South Africans have woken up to the need to save energy and they know they have to change their ways. Environmentally friendly options and resources have become something many are looking for. Load shedding scared people into making changes, people felt the pain both practically and financially. Today water restrictions and the equivalent of load shedding are on the cards if not already in place. This post is about Energy saving in the home.
The challenge many people face is that a number of solutions to saving energy are expensive. Is this really true? The answer is no and here are some cost-effective and even free ways to save energy in the home.
Energy Saving in the Home Is Very Important
Lighting in the home is an obvious choice. We take lighting for granted and we don’t realize how we abuse it or appreciate it. The first 
thing that will save a small fortune and energy is to switch lights off when they are not needed. How many times have you got lights on in every room when you are the only person home? Switch them off, they are costing you money! Lighting affects the energy saving in the home substantially.
Look at the type of lighting in use. Energy saving globes were all the rage a few years ago and the switch made savings for many and did reduce energy consumption. But there is a better solution; a solution uses up to 75% less energy to light an average. This solution is LEDs and it is an easy switch to make. LED globes are more expensive and most people would not be able to afford to migrate the whole home in one move. LED light is great for energy saving in the home.
Replacing just one globe each week or each month will soon see an entire home converted into an amazing energy saver. The cost of the globes is soon paid back, firstly through energy saved and secondly because they last up to 10 times longer than normal globes. The replacement cost saving alone will be significant and will be felt.
Energy Saving in the Home With Roof Insulation
In winter many people leave heaters on all day to keep the house warm, aircon likewise in summer. This costs a small fortune and wastes
a lot of energy, and there is a way to avoid this entirely. Roof Insulation will be the best investment you can make in your home. It doesn’t have to be expensive but the better your roof insulation the more efficient your heating and cooling becomes. Simple and cost-effective solutions such as curtains or thermal blinds can begin to bring savings of up to 30% on household bills. The correct roof insulation products can save energy in the home and potentially recover the cost in two to three years.
The saving on the bills equates to less energy be used and is a win-win result. Don’t forget that insulation also keeps your home cool in summer as well as warm in winter. Roof Insulation is easy to have installed and the results are almost immediate. Make sure to use the services of professional roof insulation installers. Also be sure to have the correct thickness of insulation installed. Always install the best insulation for your roof to have years of benefits.
Energy Star rated Appliances to Save Energy in the Home
While looking at your lights and heating take a look at your appliances. Many homes have an array of appliances some older than others. Older appliances may work well but they do tend to operate far less efficiently than modern appliances. Appliances today are tested for their efficiency and the amount of electricity they use. A scale called the Energy Efficiency rating has been applied and all new appliances now show the rating to the consumer. AA+ is the rating all consumers should aim for and having low wattage, modern appliances will help you achieve this and at the same time reduce your energy use.
It’s not just the age of your appliance that can affect energy use; the type of appliance can also make a difference. Conventional ovens are not as energy efficient as fan or convection ovens for example. No electric oven and hob can compete with gas, though. Switching a kitchen to gas is an energy and cost efficient recommendation, cooks will even say food tastes better. Gas bottles are cheap to fill and because gas heats up efficiently a gas bottle lasts a long time. Gas will save on electricity bills and reduce some strain on the electrical grid.
Don’t forget about smart technology. Technology today gives us greater control over energy use in the home than ever before. Although in its infancy in South Africa the uptake is increasing and properties are being developed with technology in mind.
But it’s Not Just Electricity Here Are A Few More Tips
Reducing electricity use is one thing but saving water is another. The longest drought South Africa has ever experienced is placing pressure on water resources and homeowners are being encouraged to save. There are some simple and cost-effective solutions to saving water in the home and some beyond simple.
One of the best is to place a brick or other item in the cistern of a toilet. Older toilets, in particular, use a lot of water, the brick disperses the water and thus the toilet uses less. Ideally, toilets should be modernized and newer small cylinder or low flow toilets should be installed.
An aerator pump can save a household up to 9,500 litres of water every year. A clever device that pumps air into the water giving the impression the water pressure is still high reduces water use considerably. Water Aerators are especially useful in the show.
Another simple and clever device is a circulating pump. Fitted under the sink this pump recycles water and can save up to 20 litres peruse. Over time the water saving from this device is considerable.
But water, like electricity, is often taken for granted and the best savings are common sense. Turn off the tap or only use water when absolutely necessary. It a tap is dripping replace the washer, a simple task anyone can do. In a nutshell, don’t waste water, use it wisely.
Energy saving need not be costly and with these simple ideas, you can begin today.