Aside from the annual tariff increases that take effect on July 1st of each year, clients may also experience higher electricity bills during the autumn and winter seasons.
So, when and how should you use your electricity? We have provided some energy-saving tips and guidelines. By following these tips and adopting this behaviour on a regular basis, you will be able to use only what you need while also lowering your electricity bill in the long run.
Achieve energy efficiency with simple, cost-free behavior changes:
A little bit of maintenance can go a long way.
- Switch off during evening peak
Did you know that your geyser can account for up to 30% of your monthly energy consumption? You can insulate your geyser and hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and thus improve the efficiency of your water system. A leaking or faulty geyser valve constantly allows cold water into the geyser, causing the thermostat to activate more frequently to heat the water. Install a geyser timer to switch your geyser at the most appropriate times.- For efficient use of your geyser during winter and summer, setting the geyser timer at appropriate times can significantly reduce your energy consumption.
- Winter: Set your geyser timer to heat water early in the morning, between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, when it’s likely to be used for morning showers. Additionally, you can set it to switch on around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM before peak usage hours. The goal is to heat water just before it’s needed to avoid running it continuously.
- Summer: In warmer months, you may only need the geyser to heat water in the morning, around 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, since hot water demand is generally lower. You can reduce the timer settings to minimize electricity usage during the day.
- Using a timer ensures that your geyser operates only when necessary, saving you energy and reducing your electricity costs.
- Shower instead of bathing – it saves water and energy
Showering uses significantly less water than bathing, and if you use a water-efficient showerhead, you are doubling your efforts to save hot water, which means less work for your geyser. Bath and shower facilities often use more energy in the autumn and winter as a result of heating pumps that use ambient temperature to assist in their workings use more power. Geyser usage is also much higher as you tend to take longer showers and fill up the bath with more water. - Energy efficient applicances
Replacing all incandescent bulbs with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) will significantly reduce your electricity consumption and, in turn, your bill. Additionally, if you are not in a room, turn off the lights. Use natural light where possible and “task” lighting when only a little light is needed. Regularly clean light fittings, reflectors and lampshades – you will get more light from your clean lamps. Switching to energy-efficient appliances can significantly lower your energy costs. Energy-efficient models, such as LED bulbs, energy-saving refrigerators, and air conditioners, consume less power without sacrificing performance. These appliances use advanced technology to reduce energy use, and although they may have a higher upfront cost, the savings on your electricity bills make them a smart long-term investment. Over time, the reduction in energy consumption can help recover the initial cost and deliver substantial savings - Unplug
Do not leave your appliances in standby mode, as they continue to consume up to 15% of their operating power. Rather, turn them off at the plug, and remember to unplug your cell phone charger after it has charged, or it will continue to draw power. Beware vampire appliances. Appliances (TVs, VCRs, PCs, etc.) in standby mode consume electricity (up to 50% of full use). - Keeping your room temperature under control
During the winter, keep your room temperature between 18° C and 20° C. To avoid using a heater, dress warmly and use an extra jacket, blankets, and a hot water bottle to keep warm. Set your air conditioner to 20° C to 23° C in the summer, wear light, loose-fitting clothing like shorts and short-sleeved tops, and drink plenty of cold fluids to keep your body hydrated and cool. Block / seal gaps around doors and window panes to eliminate drafts. - Kitchen & other household loads
- Check that your refrigerator and freezer doors have tight seals, are in a cool location, and are not obstructed by frost – all of this will help them function more efficiently. Check that your appliances are still efficient and not damaged by power surges.
- Set the average temperature of your air conditioners to 23°C in the summer and 20°C in the winter; your refrigerator to 5°C, your freezer to -18°C, and your water tank/geyser to 60°C. Regularly service your air conditioner to improve its safety, dependability, and energy efficiency.
- Only fill kettles with the amount of water required.
- Use the cold water faucet instead of the geyser every time.
- Use your dishwasher and laundry machines only when they are full, and always use cold temperatures or lightly soiled items.
- Set the controllers / time switches on pool pumps, etc. to run for short periods of time at the most appropriate times.
If the above tips are being effectively utilised, Verify the following with your Utility service provider:
- Is the meter readings actual of estimated?
- Is the billing period variable?
- If you have a conventional (post-paid) electricity meter, were the readings correctly captured?
- Are there any photos of the meter readings available?
- Have you had any repairs or maintenance done in your home in the last month?
- Is there any new appliances in the house in the last month or so?
- Have you verified the billing tariffs?