1. The heating and cooling system

Although being a lifesaver our heater or air-conditioner is considered one of the most electricity consumers. When used they can take up to ~40% of our electricity.

2. Kettle

Although small appliances, the kettle always makes sure to use a lot of our electricity.

It’s always advisable to boil only the quantity of water, you would like to use.

3. Refrigerator

The refrigerator seems to not use a lot of power but because it’s always on, it’s considered to use a lot of electricity. On average around 10 % of our electricity usage.

4. Lighting

In the past few years, we have noticed progress in the lighting sector.

From using the CFLs and incandescent bulbs to LEDs.

LED lights help us to save more energy.

Make sure to change all your old CFLs and bulb lights to LEDs lights.

5. Electric oven

An electric oven takes about ~4% of your electricity usage. When possible, use the microwave for less consumption.

6. Microwave

Although small, the microwave consumes enough of your energy bill.

7. Dishwasher

On average, a good dishwasher uses 1.3 kWh, which can significantly impact your electricity bill at the end of the month

8. Washing Machine

Yes! Your washing machine also forms part of the top 10!

Make you of it when needed.

9. TV and cable box

Although considered to be energy efficient, your TV and cable box use an average of 2% of your electricity bills per day.

10. Toaster

Toaster use up to 0,6 % of your electricity bill in about 1KW, so the more toasty you like your bread, the more expensive your electricity bill become.

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1. Before starting your shift check all the lights, cooling systems, and heating of your home.
Make sure that all the unused lights are switched off, and make sure that your cooling or heating system is off if not used.

2. Use your microwave instead of the oven or stovetop.
To heat your lunch it’s preferable to use the microwave by heating quickly your meal you use less electricity.

3. Purchase solar panels
Purchasing solar panels will be useful while working from us.
The more solar power energy you collect during the day will help you to make use of it later on during the afternoon, and eventually, reduce your dependency on your municipality’s electricity and save on your electricity costs.
4. Purchase energy-efficient appliances
It might be costly at first but in the long run, it will be worth it.
Purchasing appliances that are energy efficient (With a good rating) will help you to save more electricity in the long run.
5. Boil what you need
In South Africa, it’s estimated that the kettle takes 7 to 8% of your electricity bills.
So, when planning to boil water for your cup of it or coffee, make sure to only boil what you need.
6. Make fully use of the natural light
You can have 100 % natural light while working during the day by just opening the curtains.
Make full use of natural light in order to maximize your electricity savings.

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The post Tips for making your house more electrical energy efficient and saving money. appeared first on Powertime.

Rooftop Solar Panels

This is probably the most common and obvious method, if you’re looking into renewable power. Solar panels typically go on your roof, although you can also install them in your yard. If your current roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you could also consider investing in solar shingles. Where standard rooftop solar panels are mounted on top of your current roof, solar shingles actually take the place of your roof tiles.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are commonly found on wind-farms or floating offshore somewhere, but if you have enough real estate you can install a small wind turbine on your property to power your home.

Solar Oven

Maybe you’re not ready to power your entire home with renewable energy as yet. That’s a big project, and maybe it’s just not feasible for various reasons. You can still power a part of your home with renewable energy by building a solar oven. Solar ovens are typically a science fair project, but ovens actually use quite a bit of electricity. Using the sun to passively heat your food is a good way to get started in the world of renewable energy.

Hydro Power

This won’t work for most people, but if your property contains a source of flowing water, you’re in luck. You can divert some or all of the stream or river to flow through a turbine and power your home.

Solar Water Heating

Solar water heaters use the sun to heat a reserve of water, which can then be pumped through your radiators or out your faucets or showerheads. This system is much cheaper than using gas or electricity to heat your water, and is easier to install than solar panels.

Solar Air Conditioning

Air conditioning uses more electricity than almost anything else in your home. Air conditioning can cost you quite a bit amount of money every year, especially if you have central air and you live in a hot climate. Using hot water to cool your home can save you money and help the environment.

Tesla Powerwall

The Powerwall is a large rechargeable battery that can store several kilowatt-hours of electricity. On its own, it can be programmed to charge itself from the grid when electricity is on, and discharge when you’re hit by load-shedding or there is a disruption in the supply.

The post 7 Ways to Solar Power your Home appeared first on Powertime.

Warm the bed with electric blanket

For your comfort bed time during the cold temperature, you can use electric blanket to make your bed warmer. you do not have to switch it on all the night. You can just turn it on for a moment, just about two hours before your sleep time and switch the electric blanket off to save the electricity and have a nice bed time.

In the day, South Africa may have the sun shining brightly in the winter. Contrast to the day, the temperature significantly reduces into freezing at night. This condition triggers the increasing of electricity usage. So, we hope that some tips above can be your alternative reference of saving money during the winter.

As explained above, electric heater consumers more energy than any other devices during the winter. So be wise in usage. One way to save electricity in the winter is by applying just one heater in a house. The best place that probably suitable is the family room. The winter gives the chance to make the family members staying together. Rather than applying electric heater in each private room, It is better to install a heater in your living room. Though this way, you can save energy and enjoy your quality time with your family.

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