Save electricity to prevent blackouts and cut down on costs
2008-01-24
WITH the current blackouts, it’s the responsibility of all citizens to save electricity. * Turn off your television, video, DVD, hi-fi, playstation, and other entertainment devices when they are not being used. * Do not leave your television and other electronic equipment in standby mode. Devices can use up to 90% as much power in standby mode as when they are on, so it is a serious waste of energy when a device is left constantly on standby. If you keep forgetting, consider purchasing a PowerSafer - a device which automatically cuts power to appliances when they go into standby mode. * Replace all of your inefficient incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient CFL bulbs. Replace halogen spotlights with more efficient and longer lasting LED Spotlights. * Hang your clothes out to dry rather than using an electric drier. * Cook many items at the same time when your electric oven is hot. * Use a microwave to reheat food or to cook small portions. Although a microwave uses a lot of power, it does so over a very short time and so saves energy overall. * Turn down your geyser and heating system. For every degree you lower your heat between 600F and 700F you can save up to 5% on your heating bill. In winter, wear an extra layer of clothing in the house so that you stay warm. * Vacuum clean the condenser coils at the back or underneath your fridge freezer. Accumulated dust reduces their efficiency by up to 25% adding that cost to your electricity bill. * Fold clothes straight out of the tumble drier while they are still warm to save on ironing. * Cool cooked food before you put it into the fridge. * Do not put uncovered liquids into the fridge. Their evaporation will make the fridge have to work harder. * Heat only as much water as you require for drinks and cooking. If you keep forgetting, purchase an energy-efficient eco kettle. * Use a convection oven. A small fan inside which circulates hot air throughout the oven, cuts cooking times by up to 30%. * Don’t preheat the oven for roasting. * Don’t keep opening the oven door. Every time you do so, your oven loses 200C of heat. * Put lamps in the corner of a room so that the light is reflected off two walls.
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