Keep warm this winter
People are thinking of ways to keep warm without higher electricity bills.
Eskom also issued a statement recently, stating that energy challenges are expected to continue this winter.
Eskom issued the following tips:
Be smart about your space heater and save. Make sure the space heater you use is thermostat-controlled, a device you can set to switch the heater on and off at a pre-selected temperature.
If you want to quickly improve warmth over a period of one hour in an average room, a 3x3x2.5 metre room, use a fan heater controlled through a thermostat. It spreads the heat evenly and the thermostat switches it off when the room is warm enough. Gas heaters are also quick, but be careful. Care should be taken around exposed flames.
An oil heater with a thermostat and an output no bigger than 2 000 watts is the best option for heating an average room over a three-hour period.
A heater with a thermostat and an output no bigger than 1 000 watts will be the most energy efficient and cost effective option for heating an average room for eight hours or more.
Eskom also invites people in the workplace into a partnership aimed at switching off electricity that is not needed.
Eskom says people can do the following to help keep the lights on this winter.
Dress warmly for work.
Avoid switching on a space heater if your office is not equipped with a centralised climate control system.
Open fridge doors only when necessary and boil just enough water for the drinks you are preparing.
Wash your hands with cold water. Distances between electrical element geysers and hot water taps are usually far apart in commercial buildings. A huge volume of cold water is wasted by the time it turns hot.
Use natural light wherever possible.
Switch off lights in all unoccupied offices.
Switch off all appliances including computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the power button.
Other ways of keeping warm without switching on the heater at home too early include wrapping yourself in a blanket, using a hot water bottle and closing your curtains before it becomes dark.
You should also seal gaps around your windows, draught-proof wall cavities and doors and install fire retardant ceiling insulation before winter if possible.
Visit www.eskom.co.za/idm for further information.
