8 Ways to cut down on your water and electricity usage

The recent drought in Cape Town has made people around the country conscious about the way they use water.

Gauteng is no stranger to a water crisis. Level 1 water restrictions that were put in place in March last year are still effective in Johannesburg.

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But severe weather is not the only reason why many households are looking for new ways to cut down on their water usage. The high cost of electricity has also left a dent in their pockets.

We have put together eight easy ways you can reduce your water and electricity usage every month.

Pay attention to your geyser

One of the first places you should start when it comes to reducing your electricity use is your geyser. Water heaters use a lot of energy. Schedule specific times for your geyser to be on and encourage your family to wash during those times. A geyser timer can also help control this. Another good idea is to lower the temperature on your geyser. You will hardly notice the difference!

Hand wash clothes

Doing your laundry using a washing machine, not only uses a lot of water but it also consumes a lot of electricity. Rather hand wash your clothes in the morning and hang them out to dry. Only use your tumble dryer or air dryer when it is raining. If you absolutely have to use your washing machine, try to catch the grey water from your wash and use this to water your grass or to fill up your cistern to flush your toilets. Remember grey water not used immediately needs to be treated with antibacterial products like bleach and will only last a day or two, and you can’t drink it.

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Fix leaks

This is something that seems like commons sense. But many people ignore small leaks, making a mental note to call a plumber, but they never do. A leaky faucet can waste more than 11,000 litres of water a year, according to the US Environmental Protections Agency. That works out to 180 showers!  The Alliance for Water Efficiency has a few tips on how you can check for leaks in your home.

Feeling cold? Grab a jacket

Instead of turning on your heater on cold days, rather put on a jacket or cover yourself with a blanket. You can also use a hot water bottle to keep warm.

Shop smart

Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and fridges now come with energy star ratings. Shop around for the most energy efficient one – which will no doubt save you money in the long run.

Switch off/unplug appliances

Remember to switch off or unplug appliances when you are not using them. Many people think leaving their TV on standby mode means it is off. But it is still using electricity. The same goes for your phone charger. Don’t leave your charger plugged in the socket when you are done, because it continues to draw energy.

Short showers

Trade long baths with shorter showers and watch your water bill drop. You can take it one step further and install a water efficient showerhead.

Prepaid electricity

Many homeowners are turning to the prepaid electricity system as it allows them to control and monitor how much electricity they use. It makes you more aware about how much you are wasting.

Do you have any water and electricity saving tips? Share them in the comments below.