Its officially winter: Cape Town is suffering the impact of heavy rains and cold weather, while the highveld shrivels up with dry and icy temperatures. Flu season is well on its way, even in coastal Durban, and with loadshedding hovering over us like a dark cloud, it seems we are in for a very long, very uncomfortable winter.
Trevor Brewer, Director of air treatment and lifestyle company, Solenco outlines some of the top energy efficient tech that will keep you healthy, warm, and ultimately happy this Winter.
Air purifiers
With the rising cost of electricity in South Africa, trapping heat in our homes in the colder months is likely to become more frequent, but Brewer says this is often to the detriment of our health, as we trap bacteria and viruses, giving them nowhere to escape. Enter the spread of the flu. “Air purifiers are a great way to destroy bacteria and airborne viruses that may be lurking, They use filtration mechanisms to remove toxins from the air. Look for one with an H13 HEPA filter which removes 99.98% of all particles in the air that are 0.03 microns in size,” says Brewer.
You can also now get your hands on energy efficient air purifiers which use as little as 5 Watts of electricity, like the Solenco CF8500 Air Purifiers.
Robotic Vacuum Cleaners
More time in doors, and less ventilation, means more dust and more pet dander. If you’re looking for that extra level of convenience, a robotic vacuum cleaner can map your home and do the cleaning for you, either while you’re out or while you’re on the couch under a blanket.
The Hobot Legee D7 Robotic Vacuum cleaner is designed for both hard floors and carpets, and comes with a front suction mouth and deep-cleaning brushroll to quickly grab hair, dirt, and debris. It also has an eco-cleaning mode, which means quieter cleaning for daily use that also consumes less energy.
Humidifiers
When the temperatures drop in Winter, so does the humidity level. This lack of moisture can dry out your skin, aggravate respiratory conditions, and even damage your wooden furniture. By using a humidifier, you can infuse your living space with moisture, countering the harsh effects of dry winter air.
The Meaco Deluxe 202 Ultrasonic Humidifier has an added air purification function, as well as a built-in aroma diffuser, all while being extremely energy efficient from only 25W.
Dehumidifiers
If you’re in a part of the country with more wet conditions like the Western Cape, a dehumidifier will help prevent damp and mould, and will also dry up the water vapour that tends to gather when you’re heating your home with the windows and doors shut. Brewer says “Just like a really clever vacuum cleaner, it breathes in the air, removes all the moisture, and then breathes dry air out again.”
The MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier is up to 70% more energy efficient than other dehumidifiers on the market and comes with a 5-year warranty. It also has a special laundry drying mode, which is 5 times cheaper to run compared to a tumble dryer.
While there’s no escaping mother nature or the schedule Eskom se Push has dealt you, there are some smart ways you can turn your home into the ultimate winter retreat this season.
