Energy Saving Tips
Practical ways to reduce your electricity use and save money every month
Quick Wins
Simple changes you can make today
Shorter Showers
Reducing shower time can reduce the energy your geyser uses. Potential savings vary depending on how much hot water your household uses.
Switch Off at the Wall
Turn off appliances at the wall when not in use. This can reduce energy consumption from standby power, though the amount varies by appliance and usage pattern.
Use Natural Light
Open curtains during the day instead of switching on lights. South Africa's sunny climate makes this a practical way to reduce electricity use.
Geyser Optimization
For many households, water heating can be one of the largest electricity expenses. These tips can help reduce that consumption.
Install a Geyser Timer
Only heat water when you need it. Set the timer to heat water before morning and evening showers. This can help reduce unnecessary heating when no one is using hot water.
Lower the Temperature
Set your geyser thermostat to approximately 60°C. This can reduce energy consumption compared to higher temperatures, while still providing adequate hot water.
Insulate Your Geyser and Pipes
Wrap your geyser and exposed hot-water pipes with insulation. This can reduce heat loss and help maintain water temperature longer.
Consider Solar Water Heating
South Africa receives abundant sunshine, making solar water heating a potentially viable option. Solar geysers can supplement grid electricity for water heating. Actual benefits depend on your climate, household hot-water usage, and available roof space. Compare the upfront cost with your expected electricity savings over the equipment lifetime before investing.
Lighting Efficiency
Practical ways to reduce lighting electricity use
Switch to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.
Turn Off Lights When Not in Use
Make a habit of switching off lights in rooms that aren't being used. This is one of the simplest ways to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption.
Use Natural Daylight
Take advantage of natural daylight during the day instead of relying on artificial lighting. Open curtains and blinds to let sunlight into your home.
Use Task Lighting Where Appropriate
Instead of lighting an entire room, use focused lighting like desk lamps or reading lights only where you need it.
Smart Appliance Usage
Practical ways to use appliances more efficiently
Washing Machine
- • Use full loads when practical
- • Use appropriate wash cycles
- • Clean the filter regularly
Tumble Dryer
- • Air-dry clothes when practical
- • Clean the lint filter after each use
- • Run full loads
Dishwasher
- • Run only when fully loaded
- • Use eco mode if available
- • Air dry instead of heat dry
Refrigerator
- • Check door seals regularly
- • Avoid unnecessarily low temperatures
- • Keep vents and coils clean
Air Conditioner
- • Use a reasonable thermostat setting
- • Maintain filters regularly
- • Close doors and windows
Pool Pump
- • Avoid unnecessarily long operating times
- • Follow proper pool maintenance
- • Consider variable speed pumps
Load Shedding Tips
Practical advice for managing power outages
Reduce Unnecessary Electricity Use When Power Returns
When power is restored after an outage, avoid switching on multiple high-energy appliances at once. This reduces strain on the grid and can help minimize future outages.
Consider Backup Power Options
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or inverter systems can keep essential devices running during outages. Note that quality backup equipment has a significant upfront cost. Evaluate whether this investment makes sense for your household and needs.
Plan Meals and Food Storage
Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed during outages to preserve food as long as possible. Plan meals that don't require electricity when outages are scheduled.
Stay Informed
Use available resources like the EskomSePush app to track load shedding schedules so you can plan ahead.
Long-term Investments
Bigger investments that can reduce electricity consumption over time
Solar Panels
South Africa has excellent solar potential with abundant sunshine throughout the year. Solar PV systems can reduce grid electricity consumption. The actual benefits depend on your location, available roof space, household electricity usage, equipment chosen, installation quality, and local electricity tariffs. Compare the upfront investment cost with your expected long-term electricity savings before deciding to install.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can provide water heating more efficiently than conventional electric geysers. Actual savings depend on your household's hot-water usage, the specific equipment, installation quality, and your electricity tariff. Get quotes from installers and compare the upfront cost against your expected electricity savings over the equipment's lifetime.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
When replacing appliances, consider energy-efficient models with good SABS energy labels and ratings. Energy-efficient appliances typically use less electricity over their lifetime, though the upfront cost may be higher. Consider your household's usage patterns and expected appliance lifetime when deciding whether the higher purchase price is justified by potential electricity savings.
Home Insulation
Proper insulation can reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling. The actual benefit depends on your climate, current insulation levels, the type of heating and cooling you use, and your usage patterns. Consider getting professional advice on the most cost-effective insulation improvements for your specific home before investing.
Your Actual Savings Depend on Your Household
Electricity costs and potential savings are different for every household
The amount you spend on electricity and how much you can save depends on many factors specific to your household:
- • Your municipal tariff and electricity provider
- • Your tariff structure (how rates change with usage)
- • The wattage and efficiency of your appliances
- • How many hours per day you use each appliance
- • How many days per week you use each appliance
- • Your household size and usage patterns
- • Seasonal variations in electricity use
- • Whether you have solar panels, UPS systems, or other equipment
The best way to understand your own electricity costs is to use our calculator. Enter your actual electricity tariff from your latest bill and your household's appliances with their real usage patterns. This will give you an accurate estimate based on YOUR household, not generic estimates.
Want to see what your appliances may cost you?
Use our free South African electricity calculator to estimate your appliance and household electricity costs.
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