Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for homeowners, not only because of rising household energy costs, but also because a more efficient home is generally more comfortable - and is likely to have greater appeal to future buyers.
The good news is that improving energy efficiency does not necessarily mean undertaking an expensive renovation. There are plenty of relatively simple measures homeowners can take, starting with identifying where their homes are losing heat or using more electricity than necessary.
*Check your windows. Badly fitting or poorly sealed windows can be a significant source of heat loss during winter, increasing the amount of energy needed to keep a home warm.
A simple way to check for draughts is to hold a candle or incense stick near the edges of a closed window on a windy day. If the flame or smoke moves noticeably, there may be air leakage. Check the seals, putty and frames and replace any crumbling or missing putty or worn seals.
Wooden windows that have warped and no longer close properly may need professional attention or replacement. Although replacing windows can be expensive, modern, well-sealed windows can improve comfort as well as reduce heating and cooling requirements.
External shutters, such as those traditionally found on Cape Dutch homes, can also be surprisingly effective. Closed at night, they can help keep out winter cold, while during hot weather they can be used to block direct sunlight before it enters the house.
*Make proper insulation a priority. Heat rises, making the roof one of the most important areas to consider. Good roof insulation can help prevent heat escaping during winter and reduce the amount of heat entering the house in summer.
Homeowners should check the condition and depth of insulation in the roof space, particularly in older homes. Insulating hot-water pipes and the geyser too, where appropriate, can also reduce heat loss and help the geyser work more efficiently.
*Get your geyser to work smarter. Water heating is one of the biggest electricity users in many South African homes. Turning down the geyser thermostat to a sensible temperature, insulating exposed hot-water pipes and using a geyser timer can all help reduce consumption.
Solar water heating or a heat-pump water heater can require a greater initial investment, but may substantially reduce electricity consumption over time. These options are definitely worth considering when replacing an ageing geyser that has failed.
*Use appliances efficiently. Older appliances can consume considerably more electricity than newer, energy-efficient models. When replacing a fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer, look at its energy consumption as well as its purchase price.
Simple habits can also make a big difference. Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads where possible, avoid opening the oven unnecessarily, and allow cooked food to cool before putting it into the refrigerator.
*Get the sun on your side. Achieving optimum energy efficiency is also about working with the climate. During winter, for example, you should open curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to warm rooms naturally, then close them after sunset to retain heat. In summer, shade windows from direct sunlight using blinds, awnings, shutters, trees or other suitable screening.
Ceiling fans can also be an efficient way of improving summer comfort without having to rely on air conditioning, while heating only the rooms you are actually using will help keep energy usage and costs down in winter.
*Consider generating your own electricity. Many SA homeowners have found that solar panels combined with battery storage, can not only reduce reliance on the grid but significantly cut their electricity bills. But you do need to assess your household consumption, roof orientation and the cost of the installation to establish whether this choice will be cost effective for your household.
