Power savers - the Rands and cents of it and where to get started

A big problem with saving electricity is that we are yet to start thinking in a way that urges us to save electricity. Start small by researching, and actively trying to save energy by simply switching off unnecessary lights and unused appliances.

Understand your electricity usage:

Go through your utility bill each month and take note of how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you are using. Once you start making small changes you will notice that your usage will go down and this will inspire you to keep going.

Look at your consumption:

Start by making a list of all the places in your home where you consume electricity and where you can reduce your usage by switching off or switching to gas or solar power. Then start pricing these appliances, so that you know how much to budget for but also to calculate how much you could save on energy in the long run. Each family is different; everyone's needs are different.

Start small:

1. Look at your washing

We live in a beautiful sunny country so make use of the sun. Connect your washing machine to the cold tap and refrain from using the spin function unnecessarily. And if you can help it, give the tumble dryer a rest. Instead, make sure you use your clothes line or clothes horse to hang wet washing and let the sun do all the work.

Start investing a little:

2. Lightbulb moment

Have you checked that your home has been fitted with energy saving light bulbs? Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) use up to 80% less energy than conventional incandescent lamps and last up to eight times longer. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are even more energy efficient - they use about 85% less energy than incandescent lamps and about 5% less than Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Also consider using solar powered lamps for garden and security lighting.

3. Solar power banks

Simple yet effective, these banks are powered and charged using the sun. They are a cheap and convenient way to keep devices such as laptops, cell phones and tablets charged. No electricity required!

4. Windows

Look at your windows and think ''lighting and cooling''. By simply making some small changes you can allow natural light in while keeping the summer heat out and allowing fresh breezes to cool down your home - consider Installing shade awnings on the outside of your windows facing the sun.

5. Your bathroom

Think about installing energy and water saving showerheads. Their efficient flow rate means you use less hot water and your geyser much less electricity to reheat a smaller amount of replacement water

The bigger stuff

6. Your geyser

One of the most energy expensive appliances in the home, an electrical element geyser can use up to 40% of your monthly electricity. Replace it with a high-pressure solar water heating system, which can reduce your electricity bill by up to 24%.

7. Gas stove

Cooking accounts for up to 8% of the energy consumption in your home. Consider using a gas stove. Over 9 million electric hot plates and stoves are in use in households in South Africa - alternative fuel sources in addition to energy efficient electric cooking appliances and electricity smart cooking methods can make a big difference in reducing the demand for electricity.

Remember to get the basics right first. Switch off unnecessary appliances, switch off lights that you don't need and unplug chargers and other devices not in use. When considering switching from electric to solar or gas options, look at the pros and cons and don't forget about the money you could save in the long run!