
We have entered the winter months, and we are in for a freezing one according to the South African weather service. Average day temperatures of 18°C and lows of 2° C have been suggested. Although the coldest town in South Africa is Sutherland, the farm Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, holds the official record for the lowest temperature at -20.1°C.
With the winter biting through your clothes, you find yourself wishing you could hibernate in the warmth and safety of your home. Here are some winter-friendly tips for in, and around your home.
Home safety procedures and maintenance are essential. The harsh cold temperatures can lead to your pipes freezing in winter and can eventually cause leaks or bursts. Ensure that your pipes, both in and outside, are weatherproof to avoid any potential hazards. The same goes for your geyser. It is advisable to check that your geyser is in good working order with no rust or small cracks. Cold weather causes expansion and contraction which can quickly worsen small damages to your roof and ceilings. And see that your insulation is in a good condition, and when all is well, it also saves on your electricity bill.
Road safety cannot be excluded - the days are shorter and darker in the winter months and wind, sleet and rain can make the roads slippery and cause visibility issues. Drive with your lights on in the dark and wet days to improve visibility. Keep your windscreens and mirrors clean of ice and make sure that your wipers are in good working condition to handle the winter rains and ice.
We all grabbed the heaters out of the cupboards with the first winter chill, but heaters can pose a serious safety risk. Keep you and your family safe with some easy measures:
The other winter “miracles” we cannot live without are our electric blankets and hot water bottles. Never sleep with your electric blanket on and make sure your hot water bottle can close securely to avoid burns. A pro tip is to invest in a humidifier. Sinus problems worsen in winter, and our heating devices dry the air around us causing sinuses to flare up even more. A humidifier will restore the balance in the room by maintaining the humidity in the air.
Warm up any room with the IQ Aircon range. With the Wi-Fi integration, you can easily control the unit from your phone or smart device, without leaving the comfort of your couch. With the advanced inverter technology, you can save up to 40% on your electricity bill.
Get instant heat with the Kengo Infrared heater. Infrared light helps your body on a cellular level and aids in absorbing more energy, keeping you warm from the inside so to speak. It also improves your blood circulation, cell regeneration and promotes relaxation. The Kengo Infrared heater is easy to install in various locations, inside and outside. We know how you love your braai South Africa – warm up your braai or patio area with the Kengo Infrared heater and keep the tradition going despite the cold. And what about your furry, or feathery friends? Keep them warm with the Phillips 175W Infrared lamp
IQ Aircon 24000 BTU Split & Pipe Kit (R410a Inverter Speed) 
Synerji Electrical Kengo Infrared heater
Keep safe and warm this winter. Now go on - make yourself that mug of hot chocolate. You deserve it.