As colder weather starts rolling across parts of South Africa, households are already looking for ways to keep warm without sending prepaid electricity costs through the roof.
Also see: Three smart ways to give your geyser a break (and save money)
Now, a budgeting expert has revealed a series of low-cost insulation tricks using everyday household items that could help South Africans reduce heat loss at home, and lower monthly electricity spend heading into winter.
Pool noodles to the rescue
According to Hendri Van Dyke, an independent professional consultant at My Mulah, one of the cheapest and most effective hacks involves using a simple pool noodle to block cold air entering beneath doors.
“The biggest problem in many South African homes during winter isn’t necessarily the heater itself; it’s the amount of warm air escaping. A lot of homes, especially older properties, have gaps under doors and around windows that let cold air in throughout the evening. People then turn heaters or electric blankets higher without realising the heat is disappearing almost immediately.”
The expert said pool noodles, which can often be bought for as little as R5 to R10 at discount stores, can be sliced lengthways and fitted around the bottom of doors to create a simple draft excluder.
“It’s a very basic fix, but it works surprisingly well for the price. Professional draft stoppers and insulation products can cost a few hundred rand, which many households simply can’t justify right now. Using affordable materials people already have access to can make a noticeable difference.”
Also see: Alternative ways to dry your clothes this winter
Other ways to save electricity
The advice comes as many South Africans brace for increased electricity usage during winter, particularly across colder inland regions including Gauteng and the Highveld, where overnight temperatures can drop sharply.
Hendri said windows are another major source of heat loss, particularly in homes with older aluminium frames or single-pane glass.
“People are often shocked by how much warmth escapes through uncovered windows.
One of the cheapest temporary fixes is bubble wrap. If you lightly spray water onto the glass and press bubble wrap against it, it creates an extra insulating layer that helps trap heat indoors.”
Small insulation improvements around the home can collectively help reduce heating demand and potentially lower monthly electricity usage by up to 10 to 15%, depending on the size of the property and heating habits.
“When electricity prices keep climbing, people start looking for practical savings rather than expensive renovations. The reality is that a few small changes around the house can sometimes have more impact than people expect, especially during the coldest weeks of winter.”
Other low-cost winter hacks recommended by the expert include:
- Keeping curtains closed after sunset to trap heat indoors
- Rolling towels against door gaps at night
- Closing unused rooms to concentrate warmth
- Using rugs on tiled floors to reduce heat loss
- Letting sunlight in during the afternoon before sealing the house in the evening
Hendri said preparation before temperatures drop properly can help households avoid sudden spikes in prepaid electricity spending later in the season.
“Winter electricity costs catch a lot of families off guard because the increases happen gradually day by day.”
Also see: Do this and spend less on electricity this winter
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