Easy Electricity Savings with Smart Tools

Energy audits coupled with efficiency upgrades are some of most sensible things a home or business owner can do to lower utility bills and contribute to a cleaner future.  Not every one owns, and many who do are hesitant to make the initial investment in solar panels and weatherstripping, but with these smart tools and an electricity audit you can get in on the savings.

Auto-timed powerstrips allow you to deny power to gadgets for the times they’re not in use.  This is especially good for TV sets and computers which draw the most electricity when “off” and are likely to be idle during daytime hours.  Some entertainment system burn 720w/day in this way.  The 8-outlet plug is one of the easiest ways to reduce your load.  If you prefer to buy locally, you may want to call ahead, because not many stores carry these.

Opt for CFLs, LEDs & task-oriented lighting.  If you haven’t already, it’s time to nix the halogens.  Also look around your home and work space, some rooms may be overloaded with overhead lights all connected to the same switch.  At 60 watts each, you could be burning 14 watts just to get a glass of water.  Switch to CFLs or LEDs and consider a digital dimmer.

Timer switches are the perfect way to “turn off the lights behind you” (or your forgetful loved ones) and they can be mixed with motion sensor lights, so you’re not left in the dark.  The modlet has a modern design and is sold in beginner bundles; other styles are available at the hardware store for about $12.

Appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, desktops and televisions draw power from the grid even when they’re switched off, but just how many kWh are lost to these energy vampires?  To exercise the awesome powers of monitoring your electricity use by appliance, consider the Ted series, eMonitor, Envi, BlueLine or eGauge.  These smart meters have the ability to further sort your personal data into categories like current usage (kW or $/hr),  electricity consumed that hour, day, projected for that billing cycle (kWh or $/hr).  And for a spend-thrift way to apply these concepts, choose WattVision’s “Kill-A-Watt”.  This unit plugs into gadgets individually for a real time account.

Electricity monitors won’t demand a lifestyle change, but they will show you where your waste is.  Many include applications that will fit your mobile lifestyle, provide feedback, and help you make the meaningful behavioral changes that will save you even more greenbacks.  For serious savings and inspiration, this is the way to go.

Source: Green Upgrader (Allison Leahy)

If an energy-saving attitude is applied to everyday electrical appliances and habits, what may seem like minor changes, will lead to big savings- both of electricity and money plus you’ll be doing the environment a favour.  Once you see the benefits (especially to your bank balance!) you may consider investing the money you saved into solar panels and solar geysers for even more substantial savings.  See Top 9 Energy Efficient Laptops Ranked and Energy efficiency should be seen as another ‘fuel’.

Water Rhapsody Water Conservation Systems Mpumalanga offers water tank and rainwater tank installation, rainwater harvesting systems (see rainwater FAQ), grey water recycling  (see greywater FAQ) and water-saving devices for swimming pools and toilet flush systems (see product demo ).  Our WWF Award-winning water systems can be retrofitted or built into new buildings and can be adapted to small households or large business blocks, hospitals, schools, lodges & hotels.

Water Rhapsody has incorporated Yes Solar– official distributor of German-made Solsquare solar water heating systems that are installed by Eskom-accredited solar installers (our solar geysers are eligible for Eskom solar energy rebates).  We are authorized JoJo Water Tank dealers and Atlas Plastics water tank suppliers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province (best water tank prices in the Lowveld!).  We are also able to supply sanitary hardware such as waterless toilets through our JoJo Tanks and Atlas Plastics dealerships.

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE on a solar water geyser, water tank or rainwater/gray water system.  South Africa now has eco-friendly insurance– another way to go green, switch to green insurance cover and reduce your carbon footprint today!