Sip a hot chocolate and read on to transform your cold home
Keep your home cosy this winter
Category News
It's time to bundle up and switch those heaters on! Winter is upon us in South Africa and we are feeling the chill. Having unprecedented cold fronts that have seen some of the hottest parts of the country experiencing snowfall, here are some easy ways to ensure you keep the cold at bay.
What can I do to make my house warmer?
The first step in ensuring you stay warm in your abode is sealing all points of entry and exit that may produce a draft. This includes buying door draft stoppers and taking unique inspiration from the DIY gods when it comes to your windows. Since it isn't feasible to seal your windows permanently in a country with a tropical, warm climate, you can use bubble wrap, cling film or tin foil as innovative ways to temporarily seal your windows. This will prevent any cold air from creeping in and keep the smell of your delicious baking and cooking locked in.
Speaking of baking and cooking, choose recipes that require the use of your oven more often than not during winter. The heat generated from the oven will warm the kitchen and surrounding rooms of the house, provided that the doors and windows are closed. Leave your oven door slightly ajar once done cooking and trap this heat to insulate your home and regulate a warm temperature.
It is often the simplest things that are the most effective and this rings true when it comes to repurposing old blankets and throws. They are especially useful as furniture covers when your chairs and sofas are made of cold materials such as leather. Drape the blankets on the seats and over the backrests to create a comfortable barrier before you get ready to relax on the couch with a hot water bottle and another blanket on top for good measure.
Hot water bottles can be pricey in winter. Ensure your loved ones have enough to go around at home by creating your own! Buy some thick plastic bottles from any grocery or homeware store and fill with boiling water. Wrap it in plastic and your favourite tea towel and you have a hot water bottle that stays warm for hours! Take note not to use plastic bottles that are on the thin side, as this could be hazardous.
What is the cheapest way to keep warm?
Layer up! Pile on the thermal clothing and jerseys to stay as warm as possible whenever leaving and entering the house. Take advantage of a loved one's skill for knitting and get a pair of thick, woollen socks and a matching beanie and scarf made to be worn at home. Keeping your hands, feet and head warm are the quickest ways to feel the heat.
Invest in an electric blanket that will last you many a season and can be used to warm up your bed before you climb in and switched off to be replaced by your homemade hot water bottle! This technique ensures your bed stays snug through the night and you don't wake up to a cold room.
Of all the ways to naturally warm up your home, purchasing an eco-friendly heater should not be overlooked. Halogen heaters are the most energy-efficient due to their low power consumption and are the cheapest to run. Coming in hot on its tails are oil-filled heaters and electric infrared heaters.
REALGLEN Properties brings the heat
Our list of properties spans the best regions in Gauteng. With harsh, dry winters, the suburbs are always the best place to be during a cold front. Consult one of our trusted property practitioners to view our latest listings.
Author REALGLEN Properties
Published 07 Aug 2023 / Views -