Electrical Appliances
Modern day appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, fridges and freezers are all considerably more efficient than only a few years ago.
Swimming pool pumps have also improved performance and energy efficiency. An ‘energy rating’ label should be shown on the product. South Africa in 2016 introduced Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPSs) for residential electrical appliances and equipment such as geysers, and cooking- laundry-, dishwashing-, air-conditioning-, and refrigeration- products.
More information can be found under: https://www.savingenergy.org.za/asl/consumers/ The site also includes helpful tips for using appliances more efficiently e.g. washing laundry in cold water saves energy because the washing machine is not required to use additional electricity to heat water. Wash using cold water where possible.
When purchasing an appliance, it is important to understand how much energy it will use and as a result how much money it costs to run the appliance. As with all energy saving, the financial saving needs to be compared with the cost of the appliance.
The following calculation tools was created to aid consumers to make more informed decisions by calculating the long term cost for running an appliance:
https://www.savingenergy.org.za/asl/calculation-tools/
In respect of cooking, gas hobs are more efficient than electric, saving costs and providing more heat output and arguably more control than electric or induction hobs. Most consumers prefer electric ovens to gas, and these are energy hungry. As a rule of thumb, the better quality ovens are usually more efficient than cheaper models.
As a rule of thumb, the better quality ovens are usually more efficient than cheaper models.
When considering the installation of gas appliances it is important to know that according to the regulations that were introduced in 2009, all gas installations must have a Certificate of Compliance (COC) – effectively stating that the installation has been properly inspected and is determined to be safe and leak free. The onus is on the homeowners to ensure that they have this certificate in their possession – not the installer.
In the absence of a valid gas certificate, an insurance company could repudiate a claim, if a defective gas appliance caused a homeowner property damage.
It is also important for homeowners to know that, if they wish to sell their home and they have a gas appliance installed, they are required to obtain a gas certificate and deliver a copy thereof to the new purchaser. The types of gas installations that require this certificate include gas fires or braais, gas stoves and ovens, as well as hot water systems.