Tips to reduce your household bills
The cost of living may be ever-increasing but there are ways to reduce your bills
CONSUMERS know all too well that the cost of living is heading in a seemingly never-ending upward spiral.
We work our fingers to the bone to be able to pay our bills and buy food and petrol, yet appear to be more financially squeezed each month.
So what can we do about it?
While we cannot effect change to reduce actual unit costs for water and electricity, or haggle to pay lower prices in stores, there are ways we can reduce our overall bills.
Come 1 July, consumers who pay electricity via their municipality can expect a 2.2% increase as approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
For direct Eskom customers, this increase was implemented on 1 April.
By monitoring electricity usage, costs can be cut. Tips to lower energy consumption include identifying high energy consumers in your home, such as the geyser, swimming pool or specific electronics.
Once identified, switch these on only when necessary.
Investing in energy saving light bulbs is another tip. While more expensive than regular light bulbs, energy saving ones do consume less electricity and generally last longer too.
Changing energy behaviour within your home can save between 5 and 15% on electricity costs.
Water saving tips include recycling ‘grey’ water from the bath, shower and washing machine for use in the garden or toilet.
Minimise toilet flushing and put a brick in the cistern to restrict water wastage.
Identify and fix all leaks.
Invest in water efficient fixtures, like a ‘low-flow’ toilet or water efficient shower head.
When it comes to your food bill, ways to minimise the cost include buying fruit only when it is in season.
Not only will this ensure you enjoy a varied fruit diet throughout the year, but it will also allow you to eat specific fruits when they are at their best, as well as their cheapest.
For instance, as winter approaches, citrus fruits like grapefruit come into season.
Not only is grapefruit high in vitamin C to ward off seasonal sniffles, but its unique nutrient combination of fibre, potassium, lycopene, vitamin C and choline all help maintain a healthy heart.
One study found that a diet supplemented with fresh ruby (pink) grapefruit has a positive effect on blood lipid levels, especially triglycerides.
So, instead of adding to your stress by complaining about the constantly increasing cost of living, or simply working more to earn more, why not implement a few of these changes and enjoy the decrease in your bills.
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