December is upon us and we're here to help you be more energy efficient this summer. Take a look at how easy it is to save electricity – it's the small changes that make a big impact!
1. Use solar powered lights in your garden
They rely entirely on energy from the sun and contain a small chargeable battery so they can be used at night. Plus they are easy to install.
2. Clean your pool pump filters regularly
A clean filter allows the pump to run for fewer hours but still keeps the pool clean. Use a wall brush and leaf skimmer regularly and take foreign materials out of the strainer basket.
3. Invest in a pool cover
It will keep your pool cleaner for longer. It is still recommended to run the pool filter periodically.
4. Maximise sunlight
Open the curtains in the morning rather than turning on lights. This will save energy, plus numerous studies have shown that natural light can reduce stress and improve health and productivity.
5. Fix leaking hot water taps
A dripping tap can waste up to 18 litres of water a day. This could cost you hundreds of rands worth of electricity annually if it’s the hot water tap that’s leaking. Get it fixed!
6. Going away? Switch off your geyser
Left on, the element will heat up a few times daily. This is a waste of energy! Rather switch it off, and when you get back, give the geyser a couple of hours to heat up again.
7. Use the AC economically
If you absolutely must use your AC, set it to maintain the temperature at the ‘Golden Zone’ between 18°C and 22°C, but keep an eye on the outside “ambient” temperature and try to minimise the difference from outdoors to indoors – consider notching up the air con a few degrees on a particularly hot day. It will feel cool anyway, use less electricity, and prolong the life of your unit.
8. Insulate your ceiling
When you think of roof insulation, you may think such a renovation is necessary only during the colder months. But did you know that insulation makes your home up to 10°C cooler in summer? It also keeps your home 5°C warmer in winter, saving up to 16% of the electricity you need annually to heat or cool your home.
9. Hang your clothes outside to dry
Take advantage of the summer sun and do your laundry on a warm day! This eliminates the need for a tumble dryer, which uses alot of energy.
10. Keep the fridge closed
There's nothing like an icy-cold drink to cool off in summer. But try to minimise opening the fridge door unnecessarily, or leaving it open for too long – cold air sinks so it literally falls out of the fridge, and so your fridge has to start again.
For more way to save, why not check our home cooling tips to save energy, and keep your home cool and energy efficient this summer.
Trying out any of these tips? Tweet and let us know! @WCGov110Green
Information provided by savingelectricity.org.za