... Tips to Help You Use Energy More Efficiently and Save Money

The Volta River Authority is committed to protecting the interests of Ghanaians assisting consumers to use energy more efficiently. This is aimed at creating an energy efficiency culture that would ensure a reliable, sustainable and diverse supply of competitively priced power for the Nation.

You'll be amazed at how easy it is to save energy around your home – often without spending a cedi!

Just follow the proven tips outlined below and you'll start saving money right away – that's money you can spend on something else, and you'll also be saving the Akosombo Dam. Start today and see how much money you can save.

How energy is used in Ghanaian Homes? The table shows the top uses of energy in our homes.

AIR CONDITIONERS

Air conditioners account for about 6.5 % of energy used in our homes and let's face it, do we really need them. Installing ceiling fans to supplement or replace air conditioners could greatly reduce our consumption as they generally use less electricity.

  • Let your thermostat comfortably high. Set your thermostat at 25 ºC instead of in the tens or low 20s and you probably couldn't tell the difference, even though every degree less than 26 ºC results in noticeably higher bills. Increasing the setting by only 1 ºC could save you a lot of money!
  • For older air conditioners, use a power controlling device to reduce the energy consumption of the Ac's electric motor.
  • In Ghana , the Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling Bill, LI1815 has been passed for air-conditioners and fluorescent lamps. Look for the energy efficiency label when replacing or buying a new air conditioner. Select a high efficiency model when replacing; a five star rating is the highest and is highly recommended. This uses less energy and could save you a lot of money annually.
  • Make sure air conditioners are properly maintained.
  • Make sure air conditioned spaces are properly sealed, keep doors closed while in use and check for holes or cracks around windows, doors, and ceilings that can leak cool air or allow warm air to enter. It is not recommended to use air conditioners in rooms with louver blades.
  • Keep the window curtains closed during the day to prevent the sun entering.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights; they produce heat which works against the air conditioning.
  • Switch off air conditioners at the end of the day and when leaving the office for long periods such as lunch break.
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LIGHTING

Making improvements to your lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. An average household dedicates more than 30% of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50% to 75%.
 


Change to Compact fluorescent light bulbs!!!

They cost a bit more than ordinary light bulbs but then last up to 12 times longer and could save you a lot on your annual electricity bill over the bulb's lifetime! In fact they pay for themselves in as little as three months.


  • Turn off the lights in any room you're not using or when you leave a room.
  • Take advantage of natural light where possible, draw curtains to admit light into rooms.
  • Use outdoor lights with a photocell unit or a motion sensor so they will turn on only at night or when someone is present. A combined photocell and motion sensor will increase your energy savings even more.
  • Remove defective fluorescent tubes from circuit.
 

IRONS

  • Iron fabrics which require lower temperatures first as the iron takes longer to heat than to cool.
  • Iron in bulk instead of one item at a time.
  • Turn off the iron before attending to other business.


.. REFRIGERATORS

  • Fridge doors should not be left open for longer than necessary (Cold Air Escape).
  • Hot food should not be put straight in the fridge; they should be allowed to cool down first.
  • Fridges should be regularly defrosted to keep them running efficiently, if it tends to frost up quickly, the door seal should be checked.
  • Keep fridges away from cookers and boilers.
  • Thermal overload devices on fridges, etc should be checked regularly as they may become welded and pass large currents.
  • Replace bad seals on refrigerator doors.
  • When purchasing a new fridge consider a high efficiency model.
  • It is cheaper to run one large refrigerator than two small ones.


OTHERS

  • Don't leave appliances, such as TVs, stereos, computers, monitors and DVD players, on standby and remember not to leave appliances like mobile phones or laptops on charge unnecessarily.

  • Make sure your appliances, electrical circuits and cooling systems are properly maintained. Check your owner's manuals for the recommended maintenance.
  • Only boil as much water as you need. Why heat a whole kettle of water just to drink a cup of tea?
  • When the opportunity arises to replace appliances form a habit of buying only energy efficient appliances.
  • Avoid running large appliances such as Air conditioners, washers, dryers and ovens during peak demand hours (between 6 and 9 a.m. and 6 and 9 p.m.).