As home insurers, we often hear two major complaints when it comes to people’s homes: the high costs of how to keep your house warm this winter and the high price of comprehensive home insurance. Thankfully with Oneplan, we’re taking care of both – at a fraction of the cost.
Winter is well and truly upon us. And if the sudden drop in temperature wasn’t enough of a sign, the sudden spike in your monthly electricity bill definitely will be. But we aren’t here to paint a bleak picture of winter. Quite the opposite actually.
We thought we’d let you in on some of the best-kept secrets on how to keep your house warm this winter without breaking the bank. And how we’re going to help you bring down the costs of your monthly premium during these expensive winter months.
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The reality of a hefty electricity bill
Getting through the cold winter months can definitely wreak havoc on your monthly budget. So much so that many people are increasingly growing concerned around the spiked winter electricity bill phenomenon. But their panic isn’t completely wrong. Eskom has even said that electricity bills generally increase by about 30% to 40% during winter.
But when you think about it – are we surprised? Cut to images of people doing all they can to keep their homes nice and toasty. We switch on the heaters, turn on the lights a little earlier, rev up the geysers, overheat our food with the microwave and increase our series bingeing. So, it is rather understandable that this can be one of the more expensive seasons of the year.
But having to deal with the cold AND a high electricity bill just seems like adding salt to the wound. Here’s the good news: We have a few easy and effective tips to help you keep your home warm without breaking the bank. And while we’re saving you money, we’ll also look at how you can adjust your monthly home insurance premium this season too!
How to keep your house warm this winter on a budget
1. Buy an energy-efficient heater
Try and opt for an energy-efficient heater that is designed to limit the amount of electricity needed. Make sure to read the label and look out for energy-saving features like a built-in timer or thermostat.
2. Cover those gaps
A lot of the warmth in our homes escape through little spaces and gaps. To save on electricity costs, trap the heat inside by sealing your windows and placing a little towel at the bottom of your door. This will keep the cold from creeping its way in.
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3. Use nature’s heater: sunlight
This is a free way to keep your home nice and warm. Take advantage of natural daylight throughout the day and open up your blinds and curtains and let the sunlight do its thing.
4. Let’s bottle it up!
Skip the electric blanket (it contributes to a large amount of your electricity bill) and trade it in for a sealable water bottle. Fill it with hot water and place it under the covers of your bed before you get in and experience the incredible warmth it has to offer.
5. Add a few rugs
Now, this may be a more long-term option (or require a fun little online shopping session) but adding carpets or rugs to your home will help better insulate it. A lot of warmth is lost through tiles or floorboards – so cover them up with some carpeting to seal in the heat.
6. Layer up
We know that this point may seem a little obvious but remember that it’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to keep your body warm than it is your home. Adding a few more layers will help you feel warm and cosy and help you better embrace winter fashion. So bring out the fluffy jerseys and woollen socks!
In the spirit of saving
We know that during the winter seasons we’re most likely spending a lot more money. More of our pay checks are going towards keeping the fridge full of hearty meals, stocking up on winter clothes, flu vaccinations and buying each family member a hot water bottle.
We want to make sure that your home is kept warm and comprehensively insured, all within your budget. This is why we have designed Oneplan Car and Household Insurance in a way that lets you choose how much cover you want based on a price you can afford.
Customise your premium to match your winter budget
If your budget is a little strained during these upcoming winter months, you can plan ahead by reducing your monthly home insurance premium through our Oneplan App. All you’d have to do is hop onto our Oneplan App, click on our Sliding Scale and move the scale to your ideal monthly insurance premium that suits your budget. You can choose between 30% to 95% with the simple gliding of the scale. It really is that simple.
Matching your premiums to your seasonal budget has never been easier or more convenient. And that’s how we plan on keeping it. Because keeping your household healthy, warm and protected is what we do!
Read next: Choosing the Right Home Insurance for Your Needs: 3 Tips
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