Maximise energy efficiency
Our balmy climate (and the odd 40°C days) often brings higher electricity bills as we rely more on air conditioning. To keep energy costs down, start by improving your home’s energy efficiency. One simple trick is to use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible, as they consume far less power. Also, ensure that your air conditioning unit is properly maintained: for example, regularly cleaned filters and well-sealed windows can make a significant difference in how efficiently your system runs.
Plan affordable staycations
Instead of planning expensive trips, consider staycation weekends. Explore nearby parks, reserves and hiking trails, or better yet, camp in your own backyard for a fun family experience without the travel expenses. Create a rockery or small oasis-style area and let the kids run wild while you fire up the grill for steaks under the stars.
Shop smart for seasonal goods
The outdoor lifestyle often comes with the temptation to splurge on gardening and pool equipment, outdoor gear or home improvement items. Instead of splurging, plan ahead and shop smart. Keep an eye open for sales on seasonal goods, and be patient for the best deals. With Autumn coming, you might find discounts on items such as swimming pool equipment or outdoor furniture toward the end of the season. Opt for durable over flimsy – it doesn’t help if you purchase something that looks good, but only lasts a few weeks.
Grow your own produce
Even if you don’t have a large garden, you can plant herbs, tomatoes or strawberries in small pots on your patio or balcony. This not only provides fresh, organic food, but also reduces your grocery bills. It’s also an excellent way to get the kids outside. Let them plant and care for their own little patch of garden. If your garden is more suited to specific produce, i.e. lots of sun means tomatoes will grow well, plant extra and then preserve them for winter months by making sauces, bottling, pickling, making jam, etc. Anything left over can be frozen for later.
Keeping it cool
There is nothing worse than the persistent whine of a mosquito when you are trying to sleep at night, and keeping all the windows closed can be oppressive, especially in the Lowveld heat. BUCO’s fly screens are the perfect solution to keep pesky critters outside where they belong.
Be solar-smart
Installing solar at your home is a win-win situation and can save you money in a myriad of ways, not to mention the inconvenience caused by load-shedding at those oh-so-crucial moments in a rugby match! Make sure your energy-users, such as the pool pump, run during the day, making use of solar power instead of electricity.
Cordless convenience
Cordless tools make life so much easier – no tangled cords, no tripping hazards, just smooth, hassle-free work. Plus, with today’s improved battery technology, you get longer run times and faster charging, so you can keep going without constant interruptions. Chat to your friendly BUCO assistant to find out which tool will best suit your specific needs.
Upgrades to home and garden
Whether it’s new plants, garden, patio, home or pool maintenance, or revamping outside furniture, always remember that cutting costs in the beginning will more than likely cost you more in the end. Decide on a budget and set definite spending limits. Choosing to do important repairs over aesthetic impulse purchases will save you money in the long run, as will doing some of the work yourself. BUCO has
a wide range of tools and machinery that will make the job easier and ensure the results stand the test of time. The friendly staff are always on hand
to help and give advice, from which paint and stain to use for your shelving to the seedlings you need for your veggie boxes.
Details: Visit BUCO Nelspruit to see our wide range of plants, fertilisers, pots, etc.
WEBSITE: BUCO Nelspruit
