How to Save Electricity

Most of our power comes from fossil fuels which are coal, gas and oil. These sources of raw power are all non renewable fuels. Wind and sun on the other hand are classified as renewable energy sources.

Our economies depend on oil and have their infrastructures designed to function on these non-renewable forms of energy. Only in some forward thinking countries are they transitioning away from coal and oil and onto sources like wind and solar energy and even geothermal energy.

I would love to transition my home onto being solar powered, but as yet we cannot afford the change but it is on my to-do list! Instead we have worked as a family to learn how to save electricity which eases our wallet and reduces our carbon footprint.

The burning of fossil fuels for energy is one of the primary air pollutants. So while you are saving electricity you will also be saving the planet!

Energy saving tips throughout the house
~When your light bulbs are spent replace them only with CFL bulbs.
~Do not leave lights on when you are out of the room
~Do not leave TV’s, computers and clocks on overnight. Even items on standby draw current.
~Insulate your home correctly
~Rather dress warmer than have your heating running all winter.
~Add another blanket to beds instead of running heaters in bedrooms at night.
~In summer rather close up the house and draw blinds instead of running air conditioners.
~Similarly, window shutters, awnings or shade screens can be used on the hottest windows.
~Plant a leafy creeper over a pergola which will provide shade in summer.

How to save electricity in the kitchen
~Only use the hot tap when you need to wash dishes.
~Use the right pot size for the stove plate you are cooking on.
~Unless you are baking a cake that will flop, there is really no need to preheat your oven.
~When you turn on your oven, try to cook your whole meal in the oven.
~Do not use your oven for just one thing, if you like to bake then bake a few things at a time.
~Boil water in an electric kettle first and add the boiling water to the pot. Electric kettles use 50% less power to boil water than a stove.
~Check the rubber seals on your oven and microwave regularly.
~Replace broken appliances with energy efficient ones only
~Clean the dust off your refrigerator coils. This allows your fridge to operate more efficiently.
~A full fridge uses less energy than a half empty one. Keep bottles or water in your fridge to fill the space. Drink this on warm summer days.

How to save electricity in the bathroom
~Insulate your geyser with an approved geyser blanket.
~Turn your geyser down to 50 deg Celsius in summer and not above 60 deg Celsius in winter.
~Get your children to share baths if they are young or bath one after the other if older.
~Consider your first step in home solar power by installing a solar power water heater.

How to save electricity at the office
~Switch off your computer and printers when you leave.
~Encourage your work colleagues to do it to!
~Check out these other ideas on how to be green