As we head for the colder months of the year, many homeowners will be taking their electric or gas heaters, or oil radiators out of storage. For those that don’t have heaters, or need to replace, perhaps it’s time to think about alternative solutions for heating a home… solutions that won’t cost you much and will take the strain off our already overloaded municipal supply.
Draught-proofing a home
Did you know that drafts can waste from 5 to 30 percent of the energy that you use to keep your home warm during the winter months? Gaps under doors, around windows and up the chimney are the main culprits in many homes, yet affordable options are available on the shelf at your local hardware store.
- At the bottom of any exterior door you can fit a door sweep, or a rubber flap that blocks draughts. Another inexpensive solution is to make up a draught excluder using a nylon stocking and fabric scraps or old clothes. Pad the scraps tight into the stocking, tie off the end and place at the base of the door.
- Where there are gaps around a door or window frame, you can purchase self-adhesive foam strips that can be stuck down to fill these gaps and make a snug seal to close off draughts. On window frames or glass panes that are loose, use an exterior silicone sealer to fix up.
- If you don’t plan on using your air conditioner during the winter months, especially an older model that is fitted in a wall or window, stape a piece of cardboard over the exterior vents to keep out draughts.
- In a house with a built-in fireplace that’s no longer in use, close the flue to reduce draughts down the chimney, or install a panel that fits over the opening when not in use.
Energy efficient heating
Rather than resorting to electric heaters, you will save money in the long run by having an energy efficient closed combustion fireplace installed. Although fairly expensive to buy upfront, over time the money you save on your monthly electricity bill will cover the initial investment. Shop around for the best buys on a closed combustion system – one that offers maximum output at a price you can afford. There are more than a few manufacturers and suppliers in South Africa and you can use the Internet to do online research for best model for your home.
Home insulation
Attic or ceiling insulation in extremely affordable and costs very little to install; or you can choose to go the do-it-yourself route and save money on labour. Your local Builders Warehouse stocks ceiling insulation by the roll and installation of an average home can be done in a couple of hours. The benefits of installing ceiling insulation will not only be advantageous during the winter months, but also by keeping your home cooler in the summer months.
Recycle warm air
Many homes are fitted with a ceiling fan to keep rooms cool during the summer months. Some models include a reverse-cycle that allows the fan to re-circulate warm air that rises back down into the room. Something to look out for if you are looking at installing a ceiling fan in the near future.
Accessorise with soft furnishings
Throws and small blankets are just the thing for snuggling up on cold winter evenings. Relax in front of the television and wrap yourself in warmth instead of turning up the heat. It’s the time of year when home decor stores start putting winter decor in their stores and you will find a wide range of materials in varying colours and styles that are sure to complement your decor.
And don’t forget about your windows – they are responsible for a great deal of energy loss during the winter months. While curtains are not everyone’s cup of tea, fitting drapes at the sides of a window will allow for better home insulation when the temperature drops.
Dress for warmth
When we leave our home we dress warmly in cold weather, but we should be doing the same when we’re at home. Don’t turn up the heat and strip down, turn down the heat and pop on a jersery, a pair of thick knitted socks or slippers. Every degree that you turn up the heater turns up the cost and puts additional strain on the supply of electricity. Many South African homes know the discomfort of being left in the dark – and cold – when power outages occur.
Following all our just a few of the tips above will heat up a home without using extra energy and you will be saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.
Article courtesy of EasyDIY
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