How to keep your home warm during a South African winter

A bitter cold spell is affecting parts of South Africa. Simple, low-cost steps can help households stay warmer, reduce heat loss and avoid dangerous heating methods during winter.

What the weather services warn

According to The South African, the South African Weather Service has issued warnings for disruptive and heavy snow in parts of the Eastern Cape and other high-lying areas, with snow possible over mountainous regions and rough seas along the coast.

Stop heat escaping

Cold air entering through gaps around doors and windows makes a warm home chill quickly. Use draft stoppers or door seals where available to block gaps. If you do not have those, a rolled-up towel can help keep cold air outside. Closing curtains in the evening also helps keep warm air inside and reduces heat loss through windows.

Keep yourself warm indoors

You do not always need to turn up the heater to stay comfortable. Put on warm clothes, thick socks and extra layers to help your body retain heat. Extra blankets make a noticeable difference, especially in the early morning and evening when temperatures drop.

Make bedrooms warmer at night

Use extra blankets, a hot-water bottle or an electric blanket to stay warm while sleeping. If you use an electric blanket, check it is in good condition and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Concentrate warmth where you need it

Close the doors of unused rooms and focus heating in the parts of the house where you spend most of your time.

Be ready for power cuts

Winter power cuts can make cold conditions harder to manage. Keep blankets, warm clothing and torches somewhere easy to find. If you use a heater, make sure you know how to operate it safely.

Avoid dangerous heating methods

According to The South African, some households turn to charcoal braziers or gas appliances during power cuts. Using these indoors can be extremely dangerous because burning charcoal, gas or other fuels in a poorly ventilated room can produce carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious poisoning or death. Always ensure adequate ventilation when using appliances that burn fuel, and never bring a charcoal brazier indoors to warm up a room.

Keep your home at a safe temperature

The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures at 18°C or higher during cold weather. Maintaining a warm indoor environment can help reduce health risks from prolonged cold exposure, particularly for vulnerable people.

With cold weather continuing across parts of South Africa, taking practical steps to keep the cold out and the heat in can make homes more comfortable and safer through winter.