzlers. Have a gas stove installed, and you will be shocked at the energy saving. Additionally, gas is cleaner and less harmful to the environment.
One of the best ways to save electricity is cooking on a gas stove. Firing up the gas stove gives instant heat. So cooking starts immediately. Many electric stoves take a few minutes to reach optimum temperature. And the most significant benefit is load shedding does not affect a beautiful home-cooked meal, especially in winter.
Install Solar Film on The Windows
As much as 20% of heat gain in the home is through the windows. Especially on hot days, the sun’s rays heat the house as the sun shines through. As a result, fitting Solar Film on the windows will reduce this heat flow substantially.
The solar film has up to 90% UV to stop the sun’s rays. Accordingly, the home will be more relaxed in the summer.
Install Heavy Curtains With Block Out
Heavy Curtains have several benefits in the home. In homes fitted with heavy curtains, one can expect the house to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
As a rule, curtains should be closed on hot summer days to stop heat flow into the home. Closed curtains will result in a cool house in summer.
Furthermore, the cold air is kept away from the interior in winter. Accordingly, the curtains act as an insulation barrier between the cold windows and the curtains. The 75mm gap between windows and curtains is the insulation barrier.
Furthermore, heavy curtains have the additional benefit of reducing noise pollution. In my opinion, heavy curtains are one of the more affordable home upgrades.
Fix Air Leakage In The Home
One of the most significant contributing factors to a cold home is air leakage. Above all, leakage will result in a cold house with the potential for condensation and mould. Any form of heating will have an uphill battle against this monster.
In short, most of the older steel window frames will have air leakage problems. Consequently, one will have to seal these windows with sealant foam. One of the best places to find this will be Sondor.
If these windows do not seal correctly in this way, one would suggest masking tape on the inside of the window. Moreover, two or three layers will be better.
In essence, the tape is just to be fitted for the winter months only. As a result, the tape can be removed as soon as necessary.
Likewise, the wooden windows are also prone to air leakage. However, in most cases, we can seal wooden windows correctly with a window sealer. Once again, Sondor would be the best bet.
Remember that We can fit soft rubber with low memory and adhesive backing. Additionally, doors are a leak factor as well. As a result, door sealing rubbers and along door stops will block cold airflow into the home.
Switch Off The Air-cons Switch On The Fans
First, running an Air-con in the home on a hot summer day is throwing money away as a cheaper option, opening doors and windows and running the fans. Moving air is cooler than fixed air.
Electric fans will require a fraction of electricity compared to running the air-con. One of the best ways to save electricity is to reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Install Good Quality Roof Insulation
Roof Insulation is one of the benefits compulsory in all new homes. Moreover, homes insulated with SANS-compliant insulation are far more energy-efficient.
Did you know our homes lose 35% of all energy in the house will be lost via the ceiling? As a result, an insulated ceiling will have a substantial temperature improvement in summer and winter.
Furthermore, we will achieve an improved temperature of 4-8 degrees. Above all Roof, Insulation will substantially reduce the need for heating and cooling, especially in summer and winter.
Subsequently, homes insulated with roof insulation will recover the cost of heating and cooling in approximately three years, giving years of energy saving.
Furthermore, there are several roof insulation products on the market. To mention a few, Aerolite Insulation, a locally made insulation, and Isotherm Insulation are the two leading brands in South Africa.
In fact, of all the ways to save electricity, roof insulation is probably the best.
10 Easy Ways To Save Electricity
Electricity is in demand. Our planet is under pressure. Climate change is real, and we are on a knife edge. Acquiring clean energy is high on the agenda, with most countries under pressure to find clean energy.
With this in mind, we look at 10 Easy Ways To Save Electricity. Additionally, these ten ways to save electricity will give us years of energy saving.
There are many alternative energy sources on the market. Also, more companies are searching for green alternatives. Go green live green, recycle let us save our planet together one day at a timeless, one watt at a time.