With winter in full swing and the inevitable increase in your electricity bill, it is imperative to find new ways to keep warm that won’t break the bank.

We understand that there are many other financial obligations that you need to squeeze into your monthly budget, which is why we have put together a list of ways to help you keep warm without spending too much moola.

Keep your water usage as low as possible

No one is denying that there is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee or tea to keep those winter blues at bay, however try be scarce with the amount of water you use. If you only need one or two cups, there is no point in filling the kettle to the top.

Insulation is key

There is nothing worse than having the chilly wind creeping into your cozy home through all the nooks and cranny’s, which is why we suggest insulating your windows and doors properly. This does not have to be an expensive exercise if you know how to do it properly. Why not visit your local hardware store to ask about the products they recommend you use.

Wrap it up

Did you know that you can get a blanket… for your geyser? Hot water usage comprises approximately 40% of your total monthly electricity bill and while it is not viable to turn off your geyser during winter (because what’s better than climbing into a steaming bath on a cold winters day), we need to find ways to bring down these costs. That’s where a geyser blanket comes in. In a nutshell, it is an insulation covering, encased in aluminum foil that is wrapped around your geyser to prevent heat loss from the shell casing. Not only will this help cut electricity costs, but it is environmentally friendly too.

Invest in cheaper options

Not only is it unsafe to keep your electric blanket on all night, but it also increases your electricity bills considerably. A bean bag that can be heated in the microwave or a hot water bottle work just as well to keep you warm, and cost a lot less. While on this topic, many people have invested in under floor heating which may not be too pricy to install, but just wait until you get your bill at the end of the month as running it will shoot your electricity costs through the roof. Go to your local home store and invest in a gas heater, or even cheaper… slippers

We know that it is not always that simple to keep household costs low, especially in winter, but every small change counts.