Save Energy, Save Money!
Properly preparing your home for cold weather can save energy, help keep your winter energy bills under control, and keep your family warm. consider the following tips and live an affordable life…
Run Fans in reverse: Everyone appreciates a humble fan only when they want to be cool, but the same fan that lowers summer electricity bills is the same that comes handy during winter. It’s not rocket science that counter clockwise rotation of a fan produces cooling breezes, but many of us never knew that switching the fan to clockwise provides a warmer temperature: air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space – cutting your heating costs as much as 10%.
Plug “leaking energy” in electronics: Many new TVs, VCRs, chargers, computer peripherals, and other electronics use electricity even when they are switched “off.” Though they are only a few watts each, they add up to more than 50 watts in a typical home that is consumed all the time. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use. For computer scanners, printers and other devices that are plugged into a power strip, simply switch off the power strip after shutting down your computer.
Air Conditioner: This will also save you a few Rands next summer. Simply drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes, and make sure you don’t have excess water pooled in equipment. Room heating is a big power ‘eater’, be sure to turn your air conditioner off if it has a water shutoff valve. The best no-cost saving options during cold days are to wear warmer clothing as well as blankets. It’s easy to forget to turn down the heat when you leave the building, but this is one of the most effective ways to save money. You may also buy a programmable thermostat (widely available at any retail stores in and around Rustenburg) to make energy saving easier.
Turn down the Geyser: While many conventional geysers are set to 60 degrees Celsius by installers, most homes don’t need that much steam, and end up paying for it. There’s no need turning on your geyser the whole day, switch it on 2 hours prior to using hot water, then turn it off. Eskom advises that turning on the geyser between 05:00 to 07:00 as well as between 17:00 and 20:00 is the wrong peak hours to turn on your geyser as it uses more energy, moreover, turn the geyser off when you go on holiday.
Shorten showers: Of course, warm baths will warm your body, but you have to be careful not to waste. If you want to bath longer, use a bathtub and relax in warm water, and take shorter showers. Simply reducing your showers in half will cut your water heating costs by at least 33 percent monthly.
Warm / Thermal clothing: Dress warmer for winter, even inside. Remember that each degree on the thermostat costs money. A light long-sleeved sweater is worth about 2 degrees in added warmth, while a heavy sweater (regardless of its fashion trend) adds about 4 degrees. Avoid spending, start saving, and cosy up.
Keep it shut: Traditional fireplaces zaps energy – avoid using them as they pull heated air out of the house and up the chimney. Close the damper when not in use. Before closing the damper, make sure that you don’t have any smouldering embers. If you decide not to use a fireplace, then block off the chimney with a piece of rigid insulation (from any hardware stores) that fits securely into the space.
Boost insulation: It may not seem sexy nor stylish, but insulation is one of the best ways to save energy and money at home. It can make a big difference to add more insulation between walls, windows, and loft floor and underground room ceiling. Expert sealing ducts can save the average home up to R240 annually according to Eskom, furthermore, you’ll have better protection against mould and dust. Consider hiring a contractor to test the tightness of your ducts and repair leaks and restrictions in your duct.
Article: Tshireletso Maripile