As winter bites and electricity tariffs soar across South Africa, households and businesses are feeling the chill, particularly in their wallets. With NERSA-approved hikes of nearly 46% over the past four years and another brutal 12% increase this year alone, energy bills are climbing faster than the mercury drops.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Kwikot, South Africa’s trusted water-heating brand for over 120 years, shares five smart, practical ways to stay warm without burning through your budget:
1. Drop the Thermostat, Not the Comfort
Lower your geyser thermostat to around 55–60°C. Most geysers are set too high by default, wasting energy. This small adjustment can save up to 10% on your water heating bill, and you won’t even notice the difference in your shower.
2. Harness the Power of the Sun
Install a solar geyser and let the African sun heat your water for free. Even during winter, solar thermal systems can cover most of your hot water needs. Bonus: It eases the national grid and could help dodge another round of load shedding.
3. Load-Shift Like a Pro
Use smart timers or geyser controllers to heat water during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. Think of it as ‘charging’ your hot water at midnight and using it all day — much like your phone.
4. Insulate Everything That Heats
From geyser blankets to pipe lagging, proper insulation ensures your hot water stays hot longer. It’s a low-cost fix that can reduce heat loss by up to 50%, which means less reheating and more savings.
5. Go Gas (Where It Makes Sense)
For instance, energy-efficient heating, gas water heaters are an ideal alternative. They’re perfect for off-grid properties and offer a consistent flow of hot water — no matter what Eskom’s schedule says.With South Africans losing up to R1 billion a day to energy disruptions, every kilowatt saved is a victory for your wallet and the economy.
For more information about Kwikot’s water heating solutions visit www.kwikot.com.
Article Provided
