If we all do our bit - we CAN make a difference!

Let’s save electricity!

It’s often the simple things in life that make the difference in the end. What can we do to not only save electricity but also to save our planet and reduce our carbon footprint?

Switching off office lights, air-conditioning units, computers, printers and copying machines before leaving the campus for example. As an educational institution we should set an example to the public, yet some of our buildings are still ablaze with lights at night. Let’s work together to lighten our electricity usage load!

Herewith a few tips for at home!

Use energy-saving bulbsSave energy and money!!!

  • Replace all your regular light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs which use far less energy – replacing 10X 60W bulbs with 10 CFL bulbs will save you R29.30 a month and 10 X 100W R48.10! In most homes, some 10 to 15% of the electricity bill is for lighting. Energy saving bulbs also last over 10 times longer and use up to 4 times less energy. Always turn the lights off when you leave a room.
  • Don't leave electrical appliances on standby. Many of us use the remote to switch off the TV or stereo, leaving the appliance running on standby – using up to 85% of the energy they would use if fully switched on. An extra million tonnes of carbon will be released into the atmosphere through this power wastage.
  • Tumble Dryer. Electric tumble dryers are commonly the second biggest energy user in the home, after the fridge (see side bar). Dry your clothes outside or use an indoor clothes dryer when the weather is bad. Ensure that clothes are as dry as possible (a fast spin after washing) which will reduce drying time.
  • Solar Garden Lights. A number of different solar powered lights are available for use in the garden. They are highly energy efficient and convenient and do not require external extension leads or special electric fittings. They charge up during the daylight and light up as it gets dark. They are not usually hugely bright but are less intrusive than electric lights.

Tips for the kitchen

  • Keep pots covered to shorten cooking time
  • The pot size should match the stove plate
  • Don't run the hot water tap unnecessarily
  • Use the microwave when possible - it uses less power (see side bar)
  • Clean the fridge cooling coils every few months - dust build-up reduces energy efficiency.
  • Use your kettle less by filling a hot water flask with boiled water for coffee

Remember the simple things during a power failure

  • Candles are cheap and provide a soft light. Buy extra ones and keep in a place that you can easily find them. Three candles or more should be enough to be able to read.
  • Flashlights or headlamps – remember to have batteries in stock and a flashlight for each person in the family easy accessible during power failures.
  • Emergency lights running on batteries.
  • Firewood or charcoal – keep in stock for a quick braai.
  • Camping cooking utensils – gas cookers, skottelbraais and braais (remember to keep gas bottles filled).
  • Board and card games keep the whole family busy and in the same time provide for quality time together.
  • Portable radios and CD players use batteries and can keep you entertained – again keep those batteries in stock.

Using too much electricity??

Which electrical appliances are the main culprits?

3000W and above

  • Stove (3000 – 8000 watt) depending on use of 2 plates & oven together
  • Geyser
  • Tumble drier
  • Welder (portable & single phase)

2800W

  • Dishwasher

2000W and above

  • Kettle (1 500 – 3000W)
  • Oil and Fan heaters
  • Automatic washing machine (heated)

1500W

  • Iron (600 - 2000W)
  • Frying pan
  • Microwave oven
  • Ceramic/Capil heaters

Sources:

Download the PDF on this page to learn more about saving electricity!

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Watt-Saver (3.1 MB)