As colder weather settles across much of South Africa, many households are preparing for rising electricity bills as heaters, electric blankets and kettles become everyday essentials. With electricity tariffs continuing to increase, keeping warm without overspending has become a priority for families heading into winter.
Fortunately, staying comfortable doesn’t always require expensive insulation or major home improvements. According to budgeting expert Hendri Van Dyke, an independent professional consultant at My Mulah, a few inexpensive DIY fixes using everyday household items can significantly reduce heat loss and help lower electricity consumption throughout the colder months.
“The biggest problem in many South African homes during winter isn’t necessarily the heater itself—it’s the amount of warm air escaping,” says Van Dyke. “Many homes, particularly older properties, have gaps under doors and around windows that allow cold air to enter continuously. People often respond by turning heaters up higher or using electric blankets for longer, without realising much of that warmth is disappearing almost immediately.”
The R10 pool noodle insulation hack
One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions, according to Van Dyke, is using a pool noodle as a DIY draft stopper. Available for as little as R5 to R10 at many discount stores, a pool noodle can be sliced lengthways and fitted around the bottom of a door to block cold air from entering while preventing warm air from escaping.
“It’s an incredibly simple fix, but it’s surprisingly effective considering the cost,” he explains. “Professional draft excluders and insulation products can cost several hundred rand, which isn’t practical for many households. Making use of affordable materials people already have at home or can buy cheaply can make a noticeable difference.”
Don’t overlook your windows
Doors aren’t the only source of heat loss. Windows, particularly those with older aluminium frames or single-pane glass, are another major contributor to chilly indoor temperatures. “People are often surprised by how much warmth escapes through uncovered windows,” says Van Dyke.
One budget-friendly solution is bubble wrap. “If you lightly spray water onto the window and press bubble wrap against the glass, it creates a layer of trapped air that acts as temporary insulation. It’s inexpensive, easy to remove, and can help retain indoor heat.”
Small changes can add up
While no single tip will dramatically reduce electricity usage, Van Dyke says combining several low-cost insulation measures can have a meaningful impact. Depending on the size of the home, its insulation levels and heating habits, small improvements could reduce heating demand by an estimated 10% to 15%, helping households keep electricity costs under control during winter.
“When electricity prices continue to rise, people naturally start looking for practical ways to save rather than investing in expensive renovations,” he says. “The reality is that a handful of small changes around the house can have a bigger impact than many people expect, especially during the coldest weeks of the year.”
Other affordable winter energy-saving tips
Van Dyke also recommends several simple habits that help retain warmth without increasing electricity use:
- Keep curtains closed immediately after sunset to reduce heat loss through windows.
- Roll up towels and place them against door gaps to block drafts.
- Close doors to unused rooms so that warmth is concentrated where it’s needed most.
- Lay rugs or carpets over tiled floors to help reduce heat loss and improve comfort underfoot.
- Open curtains during sunny afternoons to allow natural warmth into the home, then close them before temperatures drop in the evening.
- Dress in warm layers and use blankets before turning up electric heaters.
- Heat only occupied rooms instead of warming the entire house.
Prepare before winter peaks
Van Dyke says households should start implementing these measures early, rather than waiting until temperatures reach their lowest. “Winter electricity costs often catch families off guard because the increase happens gradually, one day at a time,” he says.
“Making a few small adjustments before the coldest weather arrives can help reduce energy consumption, improve comfort indoors and prevent unexpected spikes in prepaid electricity spending later in the season.”
With winter placing additional pressure on already stretched household budgets, simple DIY insulation solutions could offer South Africans an affordable way to stay warmer while keeping monthly electricity costs under control.
Hendri Van Dyke is an independent professional consultant at My Mulah, a leading South African fintech provider specialising in fast, transparent and secure short-term credit solutions.
