Written by: Adrienne Brookbanks
Most people see their electricity bills rise during the winter months. As we continue to turn up the heater, electric blankets and other heating devices, not only do we rev up our energy bills, but we also contribute to a country-wide problem.
On 8 April, Eskom CEO Brian Dames said that the state-owned power utility has a plan to meet electricity supply challenges in the coming winter months, but that the active demand-side management and co-operation of 49 million South Africans would also be needed.
“The winter season will be even more challenging, but Eskom is working actively to improve supply and reduce demand in order to manage increased risks to the system. If you’re not using it, switch it off!” warned Dames at Eskom’s second quarterly briefing on the state of the power system.
Besides turning off electrical devices, liveeco takes a look at some of the practical, effective solutions that everyone can apply to conserve energy this winter.
Change the settings on your washing machine
You don’t have to wash your clothes with warm water. If you change the settings on your washing machine to cold rinse, your clothes will be just as clean and you will save the energy you would have used to heat your water.
Open the curtains
This may not be practical for everybody (if you live in a highly populated or unsafe area and you don’t want people peering into your house), but opening the curtains will allow the sun to heat up your rooms during the day so that you don’t have to use the heater in the evenings.
Get new light bulbs
There are many types of new power saving light bulbs on the market that last longer, save more electricity and or more environmentally friendly that conventional light bulbs. Do some winter renovations and replace all your light bulbs this season!
Keep the guest room closed
There might be a few rooms in the house that aren’t used on a daily basis – such as a guest room, study or laundry room. Close the doors to these rooms to reduce the amount of space that needs to be heated in the evenings.
Use the electric blanket wisely
Comfortable sleeping is a top priority for most people, but this doesn’t mean the electric blanket needs to be turned on for hours on end. Don’t turn on an electric blanket before you head out to a restaurant (leaving it on for over two or three hours) – turn it on while you’re getting ready for bed and turn it off once you get in. Body heat, winter pyjamas’ and a few extra blankets should be enough to keep you warm throughout the night.
Keep your thermostat in the living room
The temperature of the room where your thermostat is set up will affect your entire home. Keep it in a room that isn’t too warm or cold (preferably in a room that is often occupied, such as the living room) to avoid unnecessary or inadequate heating.
Wear winter clothes
Just because t-shirts and shorts are comfortable, doesn’t mean they should be worn year round. Don’t heat your house so that it’s too warm to wear sweaters indoors – bulk up and enjoy fuzzy sweaters and warm clothing at home this year!
Get winter drapes
Most people have winter linen, but few people have winter curtains. Thick drapes can help keep the heat in the room and the chilly winter air out.
Get proper insulation
Collect and store the heat of the sun with effective passive heating. If your walls and ceilings are properly insulated, your home will be naturally heated by the daily activities of the home’s occupants and equipment. Properly insulated walls and ceilings (along with double glazed windows) are going to be standard with new builds, thanks to recently revised SANS building codes. If you are planning on staying in your current home for a while, consider cost-effective renovation solutions so that you can save electricity and naturally insulate your home.
The liveeco team
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