While winter weather isn\u2019t the same across South Africa \u2013 wet and windy in the Western Cape, dry and bitter in Gauteng \u2013 it\u2019s cold just about everywhere.<\/p>\n
Experts weighed in on how to prepare your home for winter, and many of their tips were things that most homeowners can implement without too much expertise.<\/p>
Unsurprisingly, keeping out the cold topped the list.<\/p>\n
Although insulating your home is a good idea anyway, doing so at a time when the electricity supply is under pressure is doubly beneficial.<\/p>
Not only will you save electricity, which is going to get more expensive, but it\u2019ll be easier to keep warm if there is more load-shedding.<\/p>\n
Check your doors and windows for draughts.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s relatively easy to fit self-adhesive rubber seals to the bottom of doors which are letting cold air in.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, you can make or buy a sausage-dog draught-stopper to block the gap.<\/p>\n
Do the same with windows.<\/p>\n
Repair glass that isn\u2019t fitted properly or where putty or seals are damaged, fix windows that don\u2019t seal and replace any worn or missing weather strips.<\/p>\n
Although these seem like small steps, sustainability websites claim that you can lose up to 15 per cent heat through draughty doors and 10 per cent though unsealed windows.<\/p>\n
Curtains are better than blinds for keeping out the cold and retaining heat.<\/p>\n
When there is a bit of warmth and sunlight, you can keep them open to warm the house, and close them at night to keep the warm air in.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve finished at ground level, move to the ceiling.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have insulation, consider getting some.<\/p>\n
It\u2019ll keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not difficult to fit, but if you have doubts about your DIY abilities, call in the experts.<\/p>\n
Every house differs, but expert opinion holds that an average house will lose about 25 per cent of heat through the roof.<\/p>\n
While you\u2019re up there, check if you have a geyser blanket.<\/p>\n
Heating water requires a lot of energy, up to 40 per cent of household electricity usage, so insulating your geyser will save you money in the long run.<\/p>\n
Geyser blankets aren\u2019t very expensive, around R300 on average.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019ve finished insulating the inside of your house, check the outside.<\/p>\n
If you live in a winter rainfall area, clear your gutters of leaves and other debris.<\/p>\n
Water in clogged gutters can break the brackets that support them.<\/p>\n
The water also needs to go somewhere.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re lucky it will pour harmlessly over the side, hopefully not above an entrance.<\/p>\n
If not, it can blow up under the tiles and damage ceilings and fittings.<\/p>\n
While you\u2019re up there, look for loose, broken or missing tiles or ridge tiles.<\/p>\n
These can cause leaks or allow wind in, potentially causing more damage.<\/p>\n
Also check that seals around chimneys or other fittings such as skylights are intact.<\/p>\n
Take a walk around to see if there are any trees that might blow over or branches that could break and damage the house or installations such as satellite dishes.<\/p>\n
You may be able to trim them yourself, but if the tree is too big, you don\u2019t have the right equipment or aren\u2019t sure about what you\u2019re doing, it\u2019s best to get in a professional.<\/p>\n
Bear in mind some indigenous trees are protected, so if you\u2019re not sure, ask an expert.<\/p>\n
Pack away or cover garden or stoep furniture that you aren\u2019t going to use.<\/p>\n
Winter weather can damage wooden and metal furniture and even plastic perishes when exposed to the elements.<\/p>\n
If you live in a region prone to high winter winds, consider that outdoor furniture which gets blown around could be destroyed and can also damage anything it hits.<\/p>\n
While you\u2019re looking around outside, check the lighting.<\/p>\n
It gets darker earlier in winter, so this is a sensible security precaution.<\/p>\n
Well-lit paths and approaches will help deter criminals.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also the practical benefit that it will prevent you or any of your family or friends tripping and falling in the dark.<\/p>\n
DirectAxis\u2019 chief marketing officer, Marlies Kappers, explained that the experts agree that preventing problems is always less expensive than fixing them afterwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThinking ahead and spending a little on some basic household maintenance will save money in the long run.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmall improvements to your home will also help retain or even increase its market value,\u201d Kappers said.<\/p>\n
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