5 Cheap and Easy Ways to Save Electricity in South Africa

Mondo Admin / 26-01-2023 / Financial News

With an 18.65% electricity tariff hike on the horizon, we’re all looking for ways to save where we can.

Many of the popular long-term money saving hacks, like adopting solar power and replacing your light bulbs can be an expensive exercise.

But there is hope! Here are 5 simple, cost effective ways to save and make a difference to that growing electricity bill.


1.Switch to Gas

Installing a gas stove can set you back thousands of Rands. The easy fix is to invest in a small hotplate.

One or two-plate hotplates are feature regularly on the shelves at your local super market and online stores. Quality hotplates that are built to last can cost anything between R159 – R800. Hotplates are also a handy tool to have around for when load shedding or power outages occur so you’re also saving on takeaways.  

2.Blanket Your Geyser

Keep your water heated without adding extra volts into the mix with the help of a geyser blanket.

This accessory works in much the same way as regular blankets do, wrapping around the geyser and providing an added layer of warmth and keeping your water hotter for longer.

Geyser blankets range in price from R200 upwards.

3.Keep it Cool

Another great trick for your geyser that costs zero Rands to achieve, is to lower the set temperature to 55 – 60

Making this simple change can knock about 5% off your electricity bill!

4.Get Unplugged  

Much like turning light switches off when you leave a room saves energy, unplugging your chargers and other plugs for appliances that are not in use also make a big difference to your bill. Simply unplugging non-essential appliances like your microwaves, washing machines, kettles, hair straighteners and chargers while you’re away from home can save you up to 10% every month.

5.Defrosting Food

Life is busy, but where possible, try to avoid using your microwave to defrost your meat and poultry products. Rather, leave your food of choice to defrost naturally in your fridge overnight.

You can even speed up the process by thawing the meat in a bowl filled with water. This not only saves energy but also helps prevent bacteria from latching on to your food or drying out your produce in the microwave. It’s also great practice for those late evening load shedding slots!

There are many other small changes we can make in our daily lives that will lead to big savings on our electricity bills. By following these 5 tips, you'll be sure to see a decrease in your monthly electricity  expenditure. Be sure to try them out and let us know how much you saved!

TECH NEWS

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How to Identify and Protect Yourself from Vishing Scams

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Although this device is available in only 2 colours (Blue and White), its shimmering “star-effect” finish adds a stylish touch.But… what about the specs?The Huawei nova 13i comes with a 6.7-inch LCD screen and a dynamic refresh rate of up to 90Hz, delivering smooth visuals for everyday use. It also includes an always-on display, so you’ll never miss an important notification.The camera setup includes a dual rear camera, featuring a 108MP main lens and a 2MP depth sensor. The 8MP front camera is perfect for selfies and you still get the signature AI tools to help you create the perfect picture.The Huawei nova 13i comes with the same impressive 5000mAh battery with 40W Huawei SuperCharge Turbo, allowing it to reach 62% in just 30 minutes. 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View the full Huawei range here.FAQsWhat makes the Huawei nova 13 range unique?The Huawei nova 13 range stands out with AI Best Expression for photos, premium finishes, excellent cameras and fast-charging capabilities.Which Huawei nova is best for photography?The Huawei nova 13 Pro is the best for photography, featuring advanced AI tools and top-tier camera specs like a 60MP front camera and 50MP rear camera.What are the key features of the Huawei nova 13?The Huawei nova 13 features a 6.7-inch OLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, 50MP dual rear camera and a 5000mAh battery with 100W fast charging, reaching 50% in just 10 minutes.How does the Huawei nova 13i differ from the nova 13?The nova 13i has an LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 108 MP dual rear camera and 40W charging. The nova 13 offers an OLED display, 120Hz, 3x optical zoom and faster 100W charging.How does the Huawei nova 13 series compare to the Huawei nova 12?The Huawei nova 13 series improves on the nova 12 with better finishes, upgraded AI photography, faster charging, and improved battery life.Referenceshttps://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325226.shtml#:~:text=Huawei%20debuted%20the%20all%2Dnew,Product%20Launch%20on%20December%2012.https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-nova-13i-here-are-the-top-six-features/

