6 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

With loadshedding now a long-term reality for South Africans, this is the perfect time to sit back and take a look at how we can save energy and decrease the load on the electricity grid.

Saving energy at home can be done in a number of ways! We've put together a list of 6 ways that you can reduce your electricity bills, and lessen your home's environmental impact at the same time. 
 

1. Switch off the lights when leaving a room
   A basic habit to develop and maintain is to always turn off the lights when leaving a room. Make a mental note to do so until it becomes second nature. By doing something as simple as this on a regular basis, you can save a substantial chunk on your monthly electricity bills.
    
2. Make use of LED lighting
   Many homes are switching to smart LED lights because they not only look stylish and are less expensive, but they are also far more efficient than halogen bulbs.
    
3. Invest in energy-efficient appliances
   Air conditioners and refrigerators are two of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home, and replacing them with more energy-efficient models can cut electricity consumption in half, lowering your utility bills. In general, maintaining and replacing appliances every few years will reduce their impact on your electricity consumption.
    
4. Unplug your devices
   It goes without saying how important it is to unplug devices when they are not in use. Do not leave devices on standby; instead, unplug them to save money and the environment.
    
5. Cook with the lid on
   This is a super simple hack in everyday life to save energy consumption; by cooking with the lid, you significantly reduce cooking time and water consumption.
    
6. Low-temperature washing
   Washing clothes at a lower temperature and with a full load saves a lot of water and electricity.