Through a few relatively simple changes to the way one uses electricity and fuel, South Africans can make 2022 a year to save.
“Price hikes have had a massive impact on all of us. There are, however, ways to keep the lights on, the wheels turning, limit risk and save a substantial amount of money in the process,” says Susan Steward of Budget Insurance.
This insurance company offers a few tips on how to save on electricity and fuel usage.
Electricity
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Although these are somewhat more expensive, they last longer and use substantially less electricity.
- Letting go of a large appliance such as a fridge can seem counter-productive when trying to save money, but newer fridges are far more energy-efficient and will save more in the long run.
- Taking a shower instead of a water and electricity-consuming bath; using the microwave instead of the stove or oven to cook and warm food; and opening windows instead of using the air conditioner are simple, smart ways to save energy and money.
- Turn off lights and appliances that are not in use.
- Use smart plugs to switch off your appliances such as TVs and sound systems entirely as opposed to putting them on the standby mode which guzzles power. Smart plugs have a companion app allowing you to set preferences for the devices.
- Whether for geysers, pool pumps or security lights, timers or smart switches will help you to limit electricity consumption.
- Make long-term plans to save electricity by putting in solar panels, switching out electricity-run stoves and ovens for gas and replacing air conditioning with ceiling fans and fireplaces. A prepaid electricity meter can monitor power consumption and assist with monthly budgeting.
Fuel
Regular vehicle maintenance and a few minor adjustments to your driving habits can boost the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by 40%.
- A car can burn up to 30% more fuel if proper maintenance is not performed on a regular schedule. Things like worn spark plugs, worn rings, faulty injectors, sticky brakes, low coolant levels, dirty oil and dirty filters all lead to inefficiency and higher fuel consumption.
- Check your car’s wheel alignment. Bad wheel alignment causes more friction, which takes more power to overcome and results in higher fuel consumption.
- Check for underinflated tyres, as these, too, increase resistance.
- Use the air conditioning sparingly.
- Reduce the vehicle’s weight by removing unnecessary items from it.
- Don’t speed.
- Drive at the lowest speed in the highest gear that the road and traffic conditions allow.
- Use the vehicle’s economy settings to optimise performance for maximum fuel efficiency.
- Do several tasks on one trip.
