There are simple, yet effective, ways to keep your home warm this winter.
Keeping warm during winter does not always require a bigger heater or a higher electricity bill. In many South African homes, some of the largest savings come from reducing heat loss and using existing heating more efficiently rather than consuming more energy.
While fuel choice remains important, our previous analysis showed that gas is often a cheaper option than electricity for heating larger living spaces. However, households can unlock even greater savings by combining a cost-effective heat source with practical measures that reduce the amount of heating required in the first place.
Using the same theoretical 150m² three-bedroom home from our earlier winter heating studies, we analysed a range of everyday interventions to determine which deliver the biggest reductions in monthly heating costs. The results show that simple changes can save hundreds of rand each month, with some households potentially cutting their winter energy bill by more than R1,000.
The results suggest that comfort and affordability do not necessarily have to be at odds.
