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Water restrictions

South Africa is a also a dry country that struggles with limited water resources. Even though we live on the water, we try to use it sparingly. 

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What we have done to conserve:

  • We installed water saving devices, e.g. special shower heads

  • The garden sprinklers have been disconnected and we are watering the garden with a can.

  • We installed two in-line geysers (HWC) so that if there are fewer guests, you have the ability to turn of one of the geysers

  • Where possible, we use energy savings bulbs

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What you can do to conserve:

  • For 3 or less people, one HWC is adequate. You can manage the number of geysers on the Distribution Board (DB) in the laundry

Conserve

  • Consider using the shower in stead of the bath

  • Recycle using clear plastic bags

Lights

  • Ensure that all lights that are not in use are turned off

  • Ensure that all lights and geysers are turned off when you leave the premises (This can be done at the main DB in the laundry)

Fridge/Freezer

  • Do not set freezing temperatures lower than necessary; it wastes as much electricity as excessive heat.

  • Do not open your refrigerator door needlessly. By getting into the habit of removing and replacing several articles at once, you will reduce the loss of cold air.

  • Let hot foods cool down before placing them in the refrigerator. (To prevent bacterial growth allow about 20 minutes standing time).

  • Remove all heavy wrapping from food before storing it in the refrigerator.

  • Cover all liquids stored in the refrigerator (especially frost-free models).

  • Foods should be placed slightly apart on refrigerator shelves to allow the cooling air to circulate.

Cooking

  • Bring foods to the boil quickly on the “high” setting, then turn the heat down to simmer to finish cooking.

  • Do not use the grilling compartment to make toast - a toaster is available.

  • Do not use the oven to heat the kitchen – it is very expensive and far less efficient than a heater

  • Keep oven doors completely closed until food is cooked. Every time the door is opened, the oven temperature drops, and the heat must be replaced.

  • Use the oven to prepare an entire meal – main course, vegetables and dessert. Remember to plan meals that cook in the oven at the same temperature.

  • Allow free circulation of heat within the oven. Place pans and containers so that they do not touch each other, or the sides of the oven.

  • To keep food warm place in a 66˚C (150˚F) or 82˚C (180˚F) oven. Do not leave it too long or your meal will be very dry.

  • Defrost your food in the refrigerator instead of the microwave oven: it is more economical.

  • Use your microwave oven to cook small to medium quantities of food. To cook larger portions of meat, it is better to use a conventional oven.

  • Use an electric kettle to boil water, not a sauce pan or a microwave.

Washing machine

  • Use warm and cold water setting as much as possible in order to cut down on energy needed to heat the water.

  • Take advantage of special features on your washer that can save money. For example, soak cycles remove stubborn stains in one wash cycle.

  • The automatic washing machine uses the same amount of electricity for a full load as it consumes for a single item. Save dirty clothes until a full load has accumulated.

  • Never overload your automatic washing machine. Overloading will reduce the cleaning action. (Varying the size of garments in a full load improves the cleaning action by allowing free circulation).

  • Fill the dishwasher completely before operating. Partial loads waste electricity and water.

  • Short wash cycles, rinse-only cycles, mid-cycle turn-off, and other features are designed for energy conservation as well as convenience.

Tumble dryer

  • Clean the lint filter on the dryer after each operation to maintain full air flow and to maximise the drying efficiency.

  • Clothes should never be placed in the tumble dryer dripping with water. They should have as much moisture removed beforehand and they should never be folded before being placed in the dryer.

  • Dry clothes in consecutive loads where possible. The dryer will be warm already and will save on initial energy consumption.

  • On sunny days take advantage of good weather and dry your clothes outside.

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Loadshedding

Even though we no longer experience loadshedding in South Africa we still need to manage our energy consumption on an individual basis and as a nation.

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What you can do when there is no electricity

If there is sunlight:

  • Have a "lekker" braai (Barbeque) on the deck

  • Have a meze/tapas lunch

  • Be active: Go fishing/to the beach/for a walk/play tennis/run/cycle or swim

  • Veg: Enjoy the sunshine on the deck

  • Read a book

  • Make that phone call

If it is at night:

  • Light some candles

  • Talk in the dark

  • Read/play on your ipad/phone/tablet

  • Turn in early and enjoy 8 hours of uninterupted sleep

  • Enjoy the silence

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Currently there is no load shedding.

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Eskom loadshedding page: Check the stage of loadshedding

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Knysna municipality loadshedding time table

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                     Stage 1                  Stage 2                 Stage 3

Monday        04:00 to 06:30      12:00 to 14:30     20:00 to 22:30

Tuesday       04:00 to 06:30      12:00 to 14:30     20:00 to 22:30

Wednesday  04:00 to 06:30      12:00 to 14:30     20:00 to 22:30

Thursday      04:00 to 06:30      12:00 to 14:30     20:00 to 22:30

Friday           04:00 to 06:30      12:00 to 14:30     20:00 to 22:30

Saturday       04:00 to 06:30      12:00 to 14:30     20:00 to 22:30

Sunday         04:00 to 06:30      12:00 to 14:30     20:00 to 22:30

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