Starting from September 1, 2015 and until February 29, 2016, new tariffs will come into force.

For those who live in non-gasified houses and in houses with electric heating, the following tariffs will apply:

  • up to 3600 kW - kopecks 0.456 UAH / kW;
  • over 3600 kW - 1.479 UAH/kW.

Pay attention to the fact that the autumn tariff increase is far from the last one. The next price increase is scheduled for March 1, 2016. But that's not all. Tariffs will increase next September and March 2017. By the way, in 2017 it is planned to abandon the differentiation of tariffs for urban and rural residents. Also, there will be one general tariff, both for those who cook using gas, and for those who use an electric stove. And in houses with electric heating, the rate of electricity consumption will be reduced.

In March 2017, all residents of cities and villages will have to pay "for electricity" at the following rates:

  • up to 100 kW — 0.9 UAH/kW;
  • over 600 kW - 1.68 UAH / kW.

In houses with electric heating for the following:

  • up to 3000 kW - kopecks 0.9 UAH / kW;
  • over 3000 kW - 1.68 UAH / kW.

Against the backdrop of such a rapid rise in prices for consumed electricity, the phrase “put out the lights when you leave” becomes very relevant. However, if you think about reducing energy consumption wisely, your electricity bills will stay the same or even go down!

To use household appliances and at the same time save money, you just need to know what and when to turn on, what to turn off, and what to change.

How to reduce electricity consumption?

Refrigerators with energy class A +++ are the most economical

Oddly enough, but the savings do not begin with the lights turned off in the bathroom, but with an understanding of the difference between class D, A and A +++ electrical appliances. According to the directive on labeling the electrical efficiency label, adopted in the EU back in 1994, all household appliances are required to have an energy class designation.

The table below shows the electrical efficiency classes for refrigerators, where EEI is the energy efficiency index of use. This indicator is calculated as the ratio of theoretical and actual energy consumption for each specific refrigerator model. This takes into account all the functional and technical features claimed by the manufacturer. This classification was adopted in July 2014, and the corresponding indices are relevant for all vehicles manufactured after the summer of 2014.

Let's calculate what is the difference between the cost of electricity consumed in 1 year by a refrigerator of class "A" and class "A +++". As an example, we use the models LG GA-B409TGMR black and Samsung RB31FERNBSA silver . Brands, price and main characteristics of refrigerators are as close as possible, the fundamental difference is only in power consumption.

Refrigerator "A" consumes 369 kW per year. For three years (2015, 2016 and 2017), the cost of electricity consumed will be 720 UAH. (UAH 151+237+332 / 2015+2016+2017).

Refrigerator "A +++" consumes 172 kW per year. For three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) the cost of electricity consumed will be UAH 335. (71+110+154 UAH/ 2015+2016+2017).

Refrigerator class "A +++" turned out to be twice as economical as the analogue with class "A"!

Yes, at first glance it seems that the savings of 385 UAH. three years is insignificant. But after all, a refrigerator is bought not for three years, but for 10-15 years of service, so the “A +++” class will save you a decent amount. I note that the calculation of the cost of electricity was based on the total consumption per month of less than 100/150 kW. If you exceed the limit of 100/150 kW, then the difference is even more significant.

Sleep and save

The situation with savings on the energy consumption class is valid not only for the refrigerator. Similar indicators are typical for washing machines and dishwashers.

However, unlike the refrigerator, which runs all the time, the washing machine and dishwasher run intermittently. This specificity of work allows you to use the devices at a certain time.

A zone electric metre will help to significantly reduce energy costs when using a washing machine and dishwasher. Depending on the time of day, the multi-zone metre uses the appropriate tariffs. Such metering devices allow you to save on the cost of electricity about 15-20% (two-zone metre) and 30-35% (three-zone metre).

It is enough to start washing clothes or washing dishes after 23:00 hours and energy costs will be significantly reduced. You sleep and save! The only drawback can be considered the need to plan the use of household appliances. If you actively use energy-intensive appliances from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 20:00 to 22:00, then nightly savings may come to naught. But with smart planning, it's easy to get used to using technology "at the right time" and save on your electricity bill without experiencing the slightest inconvenience.

To replace a conventional electric metre with a multi-zone one, you just need to submit an application to your electric company. The price of a zone metre depends on the specific model and varies from 1100 to 3000 UAH. The cost of the replacement procedure depends on the area of residence and ranges from 200 to 500 UAH.

Small details, big savings

The purchase of energy efficient equipment and the use of multi-zone metres are very effective methods of saving, but not the only ones. There are small subtleties in the operation of household appliances, the complex use of which will allow you to get big savings.

Refrigerator :

- reduce the load on the compressor, turn on a less intensive mode with a small camera load, use the "vacation" mode;

- store in the refrigerator packaged or placed in a plastic container, reducing evaporation, you will reduce the time of the compressor;

- for short-term storage of food, do not lower the temperature in the freezer to the maximum, lowering the temperature by one degree increases electricity consumption by 3-5%;

- Before placing cooked food in the refrigerator, cool it to room temperature;

- in models with two compressors, when leaving on vacation or a business trip, you can turn off one of the compressors, after unloading the corresponding chamber;

- try to open the refrigerator door for a short time and close it tightly;

- install the refrigerator away from heating radiators and out of direct sunlight.

Washing machine :

- using the "economy mode", you save more water than electricity, set the optimal washing parameters yourself;

- load the drum at 85-90% of the maximum, with such a load, the ratio of the work performed and the energy expended will be optimal;

- try not to turn on the heating of water without special need, the powder dissolves well and erases already at 40 °C;

- clean the filter in a timely manner, this will greatly facilitate the operation of the pump that pumps water out of the machine, and thereby reduce power consumption.

Dishwasher :

- use the machine only when fully loaded, energy consumption practically does not depend on the amount of loaded dishes;

- rinse the dishes before loading into the dishwasher, this procedure will reduce the washing time;

- washing dishes does not require light in the kitchen, do not forget to turn it off.

Microwave :

- do not use the microwave to defrost large-volume foods, it is better to put them in the refrigerator compartment designed for storing vegetables;

- keep clean, remove grease and dirt from the walls of the oven in a timely manner, the magnetron will take less time to heat up the food, therefore, less energy will be spent;

- Use the microwave only for heating, not for cooking.

Vacuum cleaner :

- do not wait until the dust collector is completely clogged, the more often you clean the bag of the vacuum cleaner, the less electricity will be needed for effective cleaning;

- combine a vacuum cleaner and a broom (broom), sweep a large weed with a broom, and use the vacuum cleaner for more “fine” cleaning.

Bulbs :

- do not use lamps or floor lamps when the chandelier is on;

- use automatic switches (photocells and motion sensors);

- try not to forget to turn off the light behind you;

- replace outdated incandescent lamps with more economical fluorescent or LED ones (see "How to save: choosing light bulbs").

Remember, saving electricity is not only about reducing your electricity bills. Saving energy is a careful attitude to nature. By reducing electricity consumption by just 1 kW, you reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by 1500 m3!