What is the Purpose of this Website?
To many people the subject of electricity is shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, when in reality it is quite straightforward. You don't have a problem with the fact that your swimming pool has a capacity of 50 000 litres or that your car's fuel consumption is 7 km/l, so how is that different from understanding that an electric heater draws 1.2 kW or that your monthly electricity consumption is 750 kWh?
Yet, time and again, one comes across cases in the media where the terms are incorrectly used, and it is apparent that many people are confused.
Step One: Let's clear up the confusion. On the next page we'll explain in just a few paragraphs what the difference is between kW and kWh, and why this should be important to you.
Secondly, there are many wild and unsubstantiated claims and tips about saving electricity; some of them valid, some of them of doubtful value, and others incorrect. Some claims may be made in good faith but are not borne out by the facts, and others are plain misleading.
Step Two: We'll give you the facts. Many magazines, radio and TV programmes will give you a list of "Tips" on how to save electricity, but give you no indication of how effective these tips are (or if they do, their facts are often hopelessly wrong!). The information we'll be giving you is based on actual measurements and calculations. This is an ongoing exercise, and as we gather more data, so it will be published on this website.
To make it easier for you to find and refer to our guidelines, the website is divided into different sections:
- Household lighting
- Small appliances (kettles, toasters) [to follow]
- Large appliances (heaters, washing machines) [to follow]
- Fixed equipment (stove, geyser) [to follow]
- General (TV, radio, PC's, printers) [to follow]
- Outdoors (garden equipment, swimming pool) [to follow]
It is our intention to publish this information and guidelines in due course in book form, and/or as a downloadable pdf file, which you can use to do your own calculations and keep your own records.
Note: We are not going to merely give you a list of tips (American style - The Seven Easy Steps to Instant Wealth...!), we'll rather give you the facts, and it is up to you to decide for yourself what best applies to your circumstances and needs. We could have titled this: "The Thinking Man's Guide to Saving Electricity".
Okay, enough of the waffle, let's get down to business, and find out how we measure electricity.
Why Save Electricity?
- To save money. The world-wide sky-rocketing price of electricity is going to affect us all, so by saving electricity you will be saving yourself money. Unlike a number of devices on the market which require you to spend money now in order to save money later, we'll give you information and advice which will cost you nothing but a bit of thought and a bit of effort.
- To save the country. With the current crisis being experienced in South Africa by Eskom (the national electricity supplier), saving electricity has become a national priority.
- To save the world. Our planet is facing the very real crisis of global warming. We are used to "consuming" as if there were no tomorrow, and if we carry on as we are maybe there WILL be no tomorrow! It is our duty to stop being so wasteful - it is the right thing to do.
Note
This website is published in South Africa and refers specifically to South African conditions and currency. However the principles apply equally well in any other country.
WARNING
Electricity can kill you! If at any time you are going to carry out your own measurements please remember that safety is of paramount importance. If you are not 100% sure that you know what you are doing, rather call in a qualified Electrician.