Energy-Efficient Living: Small Changes That Cut Electricity Costs

South Africans are becoming increasingly aware of the cost of running their homes. With electricity tariffs set to rise again this year; including an 8.76% increase for Eskom direct customers from 1 April and cumulative hikes of roughly 18.36% over two years, households are rethinking how they consume energy. What was once an invisible background cost is now a central consideration in home design.

Bianca Leonard, Marketing Manager at consumer technology specialists Solenco, says the conversation is moving beyond backup power solutions.

“Consumers have invested heavily in inverters, batteries, and solar,” Leonard explains. “The next step is looking at the appliances we use every day and asking whether they align with that investment. Energy efficiency should sit alongside aesthetics and functionality when making purchasing decisions.”

Some of the most familiar household staples are also the biggest energy drains. Traditional tumble dryers, for example, consume significant power and often work poorly with inverter systems. Modern dehumidifiers offer a smarter alternative: they dry laundry indoors at up to five times less cost per load while using less energy than many household fridges. They also improve air quality by reducing excess moisture that can lead to mould, damp, and respiratory irritation.

Air conditioning presents a similar challenge. While essential in extreme heat, it is energy-intensive and can strain backup systems. Energy-efficient air circulators with DC motors and wide oscillation deliver effective airflow while using only a fraction of the power.

“Efficiency doesn’t mean compromising on lifestyle,” says Leonard. “An energy-efficient home is about choosing products that work smarter and harder. When appliances are designed to be efficient from the outset, you save money over time and reduce the stress of constantly monitoring energy use.”

Leonard adds that improving household efficiency doesn’t always require major investments.

Often, small changes to everyday appliances and routines can make a measurable difference.

Key strategies include:

1. Switch to LED lighting: LED bulbs consume 80–90% less electricity than traditional incandescent lights and last significantly longer.

2. Dry laundry with dehumidifiers instead of tumble dryers: They remove moisture from the air, dry clothes at a fraction of the cost, and reduce damp and mould risks.

3. Use energy-efficient air circulators instead of running air conditioners constantly: Modern DC motor fans provide effective, quiet airflow at a fraction of an air conditioner’s energy use.

4. Choose fridges with inverter compressor technology: These adjust power output to match cooling demand, reducing electricity consumption and extending appliance lifespan.

5. Time high-energy tasks with solar generation: For homes with rooftop solar, running appliances such as irons, washing machines, or dishwashers during daylight hours allows solar to carry more of the load.

With electricity costs expected to remain under pressure, equipping homes with energy-efficient appliances is increasingly a long-term strategy rather than a trend. For middle- to high-income households, considered upgrades now can deliver value, comfort, and peace of mind well beyond the next tariff increase.

“Energy efficiency is ultimately about thinking long term,” Leonard concludes. “Small decisions across lighting, appliances, and daily habits can reduce electricity costs over time while keeping homes comfortable.”