Winter is no longer coming; we are in it. And as much as it may be tempting to turn the heater to full blast to remind you of summer days that have passed or take long hot showers to help you forget the bitter cold, you could end up increasing your electricity bill.
While there may be rolling blackouts now and again that force us to be economical, we have put together a list of six things that can cause your electricity bill to increase when the power does come back on.
Heating
It may be tempting to leave your heating systems on for long periods, but this could cause your electric bill to increase if you are not careful. Make sure that your home is sealed off to prevent any drafts from entering, which can help prevent your space from taking a long time to get warm. Remember to dress warmly to reduce the amount of time to you will need your heater to be on. Another handy tip is to make sure that any faulty equipment is replaced to prevent any damage or excessive use of power to keep your home warm.
Water heating
Another heavy consumer of electricity is your geyser. You could end up using as much as 405kWh a month to heat water. Instead of taking a bath, a short shower will help you save on water and electricity. Make sure to check that your geyser is properly insulated to prevent heat loss when it is not in use. Aim to switch on your geyser during hours where you are planning on using heated water and off when it is not in use. An alternative to start thinking about is having a solar heated geyser.
Not fixing appliances
Ideally, you would want to choose energy-efficient appliances that can help reduce every aspect of your energy usage in your home. However, doing frequent maintenance on items that you use and replacing old appliances can protect you from damage and a high electricity bill in the long run.
Switch off the pump
Did you know that a pool pump consumes 11% of your home's electricity? During the colder season when your pool is not in use, make sure that this is turned off. Setting a reminder, especially when going on holiday, will help you reduce the amount of electricity you consume.
Switch to gas where you can
When it comes to winter and fighting load shedding the best way to stay prepared is to have gas alternatives. Switching from an electric stove to a gas stove and also using gas heaters for those cold nights could be an alternative that can come in handy during this winter season.
Be cautious of your tumble dryer
While convenient, tumble dryers are notorious for increasing electric bills. Aim to use less of your tumble-dryer and switch to hanging your clothes on sunny days to help keep your clothes dry. The dryer can come in handy when you are drying heavy items such as blankets or duvet inners.
