Eskom's tips to save on electricity

As South Africans prepare to go on holiday and enjoy the season's festivities, Eskom has urged consumers not to forget about saving electricity.

Nosipho Maphumulo, general manager for energy efficient demand side management said: "In the excitement of packing for a trip, homeowners often forget to do little things like defrosting their fridges or switching off geysers which could save them some money while they are away."

Maphumulo said homeowners can do more to reduce their energy consumption while on holiday by following these steps:

Use up the meat and other perishables in the fridge and freezer rather than keeping it fully stocked. The bigger the load in the fridge and freezer, the harder it needs to work to keep the contents at the desired temperature and the more electricity it consumes.

Replace outdoor lights with motion sensor lamps for security. Motion sensor lights use less electricity because they only switch on when the sensor is triggered.

They must be installed around the garden and on the perimeter wall to ensure that the property is well lit, even though there will be no one at home to switch on the lights.

To make it appear as though there are people in the home, homeowners should request a trustworthy neighbour or friend to switch on one or two inside lights at night while they are away.

Unplug appliances like computers and coffee machines. Appliances still draw a small amount of energy when they are plugged in - even if they are not switched on.

Make sure the backup batteries on the electric fencing and intruder detection systems are in good working order.

Just before leaving, turn off the geyser. This will ensure that it won't draw electricity to keep the water hot. Switch off all power outlets and unplug all appliances and don't forget to switch off the oven.

And when they reach their holiday destinations, Eskom said the savings must continue.

These are some tips from Eskom:

# Appliances not being used should be switched off.

# Stand-by power should be avoided. It uses almost 50 percent of the energy that an electric appliance would normally use.

# The fridge or freezer should not be opened unnecessarily.

# Take a shower instead of having a bath because less hot water will be used.

# The air conditioner should only be used when it is really necessary.

Open windows and doors to allow cool, fresh air from outside to flow into the house. Do not fill the kettle, only boil just enough water for your morning tea or coffee.

Homeowners can also measure the consumption of the various electrical appliances in and outside their home, and get practical tips on how these can be used more efficiently with the help of Eskom DSM's simple online energy calculator.

# Go to www.eskom.co.za/dsm.

Posted at 06:33PM Dec 17, 2009 by Editor in Residential  |  Comments[18]