How to stay warm: Affordable tips to beat the winter chill
Here’s a list of innovative, cost-effective, and affordable ways to keep warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.
05/07/2025
South Africa is currently in the grip of an intense cold front, with snowfall and extreme temperatures prompting recent public safety measures. As temperatures continue to plummet across large parts of the country this week and in the coming weeks, staying warm is not just about comfort—it's critical for health amidst these severe weather conditions.
Most parts of the country will face icy winds, rain, and significantly low temperatures, necessitating extra precautions for warmth. Staying warm in colder months is not just about comfort; it's essential to reduce the risk of common ailments like colds and flu, and can also mitigate more severe conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and depression.
However, with rising electricity costs in South Africa, many households are finding it challenging to manage heating expenses alongside other financial pressures. To help navigate these challenges, here’s a list of innovative, cost-effective, and affordable ways to keep warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.
Indoor comfort: Staying warm with affordable items
Embracing the “heat the human, not
the home” concept, as advocated by money saving
expert Martin Lewis, is a primary strategy for
efficient warmth. This approach prioritises
keeping your body warm over heating an entire
house, significantly reducing energy
consumption. Layering up with thermal underwear,
thick socks and warm sweaters is key. For
targeted warmth,
electric blankets can pre-heat
beds for about 30 minutes before use (then
switched off), or rely on long-lasting,
electricity-free hot water bottles.
Savvy
shoppers like Emeline recently showcased a thick
sofa cover she bought from direct-from-factory
marketplace Temu as "the most aesthetic winter
decor". The cover serves not only to keep her
body warm but also as a decorative piece and a
protective cover to keep the sofa clean. In her
TikTok video, her cat immediately found a cozy
spot on the blanket, lying on it with a
contentedly swaying tail. She writes:
"Everything is so cute and gorgeous."
These soft and stylish throws are ideal for
cuddling up with a book or while watching TV,
keeping you snug without cranking up the
thermostat.
Electric blankets, hot water
bottles and throws are proving to be economical
heating alternatives, gaining popularity as
budget-friendly options.
Another
affordable R31 find, the window draught stopping
foam seal strip, is becoming a common choice for
families. This simple, self-adhesive strip can
be quickly applied along window frames to
effectively block out cold air.
Outdoor warmth: Braving the chill with style
Venturing outdoors in freezing weather demands
durable and effective gear. Beyond those thick
jackets and warm jerseys, don’t overlook the
accessories that provide crucial protection from
icy winds.
TikTok accounts like
Beautyandtravel1 showcase how scarves and
earmuffs offer additional protection against icy
winds. In Johannesburg, Jessicaberger00 was
delighted to be able to stay fashionably warm in
a soft, warm Merino wool cardigan in butter
yellow - one of winter’s trendiest colours.
Whether running errands or enjoying a winter
walk, these affordable accessories ensure you're
comfortably shielded from the elements.
Maximising warmth and minimising bills: More winter energy-saving tips
Beyond essential warm clothing and smart shopping, implementing these practical habits can significantly cut down your energy bill during the colder months:
- Optimise your heating: Focus on heating only the room you are currently occupying, keeping doors to unheated areas closed. If using an electric heater, choose one with a thermostat to prevent continuous energy drain once the desired temperature is reached. Gas heaters can also be an alternative, always ensuring proper ventilation.
- Close curtains and blinds: Along with draught-proofing, closing thick curtains and blinds as soon as the sun sets is crucial to trap warmth inside and prevent heat loss through windows.
- Smart water heating: Install a geyser timer to heat water only when needed (e.g., morning and evening). Take shorter showers to conserve hot water.
- General electricity-saving habits: Unplug "energy vampires"—electronics that consume power even when turned off (e.g., chargers, TVs on standby). Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and use cold wash settings where possible.
As South Africa braces for continued extreme cold, with icy winds and plummeting temperatures affecting most parts of the country, staying warm is paramount for both comfort and health. By embracing the "heat the human, not the home" philosophy and implementing clever, affordable solutions, South Africans can significantly reduce their electricity consumption while remaining snug. These practical tips empower households to stay warm and comfortable throughout the colder months, without straining their finances amidst rising electricity costs.