Page 5 - Dainfern Valley_Issue 3_2022

SECURITY NEWS

Follow this loadshedding checklist to be prepared - and not be left in the dark!

NOT SURE Follow these tips to keep your property and How to save electricity at home:

devices safe when the lights go out:
Switch off: Switch off appliances at the wall
and pull-out chargers. This could save you up
WHEN THE Switch off fridges and air conditioners: to 6% of your electricity bill.
These appliances usually work with
compressors; the pressurised gas could
Slow cook: Bring food to a boil then place hot
provide resistance and cause damage to
pot in an insulation cooker. The retained heat
LIGHTS MAY the device’s motor when the power is slow-cooks, saving up to 60% on energy.
turned back on. Switch off during load
shedding and switch back on one by one
Switch to gas: Use gas for cooking. Gas is more
when the power is restored and stable.
efficient than electricity and you have the
GO OFF Invest in a UPS (Uninterruptible Power added bonus of still being able to cook during
power outages.
Supply): This is a great way to protect your
devices, especially when you are working
Reduce hours: Set your pool pump to run
AGAIN? from home. It should keep your home office fewer hours. At 10 hours a day, it uses about
powered long enough to shut them down in
11% of your electricity. For winter, 2 3 hours is
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a safe manner.
enough for most pools.
Charge: Keep your cell phone charged, or
invest in a portable phone charger, so that Turn down: Turn down your geyser
you can still call for help if you need to. temperature to 60°C. This will save you up to
5% on your electricity bill.
Get back-up batteries: Alarm systems,
garage doors and electric gates generally rely Change: Replace regular bulbs with energy-
on electricity. Do not get caught with alarms saving ones that use 6 times less electricity.
failing or electric gates not opening during
load shedding by making sure you have good Cover up: Fit your geyser with a geyser blanket.
back-up batteries in place. It prevents heat loss, reducing the cost of
electricity needed to keep water hot.
Install solar powered lights: Placing a few,
high-wattage solar powered lights around Reduce hours: Set your pool pump to run
your garden will create enough light for you fewer hours. At 10 hours a day, it uses about
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to see what is going on outside and will help 11% of your electricity. For winter, 2 3 hours
deter potential burglars. is enough for most pools.
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