How to save electricity in your home – Part 2

Here are some handy tips for reducing energy around the house

In the Kitchen:

Use a kettle to boil water for cooking as it is quicker and uses less energy than a pot on the hob.
Always match the size of the pan with the size of the stove plate.
Use a microwave to cook as it is quicker and cheaper, 1 oven uses the same power as 18 microwaves.
Only fill kettle with the amount of water that you need.
Cut food into smaller sections before cooking to help it cook quicker.
Make your toast in a toaster, not under the grill.
Don’t keep opening the oven door while you are cooking.
Always put a full load of washing in the washing machine and if the weather is good dry the clothes on the line outside.
If you have a stove with heavy solid plates that retain heat, switch off the plate a few minutes before removing the pot.
When you open your fridge door for more than a moment, it loses cold air. Cooling it down again will take a lot of electricity. So be quick and don’t let all that cold air out.
Do not place hot food in the refrigerator or the deep freeze, rather allow it to cool outside first.
Ensure that the door seals are in good condition and don’t put the refrigerator near the oven.
Every time you switch on your dishwasher, it’s the same as switching on 120 CFL energy-saving light bulbs. Wait until the dishwasher is full before you switch it on. Use the economy programme wherever possible.
Clothes should never be placed in the tumble dryer while they are still dripping with water, so be sure to remove excess water.