The first snap of winter has arrived. Have you noticed a chill in the morning air? Are you already rolling over to switch your alarm to ‘Snooze’?

All South Africans are aware of the electricity crises in the country. The average South African household’s electricity bill increases by an estimated 30 to 40% during the cold season. How do we keep our homes warm during winter without giving our wallets a wallop? The problem is that people naturally assume that keeping snug has to be pricey, but this doesn’t have to be the case; if you make smart decisions, hone your DIY skills, pick the right heating systems and change your routine slightly, you can stay toasty without breaking the bank!

19 Ways to keep warm this winter:

• Get new window treatments or line your curtains with an extra padded layer during the winter months. Airy drapes are perfect for summer, but dress up your windows for winter. Thicker fabrics will insulate rooms better.
• Let warm sunlight in during the day; close the drapes at nightfall to keep heat in.
• Draught-proof your home. Fit a draught-proof strip at the bottom of exterior doors and add draught-proof strips to seal off windows. Make use of a “door dog”.
• Cold air can leak through the tiniest places. Keep keys in keyholes, block the holes behind light switches and plug points. Cover the leaks with insulation or masking tape. (It’s only for a few months).
• Make use of carpets on bare floors. Head to a place that sells affordable carpets and toss it over kitchen tiles. If you have flimsy, thin mats, bolster them up with some underfelt.
• Layers are a must! Invest in thermal underwear which will trap heat while they breathe. Wear a number of thin layers rather than one thick layer. Layers are trendy and will be warm at the same time. Wear a beanie to make sure you stay toasty.
• Only heat your immediate space. Close doors to unoccupied areas.
• Wrap up your geyser. As an alternative to turning up the thermostat for hot water, think about fitting a geyser blanket. An inexpensive option, at around R400,00, allows you to keep the thermostat setting low, keeping electricity usage down, yet still having plenty of hot water.
• Seal your fireplace when you’re not using it. A huge amount of heat can escape through the chimney, so close it up with a chimney plate or protector. You could even place a large painting in front of the fire pit.
• Insulate your ceiling. Between 40 to 51% of heat is lost through the roof. This is the number one way to retain all the warmth inside and keep your home cosy.
• Stick tin foil behind wall mounted heaters. This prevents heat being absorbed by the cold wall and reflects it back into the room. Make sure that the shiny side faces outward.
• If you’re going to use a heater, make sure you choose the most energy-efficient option.
• Feast! Winter is the perfect time for comfort food. Eat regular home cooked meals. Whip up a hearty vegetable soup or stew. A warm oven means a delicious meal and a toasty kitchen.
• Exercise lots. Could there be a more penny-wise way to get your body temperature soaring?
• Electric blankets are surprisingly energy-efficient! However only use them to warm up the bed before getting in.
• Snuggle under a blanket. Polar fleece may offer the best blanket solution. It’s soft, warm, comfortable and quick drying. (It can even be made from plastic bottles, so it gets the eco-nod for renew-ability).
• Grab a hot water bottle or the “heat in the microwave” grain-bag version. It’s far more eco-friendly to heat your body directly than to heat an entire room with a heater.
• Immerse yourself in aesthetically “warm” environments. Fill your house with reds and oranges that conjure images of fire and sunshine while it’s freezing out. Chunky textures bring about thoughts of warmth so invest in knitted fabrics and wood items. Dim switches and light the candles. Muted lighting just screams ‘snug’. Use yellow energy-efficient bulbs rather than white, stark light to save electricity and create that sense of heat.
• And we’ve saved the best for last … body heat is a great natural heat source. Invite friends over, drink hot chocolate and enjoy the company!

Source: www.property24.com, www.capetownmagazine.com, www.rainharvest.co.za, blog.clhg.com, www.artofmanliness.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.