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Energy efficient living

We live in an era where we can no longer avoid our impact on the environment. Whether it is due to our personal eco journey or simply because EskomSePush reminds us that we are burning through resources way too fast, energy efficiency is top of mind these days.

Eco-friendly home solutions are already part of many households, ranging from easy-to-incorporate technology to simple behavioural adjustments. Now a more holistic approach to energy-efficiency can help you play a part in saving the earth as well as help you save on your monthly expenses.

Lighting the way to a better future Switch off the lights when you leave the room. But that's too simple, isn't it? We all know that. To go a bit further, use fewer bulbs with higher wattage - a single 100-watt bulb produces roughly the same amount of light as two 60-watt bulbs.

Incorporate task lighting through the use of lamps and under-counter lights. Task lighting helps to increase visibility where you need it and creates a cool, vintage aesthetic to boot.

Cleaning the way for a better solution

Opt for a front-loading washing machine that uses less water and costs less to operate, wash your clothes using cold water, and run full loads less often to reduce energy use spread out over the week. When you cannot afford a front-loader, do not refill the tub with new water for each load, and remember to recycle your water afterwards for garden irrigation.

Use your tumble dryer only on those rainy days when air drying isn't possible. While tumble dryers are indeed quick and efficient, the one thing global warming is good for is ensuring crisp, dry laundry on sunny days. Just remember the sunscreen and sun hat when hanging the laundry out to dry.

Heat up your approach to energy-efficiency

Use the most energy-efficient way to cook and heat up food. Use microwaves for quick reheating instead of switching on the oven. Boil the kettle before cooking pasta instead of letting the water come to a boil on the stove. Let food defrost overnight instead of popping it into the micowave. Use a pressure cooker that seals in heat instead of leaving the oven on for hours and hours.

Simply take a moment to think about an alternative method before switching on the usual appliance when it comes to turning the heat up on your culinary adventure. And remember, that oven's hot as hell after just a short while so switch it anywhere from 15-30 minutes ahead of the time and your food will still be succulent and perfectly cooked.

Stay cool on your eco journey

Ensure that your refrigerator and freezer doors close properly to ensure maximum temperature control. Otherwise, your cooling appliances will, in essence, be trying to cool down the entire room. Ag no shame, man.

Controlling your fridge's thermostat also ensures that you use maximum cooling power when new items are added, and then minimise energy use once the right temperature is reached. That little dial inside isn't just for show.

We're reaching boiling point

Lastly, for the love of a good cuppa, only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. Otherwise you're essentially just burning up energy for no purpose at all. Wait till Eskom gets wind of that power wastage, it'll be Stage 4 loadshedding in your era before the end of the week.

These are only a handful of energy-saving tips you can incorporate into your household. To learn more about how you can save on your energy costs and help save the earth in the process, get in touch with your iAgent today.

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This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)

23 Jun 2022
Author Meridian Realty
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