⚡ Built for South Africa

How Much is Your Electricity Really Costing You?

Select your appliances, see the real costs, and discover what to switch off first. Free calculator with SA municipality tariffs.

Calculate Your Costs

Current tariff: R 3.32/kWh

Add Your Appliances

How to Cut Your Electricity Bill

🔥

Geyser (Biggest Culprit)

  • Install a timer - Heat only 2-3 hours/day (morning + evening)
  • Turn down temp - 55-60°C is enough (not 70°C)
  • Insulate pipes - Reduces heat loss by 30%
  • Blanket it - Geyser blanket saves 10-15%
Save: R 300-500/month
❄️

Air Conditioning

  • Set to 23-24°C - Every degree lower = 10% more cost
  • Clean filters monthly - Dirty filters use 15% more power
  • Close doors/curtains - Keep cool air in
  • Use fans first - R 2/day vs R 40/day for aircon
Save: R 200-400/month
🏊

Pool Pump

  • Run 4-6 hours max - Not 8+ hours
  • Use a timer - Automate off-peak running
  • Upgrade to variable speed - 70% savings vs single speed
  • Cover the pool - Reduces cleaning need
Save: R 150-300/month
🍳

Kitchen Appliances

  • Kettle: Boil only what you need
  • Stove: Use lids - Heats 3x faster
  • Oven: Batch cook - One session instead of multiple
  • Fridge: Keep it full - Retains cold better
Save: R 100-200/month
💡

Lighting

  • Switch to LED - 80% less power than incandescent
  • Use daylight - Open curtains, turn off lights
  • Motion sensors - For bathrooms, passages
  • Dim where possible - Saves power + bulb life
Save: R 50-150/month
🧺

Laundry

  • Cold water wash - 90% of washing machine energy is heating water
  • Line dry - Tumble dryer is a power hog (R 8-12/load)
  • Full loads only - Don't waste on half loads
  • Spin cycle before drying - Removes more water
Save: R 150-250/month

🔋 Pro Tips

Phantom load: Appliances on standby still use power. Unplug TVs, decoders, phone chargers when not in use. Can save R 50-100/month.
Off-peak usage: If you have time-of-use billing, run dishwashers, washing machines, pool pumps between 22:00-06:00 (cheaper rates).
Solar geyser ROI: R 15k-25k upfront, saves R 300-500/month. Pays for itself in 3-5 years, then it's pure savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this calculator?

Very accurate for estimates. We use manufacturer specifications for wattage and official municipality tariffs. Your actual bill may vary based on usage patterns and billing factors (VAT, levies, fixed charges).

Why is my geyser so expensive?

A 3kW geyser running 6 hours/day costs R 600-800/month. It's your biggest power user. Install a timer to heat only 2-3 hours per day and save 50-70%.

What's the cheapest way to heat water?

Solar geyser is cheapest long-term (free sun!). Gas geyser is cheaper to run than electric. Heat pump is 3x more efficient than electric element.

Should I turn my geyser off completely?

No - turning off/on daily causes wear. Use a timer instead: 2 hours morning, 2 hours evening. Or turn down the thermostat to 55-60°C.

Do LED lights really save that much?

Yes! A 60W incandescent costs R 18/month if on 8 hours/day. A 10W LED costs R 3/month for the same light. Replace 10 bulbs = R 150/month savings.

How can I reduce aircon costs?

Set to 23-24°C (not 18°C), clean filters monthly, close doors/curtains, service annually. Every degree colder = 10% more cost. Consider ceiling fans first.

What's phantom load?

Power used by devices on standby (TVs, decoders, chargers). Can be 5-10% of your bill (R 50-150/month). Unplug or use power strips you can switch off.

Is solar worth it?

Yes, especially with rising tariffs. Solar panels: 5-7 year payback. Solar geyser: 3-5 year payback. After that, it's pure savings. Plus load shedding protection.