Budget-friendly ways to beat the winter cold
Here is how you can beat the winter blues without breaking the bank
Days are getting colder, nights are getting longer and you have probably been seeing your electricity bill fly higher than your favourite superhero dashing to save a fair maiden in a sticky situation.
Last month, Eskom’s direct customers started paying 2,2% more for electricity. In July, municipal customers will also have to take this hike into account.
Budget Insurance offers these helpful hints to keep warm without getting a staggering bill at the end of the month:
• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. Seal off unused rooms and open north-facing curtains and blinds during the day. Close these at night to keep the heat in.
• Check all exterior doors for air leaks.
• Dry laundry outside instead of in a tumble-dryer. Much of South Africa is blessed with beautiful winter sun, so take advantage of this natural dryer, thereby reducing the electricity costs associated with tumble-driers.
• Only wash full loads. A washing-machine and dishwasher use a lot of electricity, so ensure that you wash only full loads to minimise this cost.
• Pile on the blankets. An extra blanket on your bed in the winter months is often all it takes to beat the winter blues.
• Use a microwave instead of the oven, because microwaves use less electricity.
• When using an oven, switch it off a few minutes before the food is ready, and allow the built-up heat to finish the cooking.
• Use insulating paint on both the inside and outside of your home to ensure that heat does not escape in winter.
• Have a hot shower. Not only will this warm you up quickly, but the steam from the hot water will raise moisture levels in the house, helping the ambient temperature feel quite a bit warmer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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