Useful information
By installing a solar heating system for the geyser we are saving more money. Initially, we had solar panels which I had replaced with evacuated tubes and they are very efficient. We barely switch the geyser on, even in the middle of winter and then only for about half an hour once a week, when it is very cold. I estimate the saving has resulted in the system paying for itself in 18 months.
For those who do not know, persons over 65 can apply at the municipal offices at Santarama or City Power in Heronmere Road, Reuven for a rebate in their rates payment.
Those over 70 can apply for rates to be removed entirely from their accounts. The older we get the less we want to be bothered about, so we paid for a prepaid electric meter to be installed by City Power and since then have no problem with electricity accounts. We pay for the electricity at the supermarket.
By installing a solar heating system for the geyser we are saving more money. Initially, we had solar panels which I had replaced with evacuated tubes and they are very efficient. We barely switch the geyser on, even in the middle of winter and then only for about half an hour once a week, when it is very cold. I estimate the saving has resulted in the system paying for itself in 18 months.
Before we wash dishes in winter, we save all the cold water from the tap before the hot water runs into the sink.
My brother died four years ago and his wife battled to handle the affairs after his death, so what I did when I heard that, was to compile a list for my wife of every person she needs to contact in the event of my death such as the plumber, electrician, insurance broker, bank official etc.
I put that list into a file as an index along with a very important piece of paper we own, including a copy of our will, birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policies, bank account details, power of attorney document for her to act on my behalf, copies of ID documents and every other document she will need to know about in order to make the transition easier for her. I told my children about the file so they can help her as well.
Ian Barry
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