By Kandua.com’s Chief Operating Officer, Graeme Steen

Winter is on its way and colder temperatures can be expected across the country.

Many South Africans are concerned about the cold coupled with rising energy costs and load shedding, but Graeme Steen, Kandua.com’s Chief Operating Officer believes that: “A little cost-effective maintenance to winter-proof your home now could save you thousands of rands in unnecessary heating or repair costs.”

As the country’s go-to online marketplace for home services, Steen says that Kandua.com’s service providers (pros) have seen first-hand how preventative maintenance – and lack thereof – can make a big difference in the long-term.

Top Tips from the Pros

“We asked some of our pros what their advice is for preparing your home for winter, especially in light of rising electricity and energy costs,” says Steen. “These are some of their top maintenance tips to winter-proof your home”:

1. Start at the top

Your roof is the best place to start. “Whether you are coming out of the rainy season, or entering it, check your roof for leaks,” says Steen. “Unchecked water damage can even lead to structural issues, which can cost a fortune to fix. Check ceilings and cornices for damp spots and ensure all the damp proofing measures you’ve implemented previously are still in place.”

2. Insulation is a game changer

“Adequate insulation will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer,” says Steen. If your insulation is insufficient, your heating system will have to work overtime this winter which means higher utility or gas bills. He goes on to say: “The right kind of insulation for ceilings, between floors, basements and walls depends on the structure of your home,, but a simple trick is to install long, thick curtains that will help keep the cold out and the heat in.”

3. Mind the gap

Another thing that will make your heating system work harder than it needs to - and cost you more money - is when cold air creeps in under doors and through gaps around windows. Steen adds: “It is best to get someone to install rubber seals on existing frames or choose doors and windows with weather seals. This will also keep dust and rain out.”

4. Clean your gutters

“There's only one thing the gutter is meant for, and that's getting rainwater off the roof and down the drain. If it is blocked, it will not be able to do this,” advises Steen. “Don’t forget to also check the actual gutter for cracks, gaps at the joint, or sagging.”

5. Keep cosy

“If you’re considering a fireplace, make sure to install it in autumn so it’s ready for winter.” When asked why he would recommend gas, Steen replied, "With a gas fireplace, you simply flip a switch for instant ambiance and warmth." He went on to say, "and compared to a wood-burning fireplace, gas fireplaces are virtually hassle-free and maintenance-free since they are closed systems fuelled by natural gas or liquid propane.

6. Don’t get left in the dark

We’ve already had our fair share of load shedding and power cuts, and winter often sees the electrical grid under even more pressure. “Be prepared and invest in a small gas cooker, a good power bank, and some rechargeable lights. A generator is noisy and with the petrol price increasing, has become incredibly expensive to fuel,” he explains. “An inverter and battery backup system are a great alternative, depending on your needs.”

Steen concludes saying that it might be a good time to start saving up for a green alternative such as solar power. “Some of the banks and leading financial service providers are providing loans for solar power so it’s advisable to investigate this.”