South Africans are becoming more conscious of what it costs to run their homes. With electricity tariffs rising again this year, including an 8.76% increase for Eskom direct customers from 1 April and cumulative hikes of roughly 18.36% over two years, households are rethinking how their homes consume energy.
Energy is no longer an invisible background cost. It now forms part of design thinking.
Bianca Leonard, Marketing Manager at consumer technology specialists Solenco, says the conversation around energy efficiency is moving beyond backup power solutions.
“Consumers have invested heavily in inverters, batteries, and solar. The next step is looking at the appliances we use every day and asking whether they align with that investment. Energy efficiency should sit alongside aesthetics and functionality when making purchasing decisions.”
Some of the most familiar home staples are also the biggest energy drains. Traditional tumble dryers, for example, consume significant amounts of power and are often incompatible with inverter systems. Modern dehumidifiers offer a smarter alternative. They dry laundry indoors at up to five times less cost per load while using less power than many household fridges. They also improve air quality by reducing excess moisture that can lead to mould, damp, and respiratory irritation.
Air conditioning units present a similar challenge. While essential in extreme heat, they are energy-intensive and can place strain on backup systems. In many everyday situations, energy-efficient air circulators equipped with DC motors and wide oscillation can deliver effective airflow at a fraction of the power draw.
Leonard believes that efficiency does not mean compromising on lifestyle.
“An energy-efficient home is not about cutting back. It is about choosing products that work harder and smarter. When appliances are designed to be efficient from the outset, you save money over time and reduce the stress of constantly monitoring your energy usage.”
Leonard says improving household efficiency does not always require major investments. In many cases, small changes to everyday appliances and routines can lead to noticeable reductions in electricity consumption.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lighting: Typically, LED bulbs consume 80–90% less electricity than traditional incandescent lighting and last significantly longer.
- Swap tumble dryers for dehumidifiers when drying laundry indoors: Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and can dry clothes at up to five times lower cost per load, while also reducing damp and mould risks.
- Use energy-efficient air circulators instead of running air conditioners continuously: Modern air circulators with DC motors and oscillation provide effective and whisper-quiet airflow while using only a fraction of the electricity required by most air conditioning systems.
- Choose fridges with inverter compressor technology: Refrigerators run continuously, making efficiency critical. Inverter compressors adjust power output to match cooling demand. This reduces electricity consumption while improving longevity.
- Time high-energy tasks to align with solar generation: For households with rooftop solar, running appliances such as irons, washing machines, or dishwashers during peak daylight hours allows solar systems to carry more of the energy load.
With electricity costs set to remain under pressure, equipping homes with energy-efficient appliances is becoming a long-term strategy rather than a trend. For middle to high-income households, the opportunity lies in making considered upgrades now that will deliver value, comfort, and peace of mind well beyond the next tariff increase.
“Energy efficiency is ultimately about thinking long term. Small decisions across lighting, appliances, and daily habits can reduce electricity costs over time while keeping homes comfortable,” says Leonard.