Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency ratings
By law, all household appliances are required to display labels that accurately reflect their energy efficiency. This is to enable consumers to make informed decisions regarding value for money and long term energy savings. Appliances are ranked on an energy efficiency scale of A+++ – G, A being the most efficient and G the least efficient. Be wary of products that can't provide the actual power rating as they are rated according to other options in a range, rather than their actual efficiency.
Many appliances are also rated by Energy Star, a US-based organisation that tests the efficiency of appliances in the interests of promoting energy efficient technology to save consumers money and reduce the production of green house gases. We only stock appliances from brands that have proven energy efficiency ratings.
What can I do to improve my home’s energy efficiency?
There are a few simple steps that you can take to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
- Invest in an electricity monitor to be able to determine your current household electricity usage.
- Replace all existing lights with their LED counterparts. This will reduce up to 90% of your lighting bill.
- Use Solar Lights for exterior lighting.
- Become energy conscious. Switch off appliances that are not in use, do not leave them on standby.
- Use the cold water wash option on your washing machine; alternatively you can lower the temperature setting from 60°C to 30°C and save up to 50% on your laundry energy consumption.
- Set your geyser at 55°C and cover it with a geyser blanket for maximum efficiency (this alone can save you up to R 1 000.00 on your energy bill). You can also manually switch it on and off, or invest in a timer.
- Give your tumble dryer a rest and your laundry a breath of fresh air.
- Insulate your ceilings.
- Use more blankets on cold winter nights instead of a room heater.
- Invest in A+ Rated Refrigerators. These refrigerators use almost half the energy of their counterparts. Alternatively, do not have the refrigerator/ freezer door open for long. They only use power when the motor switches on to cool down the unit to the set temperature.
- Replace your stove and/ or oven with gas. All heating appliances use a significant amount of energy so it is a good idea to replace them or reduce usage where you can.
Pre-emptive energy efficiency
The easiest way to guarantee energy efficiency is to start at the very beginning – with construction. Green building practices have taken off internationally with whole towns being designed to be as energy efficient as possible. In developing countries and areas where power supply is an issue (such as large portions of South Africa), incorporating energy efficiency in the building design is one of the most important ways to improve the standard of living.
Sometimes the simplest strategy is the best and this theory holds true for the design of energy efficient homes and buildings. Location is important as surrounding hills and trees can play a role in regulating light and temperature, as can the strategic placement of windows. White houses are cooler and more energy efficient than dark houses, with roof colour playing a particularly important role in heat regulation and energy efficiency.
Benefit from energy efficiency
A simple energy efficiency strategy will enable you to cut your energy bill by up to 50%, so you can save money and the environment at the same time. The costs of investing in a Solar Power system will also be reduced.
Contact Sustainable.co.za today to upgrade to more energy efficient appliances, alternatively you can chat to our energy efficiency experts to find out more about the benefits of using sustainable and renewable energy.
