\n\u201cMany home-owners feel overwhelmed by the perceived cost of becoming more energy efficient, which is why I suggest taking a methodical step-by-step approach that suits your budget, by tackling the greatest electricity guzzler first,\u201d advises Roger.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n First Quarter: Geyser<\/strong> Lifestyle Changes:<\/strong> Q1 ROI = \u00b1 6 months<\/p>\n Second Quarter: Lighting<\/strong> Lifestyle changes:<\/strong> Q2 ROI = \u00b1 12 months<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Third Quarter: Lighting and Showerhead<\/strong> Lifestyle changes:<\/strong> Fourth Quarter: the Final Touches<\/strong> Lifestyle changes:<\/strong> Q4 ROI = \u00b1 12 months<\/p>\n With this easy-to-follow plan, your home will progressively become more energy-efficient and the investment you put in will start paying itself off immediately.<\/p>\n Article courtesy of EasyDIY<\/a><\/p>\n MORE DIY:<\/strong><\/p>\n Make your own recipe holder for your iPad or tablet<\/a><\/p>\n
\nHERE’S HOW:<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Step 1 \u2013 define your budget
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Step 2 \u2013 identify what uses the most electricity
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Step 3 \u2013 create a roll-out plan for implementation
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Step 4 \u2013 measure the return on investment
\nDivide the transformation into a step-by-step process, suggests the Mr. Power team:<\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe geyser uses up to 60% of the total electricity bill, so it\u2019s best to tackle this first. When choosing a device to manage the geyser, bear in mind that there is a big difference between a controller and a timer. The controller checks for current during the pre-set time period whilst a timer continuously heats and reheats the geyser during the pre-set time period
\nA Mr Power Geyser Controller can reduce your electricity bill by 20-30%, and the cost is approximately R1500, including installation by an electrician.<\/p>\n
\nSet the geyser thermostat at 65 degrees.
\nSwitch off lights and plug points \u2013 basically anything that draws a current and isn\u2019t in use.
\nAvoid using the hot water tap wherever possible \u2013 for example, wash your hands using cold water.<\/p>\n![\"energy2\"](\"https:\/\/benonicitytimes.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2014\/05\/energy2.jpg\")
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\nCalculate the average number of hours the various lighting is on. Begin with the biggest energy-eating lights, whether they are outdoor floodlights or indoor lighting (usually in the kitchen, followed by the living areas). Replace all these bulbs with LED lights \u2013 choose a reputable supplier with a guarantee. LED lighting has a low energy consumption, long life span (20,000 hours plus), and provide a variety of lighting ambience. They give a fuller spectrum of light and don\u2019t attract insects.
\nUse the calculator on the Mr Power website to measure your investment versus ROI at www.mrpower.co.za\/lightingcalculator.html
\nThere are many factors to consider when working out how much you will save, but you are looking at a saving of at least 10-20%.<\/p>\n
\nWash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
\nPlace a brick in the cistern of your toilet \u2013 this reduces the amount of water used for a flush.<\/p>\n
\nUse this quarter to continue the transformation to LED lighting throughout your home. Replacing conventional lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs as the conventional ones blow is an easy way to do so.
\nInstall a water-efficient showerhead in your shower. The Methven SatinJet\u00ae Showerhead design saves up to 40% of the water usage per shower, which translates to about 10% of the associated electricity costs, and is available from Mr Power. The average showerhead uses 12 \u2013 14 litres of water per minute, whereas SatinJet technology uses only 7.5 litres, which can provide a saving of about 5 -10%.<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t leave the tap running unnecessarily, for example when brushing your teeth.
\nEnsure your oven door seals properly so that the heat doesn\u2019t escape \u2013 a seal is inexpensive to replace.
\nElectric hotplates and pots keep a good temperature for several minutes after switching off, so turn off your plates just before the cooking process is complete.
\nQ3 ROI = \u00b1 6 months<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nAppliances and electronics consume approximately 20% of the energy in your home, so when it\u2019s time to replace a tired or damaged appliance, look for a new appliance with good to excellent energy efficiency ratings.
\nConsider a Pool Pump Controller, which works in a similar way to the Geyser Controller.<\/p>\n
\nConsider purchasing an energy saving kettle.
\nWhen leaving to go on holiday, switch your geyser\/s off.
\nWhen on holiday or away, turn the setting down on your fridge, as it won\u2019t be opened and closed regularly, thus it will retain the cold easier.<\/p>\n