Eskom has implemented it’s “Use electricity smartly” campaign asking consumers to reduce electricity usage to minimise the risk of
loadshedding.
During the colder months, space heating can be responsible for up to 8% of an average
household’s electricity usage.
With their campaign Eskom advise consumers to:
* Use foam tape to seal windows and doors if they do not close properly – in winter,
draughts can account for up to 25% of heat loss.
* Hang curtains to reduce heat transfer.
* Lay “door snakes” to stop cold air from entering – aluminium skirts with rubber seals on
the outside of doors are also highly effective.
* Seal cavities in and between bricks with a polyurethane sealant.
* Seal the chimney if you have one – the best way is to have a damper installed when the
chimney is not in use; if not utilised at all, seal it at the top and bottom.
* Install fire-retardant ceiling insulation – with approximately 40% of heat lost through the
roof, ceiling insulation makes your home up to 5% warmer in winter.
* Delay using your space heater, especially between 5pm and 9pm, the period of peak
demand for electricity in the residential sector – instead, dress warmly, cover yourself
with a thick blanket and snuggle up with a hot water bottle.
* Only heat the room you are occupying, and use the correct type of heater when you feel
the need for extra warmth:
* A thermostat-controlled fan heater is ideal to quickly heat a room of 3 x 3 x 2.5 meters for
one hour.
* A thermostat-controlled oil heater no bigger than 2 000W (watt) is the best choice to heat
the same room for three hours.
* A thermostat-controlled heater no bigger than 1 000W (watt) is the most energy efficient
option to heat it for eight hours.
* Most gas heaters generate a great amount of heat and do not require electricity at all.