Alright, so what’s watt?

From the second we open our eyes in the morning to the moment we shut them, we use electricity for everything. Unless you live in a cave. But even caves need a bit of light now and again.
So when things like load shedding creep in we get a little neurotic, don’t we?
Chill out! Even with the impending doom of load shedding we do not have to go back to the days of Fred and Wilma Flintstone to save power.
Here are 10 easy steps to ease up your electricity consumption.
1. Turn off the greedy appliances
You do not need to keep the hair dryer, blender and ice crusher on all the time. Unplug them when they are not in use. The same goes for your cellphone charger; even if you are not charging your phone, it still draws current.
2. Do not leave things on ‘standby’ mode
“They” claim it uses less electricity this way. “They” lied. Things like your television, DVD player and decoders guzzle power, even on standby or ‘sleep’ mode. Switch it off and pull the plugs out.
3. Go green
Before you buy a new appliance check its energy efficiency rating (usually rated on the label from A – most efficient to G – least efficient). You could save up to R680 a year.
4. Cook smart, cookie!
If you are using a small pan/pot, use a small plate. Cut your food into smaller portions so it cooks faster. Where possible cook in the microwave as it uses less power than your oven.
5. Don’t waste
If you are only making one cup of coffee there is no need to fill the entire kettle up. Close the fridge when you are not using it.w
6. Turn it… off, not on
If you are not in the room, switch the lights off. The boogeyman will not come and get you and you should be old enough to sleep without the bathroom light on.
7. Do not bath!
Personal hygiene is very important but try to use the shower. It uses less water and cleans you up just the same. On that note, if you hear a tap dripping fix it immediately.
8. Get a geyser blanket
This will help your geyser retain heat, especially during winter.
9. Pump it up
Fit a timer to your swimming pump or only use it when you really need to. Those little dudes are major electricity chompers.
10. Be sensible
It comes down to this: if you are not using it, switch it off. When you use it, do it as quickly as possible and then switch it back off.