Winter is just around the corner and with the current state and price of electricity in our country it could just well be the most expensive season we’ve ever seen. And unfortunately experts say that it is also going to be the coldest winter we’ve seen in a long time. This means that one will have no choice but to implement certain measures to ensure that your home is a warm and cosy retreat from the cold outdoors.
Here are a few eco- and budget-friendly solutions to help keep your home warm and cosy this winter:
Solar energy
Solar water heating has been used commercially around the world for more than fifty years and could reduce your electricity bill by more than 30%. A typical solar water heating system uses a roof mounted collector, angled towards the south to capture heat from the sun. About 1 square meter of collector area is needed for each person in the household, with a minimum size of around 2.5 square meters. The collector contains a heating fluid which is warmed by the sun’s rays, and then pumped through a heat exchange coil in the hot water tank. As this coil warms up, it transfers the heat to the water in the tank. An expansion vessel built into the system allows for any expansion or contraction of the heating fluid as it warms and cools. Solar energy is eco-friendly and causes no pollution or exploitation of natural resources. Having a solar heating system in your home will allow you access to warm water during power failures or load shedding
For more information visit: www.easyenergy.co.za; www.homecomfort.co.za/solar-heating.html/
Also read more about the Eskom Rebate for solar water heating systems
Insulation
It is a well known fact that heat moves from warmer to colder areas, which means that heat will escape from your home through the roof on cold winter days and remains trapped inside on hot summer days. Roof Insulation slows this process of transfer down.
Have your roof insulated to prevent heat from escaping during cold, winter months. Insulation will reduce heat loss up to 80% and will also reduce your energy bill by 20% and more. Roof insulation will also keep your home cool in summer and is eco-friendly as it is made from recyclable material. Heat can also be lost through the floor of your home, therefore it might be a good idea to put high density polystyrene underneath the concrete of your new home to prevent heat loss significantly.
For more information
Under floor heating
As mentioned earlier, heat rises and this is why under floor heating is so effective if you know how to manage the rising heat. Under floor heating can be installed under nearly all types of floor covering:
Carpet heating: Carpet heating pads are installed between the under felt and the actual carpet. The heating wire is insulated with Teflon, which allows better flexibility and durability. Heating elements that are used for carpet heating are covered in three layers of aluminium that is used as a shield and also to assist in keeping the floors warm for longer when the system is switched off.
Under tile heating: The cables for under tile hearing is installed directly underneath the floor surface and the effect of the product can be felt within 30 minutes. Heating cables that are installed underneath tiles are waterproof, heatproof and extremely strong.
For more information
Infrared
Infrared heaters work like the sun. They focus on warming objects and not the air around it like with most other heaters, which means that it uses less energy. This kind of heater is suitable for open spaces like patios, braai areas and restaurants. Infrared heaters heat up instantly and can save you electricity as you only need to switch it on when necessary. It also doesn’t dry out the air and is more economical than gas and under floor heating. The heaters are safe as infrared rays are not similar to ultraviolet rays and it does not damage your skin. These heaters are usually mounted at least 2 meters above the ground so it is out of reach for children and animals. They are also fitted with a protective grid. The heater also cools down quickly after you’ve switched it off, thus reducing the risk of burning accidents.
For more information
Fireplaces
According to experts in the field wood and multi fuel closed system fireplaces are the most cost effective and eco-friendly heating systems available on the market at the moment.
What is available?
Fireplace City’s Closed System Stoves are available in cast iron and thick fabricated steel. A fire can be sustained using one piece of wood per hour. These stoves have a primary air inlet as well as an efficient airwash intake which ensures a clean glass. Some models also have a Tertiary air intake which assists in burning emissions such as smoke which generates additional heat from something which normally pollutes your environment.
Morso Fireplaces’ 8100 series wood-burning fireplace is an environmentally correct energy source, because wood is a non-fossil natural product. A Morso fireplace is a controllable piece of heating furniture; air is brought in to the fireplace through specific vents to fuel the fire economically, control the burn rate giving long extend burn times and to maximise the calorific heat return back in to the room. These fireplaces have additional air inlets under the grate to ensure that the fuel is burnt effectively and does not smoulder and cause smoke to pour into the room.
Hot Art has developed a unique freestanding ceramic fireplace which combines the heat output of the very hottest fireplaces with the natural beauty of decorated and glazed Pottery. Hot Art fireplaces are not only aesthetically pleasing, they are fully functional wood burning stoves which produce phenomenal heat with no fuss or mess! These fireplaces are flame and heatproof and won’t smoulder.
Tip: Burning quality wood is the cheapest type of heating currently available. A wood-burning fireplace will make financial sense compared to electricity, natural gas and oil and is not susceptible to power outages.
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