Lighting You will save energy, money and eye strain by lighting your home properly. Follow these guidelines:
- The wattage of a bulb is not a measure of the amount of light it gives, but rather the energy it uses. For instance, a 100 watt bulb gives 50% more light than four 25 watt bulbs.
- Fluorescent lamps give five times the light and last up to 10 times as long as ordinary bulbs.
- Fluorescent lighting is more economical - Watt for Watt than incandescent bulbs. They use less energy and can last about 10 times longer. (Image on Slide: Use Electricity Wisely - In the Bedroom)
- Never confine lighting to one part of the room. Avoid heavy contrast by using lamp shades that direct light both up and down.
- Try not to install multiple lights (lamps or lighting fixtures) on a single switch. Above all, turn lights off whenever possible because, they use electricity while they burn.
- Clean your lamps and bulbs regularly, because dirt decreases the amount of light given out.
- Dimming switches allow you to regulate the light level and reduce electricity consumption to some extent.
- Use lampshades with a white liner. Liners should be sufficiently dense to hide the bulb but should transmit soft, even light.
- Use low energy lamps for exterior lighting.
Air conditioning
- Air conditioning circulates the air and makes your home more comfortable. It maintains the temperature at a suitable level, dehumidifies, and removes dust and particles from the air, Here are some ways to increase its efficiency:
- Clean and inspect filter screens regularly. This will keep electricity consumption at its best and eliminate dust and pollen from conditioned air.
- Use light coloured curtains to reflect sun and heat outward.
- Set the air conditioning unit to re-circulate cool air instead of drawing in warmer outside air.
- Protect the outdoor cooling units from the sun. Place them on the south or shady side of your house.
- Be sure your television, radio and stereo are off when no one is watching or listening.
- Generally, you should turn your heating/cooling system off when the space in unoccupied. You can use a time-clock to turn them on prior to occupancy again if you like. Do not heat storage and unoccupied areas, like the basement or garage.
Source – www.eskom.co.za
