Hot energy alternatives
With load shedding an ever-present threat, we need to find alternative sources of energy in our houses especially in winter. Here are some ideas W O R D S V I V I E N H O R L E R EVERY indication is that load shedding will be with us for the foreseeable future, so we might as well invest in some green solutions. Some are expensive, some are not, but to save our sanity we need to make a plan – or two. We can’t rely on Eskom but in South Africa we can rely on the sun. Solar solutions usually require a substantial investment but this can pay off in the long run. Estate agents report that homes fitted with solar solutions, such
as inverters and geysers, are sought after by buyers. Solar geysers provide hours of free hot water, and even after a couple of grey days, still function adequately. Solar inverters provide electricity by taking direct current from the solar panels on the roof and transforming it into alternating current that can be used to power an entire house, depending on the size of the set-up, or just a few items like the fridge, computer, television and some lights.
PICTURE RYAN CHRISTODOULOUH
Gas heaters are extremely efficient and will heat a large room with ease
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Another option is to switch to gas. The expensive option would be to install a gas hob and oven; the cheaper option is to buy a small cylinder and a single ring-burner that can be used to boil water or soup or make a fry-up. If you opt for a gas hob, invest in a stove-top kettle for boiling water (or a saucepan will do). Gas heaters are extremely efficient and will heat a large room with ease. The trick when using gas for heating and cooking is to have at least three
