Save on your electricity bill this winter

Here are a few things to try before you put on your space heater that will increase your electricity bill.

Eskom suggests that our readers dress warmly, wear a beanie and gloves at home.

Enjoy a cup of your favourite hot beverage; make a warm water bottle and pull a blanket over yourself when you are in front of the television.

Close your curtains before it gets dark to improve the thermal insulation of your home. You can also seal gaps around your windows to improve insulation. Draught-proof your walls, by using chimney chalk or weather-stripping on cracks and in holes of walls. You should draught-proof your doors and make sure that all door sweeps are in good condition.

During winter, approximately 40 per cent of a home’s heat is lost through the roof, if the roof is not insulated. This can be avoided by installing a fire-retardant insulation in your ceiling. Insulation makes a home five per cent warmer in winter, and postpones the need to switch on a space heater. Insulation will then contribute to lowering your electricity bill. An insulated and draught-proof room requires 51 per cent less energy to heat up.

If you are considering insulating your home, talk to a specialist vendor. It is critical to choose the correct combination of materials and techniques to suit your location, positioning and the design of your home.

A well insulated home and smart space heating habits will save you money.

For more information and more tips on saving on your electricity bill this winter visit www.eskom.co.za/idm