![Winter Warmer](https://cdn.magzter.com/1373620744/1718967063/articles/Xh1Hj9dZU1721135313681/WINTER-WARMER.jpg)
South African houses are notorious for being poorly insulated. I've never quite understood the reasons for this disregard, but they certainly include cost.
Another factor is surely also the entrenched view that 'we have a great climate and our winters are short' - always forgetting that while our winters may generally be short, they are sharp, and summers are long and hot.
Mitigating uncomfortably hot or cold conditions is possible thanks to technology but in these days of escalating fuel prices and energy scarcity.
it's less of an option. In addition, even the most advanced heating or cooling technologies are rendered less effective if heat transfer between the interior and exterior is not well controlled.
In short, well insulated homes stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, making for a more comfortable environment and reducing energy costs. Insulation also reduces fire risk.
Heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer are responsible for 25%-30% of all cooling and heating used in residential buildings. The US Department of Energy puts the impact of windows even higher, saying that approximately 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows, while 76% of sunlight enters to become heat in summer. The loss can be higher depending on the quality of the home's doors and windows.
Denne historien er fra Garden&Home; July 2024-utgaven av South African Garden and Home.
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Denne historien er fra Garden&Home; July 2024-utgaven av South African Garden and Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Winter Warmer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/Xh1Hj9dZU1721135313681/WINTER-WARMER.jpg)
Winter Warmer
Properly insulated homes are the next frontier for South Africa in a world of higher energy costs and a harsher climate
![Carved in MARBLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/ZcyTptpM91721135176468/CARVED-IN-MARBLE.jpg)
Carved in MARBLE
Use marble around your home to create an instantly luxurious feel
![A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/j6l-iYSaJ1721135055878/A-LESSON-FROM-THE-ANIMAL-KINGDOM.jpg)
A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom
Not all of us are graceful ballet dancers or stylish fashion followers, but we can still stake a claim to elegance
![Nature's Hidden Harvest](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/Ty91Jt5mX1721133942787/NATURES-HIDDEN-HARVEST.jpg)
Nature's Hidden Harvest
Clutching a bovine bolete deep inside a pine forest, Ryan Enslin discovers nature's bounty as he unearths her hidden gems and edible treasures
![PAPER BRIQUETTES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/GCe4ttrf11721133760823/PAPER-BRIQUETTES.jpg)
PAPER BRIQUETTES
Fuel your winter fire with these home-made briquettes made from recycled paper that you would otherwise throw away. Each brick burns for up to 1.5 hours
![WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/iJUs4ZPOV1721133525000/WINTER-DOS-AND-DONTS-HOUSEPLANTS.jpg)
WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS
Winter houseplant care is not complicated, but there are a few essential tips to follow to keep your plants alive until spring arrives
![In The Garden](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/I5mNd6u781721133231548/IN-THE-GARDEN.jpg)
In The Garden
July Garden To-dos
![ELEGANT AGAVES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/1w0rcc4ZI1721132996617/ELEGANT-AGAVES.jpg)
ELEGANT AGAVES
Low-maintenance and always looking their best, you can't ask for much more from these showstoppers
![MIRROR UPDATE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/IXaC-4tN61721132793014/MIRROR-UPDATE.jpg)
MIRROR UPDATE
Turn any old or plain rectangular mirror into luxe home decor with this simple and beginner-friendly DIY
![LOFT LUXE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/n5ip-RskN1721132541139/LOFT-LUXE.jpg)
LOFT LUXE
This Cape Town loft remodel, inspired by Balinese living, shows how much of an impact minimalist design can make in small spaces