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In terms of performance, both models are powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, offering exceptional speed. However, the Ultra's additional RAM can go up to 16GB.The S25 Ultra also boasts exclusive features like a quad-camera system with 200MP primary lens, (compared to the 108MP lens on the S25), 10x optical zoom and enhanced Nightography. It is also equipped with a 5,500mAh battery that supports faster 65W charging and integrates an S Pen – ideal for notetaking.When it comes to pricing, the S25 is the more affordable option, catering to users who want high performance but don’t want to overspend to get it.The Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxThe Samsung Galaxy S25 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offer distinct user experiences. With the Galaxy S25 you get customisation and flexibility, supporting universal apps and expandable storage. Meanwhile with the iPhone 16 Pro Max there’s seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.Both devices have amazing cameras. The Galaxy S25 shines in low-light photography, thanks to its advanced AI-powered Nightography feature, making it a standout choice for capturing stunning nighttime shots. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers ProRAW, delivering unparalleled editing control for professional-grade photos, ideal for content creators.When it comes to pricing and long-term value, the two devices cater to different priorities. The Galaxy S25 is more competitively priced, making it an appealing choice for those seeking premium features at a reasonable cost. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max retains higher resale value, driven by strong brand loyalty.The Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. The Galaxy Z Fold 6The biggest difference between these two devices is the foldable display of the Z Fold 6 which provides tablet-like functionality. Though unique, the fold feature does make for a bulkier phone which can be a turn off.The Galaxy Z Fold 6 boasts a 7.6-inch inner display, ideal for multitasking, gaming and more screen time. Its multi-window feature allows users to run up to three apps simultaneously, making it a productivity powerhouse.But when it comes to durability and value, the Samsung Galaxy S25 stands out with its water-resistant build and Gorilla Glass Victus 3. In terms of affordability, the S25 is the more budget-friendly option as well.The Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. The vivo X200 Pro and The OnePlus 13The Samsung Galaxy S25’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor consistently outperforms vivo’s MediaTek Dimensity 9300 and OnePlus’ Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The vivo X200 Pro excels in photography, thanks to its ZEISS optics and custom sensors, while the OnePlus 13 stands out with its industry-leading 150W fast charging solution.Both the vivo, and OnePlus are more competitively priced but, the pricier Samsung has worldwide loyal fans for a reason.The Samsung Galaxy S25 vs The Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S25 introduces significant year-on-year improvements compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its new chipset delivers a 20% performance boost, while enhanced AI algorithms further refine Nightography, making low-light photography even better. The device also comes with One UI 6, which offers enhanced customisation options and improved security features.Whether you should upgrade will depend on your priorities. If cutting-edge performance and the latest features are essential to you, the S25 is a worthwhile investment. However, if you are satisfied with the current performance and features of the S24 Ultra, sticking with your existing device may be the better choice.The Final Verdict The Galaxy S25 Ultra is an excellent option for power users and content creators who require top-tier performance and advanced features.On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is best suited for Apple loyalists who value the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.For multitaskers and work-from phone types, the foldable Galaxy Z Fold 6 stands out as an ideal choice, offering unparalleled versatility.If you’re keener for great value with a tighter budget, both the vivo X200 Pro and the OnePlus 13 deliver impressive features with a lower price tag.The Galaxy S25 strikes a perfect balance between all these devices, offering strong performance, a competitive price point and well-rounded features, making it a reliable choice for most users.Find your perfect smartphone deal on Mondo!FAQs 1. What’s the difference between the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra? The S25 Ultra has a bigger screen, more memory, better cameras and charges faster. It also comes with an S Pen. The S25 is cheaper but still very powerful. 2. How is the Galaxy S25 better than the iPhone 16 Pro Max? The Galaxy S25 lets you customise more and takes amazing low-light photos. The iPhone 16 Pro Max works best with other Apple products and is great for editing photos. 3. Should I choose the Galaxy S25 or Galaxy Z Fold 6? The Z Fold 6 is great for multitasking with its big foldable screen. But it’s heavier and more expensive. The S25 is slimmer, tougher and costs less.4. Is the Galaxy S25 better than the vivo X200 Pro or OnePlus 13? The S25 is faster and works better overall. The vivo is good for photos, and the OnePlus charges really quickly. The S25 is a reliable choice for most people.5. Should I upgrade to the Galaxy S25 from the S24 Ultra? If you want better performance, photos and new software, the S25 is worth it. 6. Why is the Galaxy S25 a good choice? It’s fast, has great features and doesn’t cost as much as other top phones. It’s perfect for most users.  References: https://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-s25/buy/ https://mashable.com/article/samsung-galaxy-s25-vs-s24 https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-vs-galaxy-z-fold-6 https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-vs-apple-iphone-16-pro-max_id6680 https://www.phonearena.com/phones/compare/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra,vivo-X200/phones/12343,12430 

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