Electricity Consumption by Common Household Appliances in South Africa
Electricity consumption in South African households has always been a topic of great importance, especially given the ongoing energy challenges. Understanding how much electricity common household appliances consume can help in making informed decisions to reduce energy usage and save on utility bills.
OG Electrical Services is acutely aware of how intricate this whole topic is, and we’ve written this blog to help you with it. We’ll explore the electricity consumption of everyday appliances and share practical tips on how to reduce your energy usage.
Electricity Consumption of Common Household Appliances
The table below provides an estimate of how much electricity different appliances use per hour in South African households:
| Appliance | Power Usage (Watts) | Estimated Cost per Hour (ZAR) |
| Geyser | 2,000 – 4,000 | 5 – 10 |
| Electric Stove & Oven | 1,500 – 3,000 | 3.75 – 7.50 |
| Air Conditioner | 900 – 3,500 | 2.25 – 8.75 |
| Microwave | 800 – 1,200 | 2 – 3 |
| Refrigerator | 100 – 400 | 0.25 – 1 |
| Washing Machine | 500 – 2,500 | 1.25 – 6.25 |
| Tumble Dryer | 1,800 – 5,000 | 4.50 – 12.50 |
| Kettle | 1,500 – 3,000 | 3.75 – 7.50 |
| Television (LED) | 50 – 300 | 0.13 – 0.75 |
| Laptop | 50 – 100 | 0.13 – 0.25 |
Note: The cost per hour is estimated based on an electricity tariff of approximately R2.50 per kWh.
Tips to Reduce Electricity Consumption
- Replace Old Appliances: Replace old, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient models. Energy-efficient appliances consume less power. Look for appliances with high energy star ratings.
- Switch to Gas: Consider using gas alternatives for heating and cooking where possible.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- Solar Power: Explore the possibility of installing solar panels or solar water heating systems (Solar geysers)
- Reduce Water Heating Costs: Use a timer on your water heater to optimize energy usage.
- Insulate Your Home: Ensure your home is well-insulated to prevent heat loss and reduce heating costs.
- Unplug Electronics: Unplug electronics when not in use, as they can still draw power in standby mode. Unplugging devices when not in use can prevent this ‘phantom’ energy consumption.
Efficient Usage of Home Appliances
Optimize Geyser Usage
- Set your geyser temperature to 55–60°C instead of the default 70°C.
- Use a geyser timer to turn it on only when needed.
- Install a geyser blanket to retain heat and reduce reheating energy.
Be Smart with Cooking Appliances
- Use a microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead of an electric stove for small meals.
- When using an oven, avoid opening the door frequently.
- Cook with lids on pots to retain heat and reduce cooking time.
Manage Air Conditioning and Heating Wisely
- Set air conditioners to 23–25°C in summer and use fans where possible.
- Use energy-efficient heaters like oil-filled radiators or gas heaters in winter.
- Seal gaps in windows and doors to retain indoor temperatures.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Look for appliances with an energy efficiency rating (A+ or higher is best).
- Switch to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.
- Turn off appliances at the wall instead of leaving them on standby.
Reduce Laundry Energy Usage
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.
- Use a clothesline instead of a tumble dryer.
- If using a tumble dryer, dry full loads to maximize efficiency.
Refrigeration Efficiency
- Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Defrost regularly to keep it running efficiently.
- Ensure there’s enough ventilation around the fridge for better heat dissipation.
Cut Down on Phantom Loads
- Many appliances consume electricity even when turned off (TVs, chargers, computers, etc.).
- Use smart power strips to turn off multiple devices at once.
Check Energy Efficiency Rating of an appliance
South African Energy Efficiency Label help consumers understand the relative energy efficiency of different appliances. The image below shows a sample of a label for a washing machine with an explanation of the key elements of the label.
Monitor Your Electricity Usage
The Eskom residential calculator is the easy, free tool you can use to see where your household is using and potentially wasting electricity. The calculator takes you on a guided journey, through your home, and asks you to input your usage habits. The calculator will show you have much electricity you are using, how much your appliances are using, show you if your saving efforts are paying off.
Why should you try the residential calculator?
- Save on your electricity bill.
- Compare your electricity usage month-to-month.
- Compare consumption of other households in your area. It helps to know if you are a low or a high user
Click the following link to access the calculator https://residentialcalculator.eskom.co.za/
Another useful tool is provided by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. 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. These calculation tools were created to aid consumers to make more informed decisions by calculating the long term cost for running an appliance.
Please access the calculator on the following link https://www.savingenergy.org.za/asl/calculation-tools/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much electricity does a fridge use?
A: Refrigerators run 24/7 and are one of the largest consumers of electricity in a household. On average, a fridge can consume between 100-800 kWh per year depending on its size and efficiency.
Q: How much electricity does a stove use?
A: Stoves are a heating appliance and use approximately 1.5KwH to 3kWh
Q: How much electricity does an air conditioner use?
A: Air conditioning units, especially in the hot summer months, can significantly increase electricity usage. Central air conditioning systems can use around 2000-3000 kWh per year, while room units might consume about 500-1500 kWh annually.
Q: How much electricity does a geyser use?
A: Water heaters are another major contributor to household electricity consumption. A typical electric water heater may use approximately 3000-5000 kWh per year.
Q: How much electricity does a washing machine use?
A: These appliances are essential for daily chores but can also be heavy on energy. Washing machines typically consume about 300-500 kWh per year, while dryers can use up to 1000-1500 kWh annually.
Q: How much electricity do I use for my lighting?
A: Lighting accounts for a significant portion of a household’s electricity usage. Traditional incandescent bulbs are less energy-efficient, consuming about 60-100 watts per bulb, while LED bulbs use around 6-10 watts for the same light output, significantly reducing consumption.
Q: How much electricity does a laptop use?
A: Low usage device. 0.5kWh to 1kWh
Q: How much electricity does a kettle use?
A: Kettles are a heating appliance and use approximately 1.5kWh to 3kWh
Q: How much electricity does a television use?
A: Low usage appliance. 0.5kWh to 3kWh
Q: How much electricity does an air fryer use?
A: Stoves are a heating appliance and use approximately 0.8kWh to 2kWh
Conclusion
By understanding the electricity consumption of common household appliances and taking proactive steps to reduce energy usage, South Africans can manage their electricity bills better and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Small changes, such as using a geyser timer, switching to LED bulbs, and cooking efficiently, can make a big difference over time.
Talk to OG Electrical Services on how to future-proof your household against rising electricity costs.
OG Electrical Services is a Domestic and Commercial Electrical services company that specialises in Appliance Installation, Maintenance and Repairs, including general electrical repair work. We install, fix and service all brands and types of electrical appliances.
Contact us on +27 73 378 6966 and email info@ogelectrical.co.za
Read more about our Home Appliance Repairs on the following link https://www.ogelectrical.co.za/home-appliance-repairs/