Economical Ways of Keeping Your Home Warm this Winter
Winter has descended upon us, a lot quicker than what a few of us might have anticipated. This winter also seems to be chillier than usual and with the constant loadshedding and interest rate hikes, many South Africans are probably wondering how they will be able to keep their homes warm through this winter season. It is a fact that electricity makes almost all parts of our lives easier - but it is not the only way. So let's pivot for a moment. There are a variety of ways in which we can stay warm and toasty this winter and use less electricity. Below are a few easy tips and tricks for you to try out.
Insulation is key.
Insulation is most probably the biggest game changer in winter and will not cost you an arm and a leg. Think pink when it comes to the insulation in your roof. Yes - installing that pink layer of foam like material in your roof will not only keep things warmer during winter but will keep things cooler during the summer months as well. There are other ways to insulate as well, such as: Wrapping your geyser which also helps save electricity and insulation strips for your doors and windows. The main reason why insulation is key, is because it assists in keeping a certain temperature. For instance, if your insulation is of an inadequate nature, it will take your heaters a lot longer to heat up your home and once the heaters are off your home will lose the temperature a lot quicker.
Draught proof your home.
Keeping that irritating draught out will keep your home warm. Think gaps in window frames and at the bottom of your door. As mentioned above you could close these gaps by adding some insulation strips. You could also put a threshold roll in front of the doors and if the budget is tight you could roll up a towel and put that in front of the door. Small actions like keeping the key in the keyhole will also help.
Gas.
Do not underestimate the use of gas in your home. It is a great alternative to electricity and is substantially more cost effective. Invest in gas heaters and gas appliances such as a stove and maybe even an oven.
Use your fireplace.
Your fireplace could be your built-in braai or your "kaggel". Fire is a good source of heat, and it heats up a room quite quickly. Depending on the size of your home, you should be able to warm up quite a sufficient space. A bonus though is that while you are using your built-in braai heating up your home, you will be able to cook food too.
Carpets are your friends.
Many modern homes have tiled, wooden or laminated flooring. Keep the cold from creeping in by adding carpets to your floors. This will keep your feet warm and take that unnecessary cold bite out of your home. If some of your carpets have seen better days, bolster them up slightly with some underfelt.
Snuggle with blankets and throws.
Blankets and throws are always a good way of keeping warm. Opt for the thicker and fluffier blankets. They tend to keep heat easier as well. Adding a winter sheet to your bed will also make a big difference for that initial moment when getting into bed.
Use your ovens heat.
After making food in your oven, switch your oven off and allow the heat that has been caught up in the oven to escape into the kitchen. This helps keep some heat inside your home too.
Humidity generation.
With the colder weather and less sunshine available, hang your washing up inside your home close to the window. By hanging up your washing inside, it adds humidity to the air and therefore creating some heat inside. The same goes for showering with the bathroom door open.
Old fashioned hot water bottles.
Never underestimate the old trusty hot water bottle. You can use it to your advantage and by placing it strategically you will be able to heat the space where you are sitting or your bed before you get in.
Enjoy what winter has to offer and indulge in everything snuggly and warm.
