Imagine your appliances as superheroes. Not the kind with capes and tights, but ones who fight for a greener planet and a lighter wallet. That’s the power of energy efficient appliances.
By Ashanti Mbanga
Here’s why they deserve a spot in any home.
- They’re Budget Bruce Banners: Sure, they might not look as flashy as older models, but just like Bruce Banner hiding his Hulk potential, these appliances pack a mighty punch when it comes to saving you money. Lower energy bills translate to more cash for the things you really love.
- They’re Environmental Wonder Women: Worried about your carbon footprint? Energy efficient appliances use less power, which means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Consider them your personal Wonder Women, saving the planet one kilowatt at a time.
- They’re Durability Diamondbacks: Remember Captain America’s indestructible shield? Energy efficient appliances are built to last. They utilise better technology and materials, resulting in a longer lifespan and fewer replacements down the road.
- They’re Comfort Captain Americas: Just like Captain America wouldn’t want you living in a draughty, inefficient apartment, energy efficient appliances ensure optimal performance. They keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, offering superior comfort without breaking a sweat (or the bank).
- They’re Efficiency Iron Mans: Remember Iron Man’s sleek, high-tech suits? Energy-efficient appliances are the epitome of smart technology. They are packed with features to optimise energy use, making them the Iron Man of your home, fighting inefficiency with innovation.
Understanding Energy Efficiency Labels: Making Smart Choices for Your Home
South Africa is committed to reducing its emissions by 33 – 42% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the country has implemented a range of initiatives, including investing in renewable energy sources, introducing energy efficiency measures, and investing in green infrastructure. Each with multiple benefits for consumers. In keeping with South Africa’s commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 2 degrees celsius, we will also contribute to the global effort to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve net zero emissions.
“For South Africa market regulation is key to achieving national energy efficiency policy imperatives. These include improving competitiveness to stimulate private sector investment and increase exports; the promotion of local manufacturing; employment creation; consumer protection and discouraging the ‘dumping’ of inferior imported products,” says Project Manager Ashanti Mbanga at SANEDI.
The South African National Energy Development Agency (SANEDI) is the implementing agent for the national Energy Efficiency Appliance Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme. With the implementation of energy efficient labels, consumers can make more informed choices when purchasing electrical appliances, ultimately putting the power back in your savings.
The energy efficient labels provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions when shopping for appliances. The labels will include the amount of energy an appliance uses, its price, and other relevant information that consumers can use to compare different models and make informed decisions.
Electricity guzzlers in the home are:
- Geysers- Heating water accounts for a significant portion of household energy usage.
- Electric Heaters – In colder regions or during winter months, electric heaters can consume a considerable amount of electricity.
- Fridge and freezers – While refrigerators and freezers are necessary appliances in any household, older or inefficient models can consume a lot of electricity. Regular maintenance and upgrading to energy-efficient models can help reduce their energy consumption.
A minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) consists of a number of performance requirements for an energy-consuming device. By law, these regulations limit the amount of energy that a product can consume when performing a certain task. All electrical appliances are expected to display this rating that guides consumers on its energy efficiency performance. The higher the performance, the higher the cost savings. It empowers the public to choose the energy efficient appliance for their needs, that will save money on their energy bills while simultaneously supporting efforts to reduce our collective carbon footprint.
“EE appliances save households on their monthly electricity bills – while putting the electricity grid under less pressure, particularly during peak demand times- which is crucial as part of the energy efficiency and demand side management solution to load shedding,” says Mbanga.
MEPS are now widely accepted as a key central policy instrument to promote Energy Efficiency (EE) in electrical apparatus used in the home, business and industry. With the ban of the worst-performing appliances, manufacturers are spurred into further innovation, while consumers are motivated to purchase more environmentally friendly products.
Below are a list of categories and products that fall under the promulgated law for EE labels.
- Incandescent lamps
- Single-capped fluorescent lamps
- Hot water storage tanks for domestic use
- General service Lamps
- Electric Motors
- Electrical and electronic apparatus, including:
- Audio-visual equipment on standby
- Washing Machines
- Air Conditioners
- Dishwashers
- Electric Ovens
- Fridge and Freezer
- Tumble Dryers
- Washer Dryer
It is clear we need to ditch the energy-guzzling villains and upgrade to the superhero squad of energy efficient appliances. They’ll save you money, protect the planet, and keep your home comfortable. It’s a win-win-win for all.