Save electricity ; Winter is coming

  As winter draws near and the need to use more elctricity grows, here are a few tips on how to save electricity save more money. • When electrical appliances are not in use, switch them off. • Heat as few rooms as possible and keep a heated room’s doors and windows closed. • Switch off heaters if the room is empty. • Use low-powered heaters. • If possible, insulate ceiling spaces above the rooms with insulating material. • An electric blanket uses about four times less electricity than even a small heater. • Ensure that fridge doors seal and are in good condition. • Do not open fridge doors unnecessarily. • Do not leave the fridge door open while busy doing other things. • Do not place hot food or liquids in the fridge. • A heavy build-up of ice increases the running costs of your fridge – ensure you defrost it regularly. • Switch unnecessary lights off and do not leave your outdoor lights on during the day. • Use energy-efficient light bulbs where possible. Try using a bulb with the lowest possible wattage that provides sufficient light. • It costs less to boil a kettle than boiling water on the stove. • Do not overfill your kettle when boiling, use only as much as you require. (Always ensure the element is covered.) • Pour excess water into a thermos flask for future use – it saves both time and money. • Electric frying pans and microwave ovens use less electricity than stoves – so does pressure cookers and stackable pots. • Always match the size of the pot with the size of your stove’s plates. • Do not use pots with distorted bottoms – they require a lot more heat. • Turn the temperature down during the cooking process. • Do not use the stove to cook a single dish at a time or to heat the room. • Switch your stove off when not in use. • Replace damaged stove plates regularly.