Tips to keep winter electricity bills low
ALEXANDRA - With the morning temperatures plummeting heralding the onslaught of winter, residents should brace themselves for high electricity bills as they try to keep warm using electrical appliances such as heaters and electric blankets.
A company called Direct Axis says there are ways to curtail the bill. Gavin Moir, head of marketing, gives the following simple steps for households to cut their electricity bill by 20 percent:
Manage the geyser by keeping it on only when you need hot water. Switch it off when you’re at work or by installing a timer. Also, you can manually switch it off when you leave and switch it back on when returning home. You can further save by turning down the thermostat and insulating the geyser to reduce heat loss.
Half of the heat in a home in winter escapes if it’s not properly insulated. Rather than cranking up the heaters, rather seal gaps around doors and windows with strips and ensure the roof is properly insulated.
Replace light bulbs with the LED equivalent which uses at least 75 percent less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer. This also helps to save on replacing bulbs.
You can save up to 6 percent by switching off socket plugs at the wall. TVs and other items with standby features still draw power even when not in use.
Unplug cellphone and other chargers when not in use as they still use power if plugged in. Also, its not good to overcharge devices as it limits their battery life span.
Use flat-bottomed pots and ensure you cook on appropriate size heating plates. Also cover pots with lids when boiling water for eggs or vegetables to speed up the cooking. This saves up to 25 percent power. Also, use the oven sparingly, alternatively use a microwave which draws less power.
Do not set fridges and freezers too low as it wastes electricity and also increases defrosting intervals.
Use cold water in washing machines. If clothes aren’t too dirty, skip the pre-wash cycle. If you only have one or two plates and cups, wash them by hand rather than in a dishwasher. Ensure the dishwasher is full before switching it on.
Reduce the use of heaters by ensuring the home is well insulated and by putting on jerseys or using gas heaters.
Go solar if able to. It will also reduce reliance on Eskom.
Details: Andiswa Dlokolo; andiswad@meropa.co.za
