Get your house and appliances ready for load shedding in a way that boosts your property value
Did you know? Load shedding increased by 40% in 2021, according to CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. In 2022, we even experienced a frightening stage 6. With load shedding frequently and unexpectedly interrupting our lives, there's never been a better time to prepare our homes for it.
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Is load shedding here to stay? Unfortunately, that is the reality.
"Households should start adapting and taking measures to ensure they can continue functioning during power outages." - Seeff Property Group.
Read further for seven ways to prepare your home for load shedding while increasing your property value, should you ever decide to sell your house.
How Can I Prepare For Load Shedding?
Make sensible investments for the good of your home; these investments will provide ample protection from load shedding and increase the overall value of your property.
Seven Load Shedding Preparation Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home
- Tip One: A battery-powered inverter system.
An inverter with two 12-volt deep cycle batteries can power your television, internet, and laptop so you can work uninterrupted (or watch Netflix uninterrupted) during load shedding. However, not all items should rely on an inverter. Never boil a kettle or connect a heater to an inverter system, as these require too much power.
We suggest charging your inverter when there isn't load shedding. This way, it’ll be ready to provide power once load shedding hits.
- Tip Two: A petrol generator.
If an inverter isn’t for you, then a petrol generator with a minimum of 6.5kVA can power your household - from the lights to the internet to your fridge.
A petrol generator can also provide power to a kettle, small heater, and your microwave, but we recommend doing this in moderation.
- Tip Three: Rechargeable globes for your lights.
Rechargeable globes guarantee plenty of light during load shedding. We also recommend that you invest in solar or battery-powered lights for the exterior of your home (for security reasons).
By investing in solar-powered lights for the exterior of your home, you are protecting your property for its future homeowners. A well-lit background makes it harder for burglars to approach undetected. Thus, your home remains safe.
- Tip Four: Battery backup for your security system.
Load shedding is a criminal’s answer to prayer. Be extra vigilant during power outages, and ensure your alarm system, gate, and other security features are operating.
Modern security features are a significant drawcard for homebuyers who want to feel safe in their new home. Investing in these security features is a great way to increase your property value.
- Tip Five: Gas cooking appliances.
Gas-powered appliances ensure that you needn’t sacrifice mealtimes - and your sacred morning coffee - during load shedding.
Can gas appliances increase your property value? Indeed. According to InspireCleanEnergy (2022), over 70% of homebuyers want natural gas appliances.
- Tip Six: A solar geyser.
Don’t let the idea of a solar geyser intimidate you. Solar power can be a lifesaver during load shedding, and thankfully, a solar geyser is relatively easy to install.
Invest in a solar geyser, and you can increase your property value and attract buyers who will appreciate the sustainable and cost-effective solution during load shedding.
- Tip Seven: Beware of power surges. Remember to protect your essential kitchen appliances, such as your fridge or microwave, during load shedding. You can do this by fitting them with surge protectors or turning them off at the source (usually a switch on the wall) until load shedding is over.
If your appliances aren’t protected, load shedding can damage your appliances beyond repair, and the value of your property could plummet. No homebuyer wants broken appliances.
Preparing your home for load shedding is a vital component of living in South Africa, and if done right, you can significantly increase the value of your property.
Is load shedding getting you down? Consider reading our article on How to loadshedding proof your home (and stay entertained).
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