Winter in Gauteng hits different when you’re in an apartment. No fireplace. No underfloor heating. Just you, your partner, and whatever clever setup you’ve put together before June bites.
This year, I decided to actually be prepared instead of scrambling for blankets at 10pm on the first cold night. Here’s exactly what we’re doing in our Midrand flat and what it’s costing us.
The Setup: What’s Actually Keeping Us Warm
1. The Gas Heater – Our Winter MVP
This is the centrepiece of our whole winter setup. A good gas heater warms a room fast, and for an apartment where we spend most evenings in the lounge or bedroom, it does the job without running up a crazy electricity bill.
We use it strategically – not all day, but in the mornings before work and from early evening. The trick is not to leave it on overnight, which is both a safety thing and a cost thing.
Pro tip: Always make sure there’s ventilation in the room. Crack a window slightly when the gas heater is running – it makes a big difference for air quality.
2. Electric Blanket – The Night-Time Game Changer
Honestly, an electric blanket is one of the best investments you can make for a Gauteng winter. We switch it on about 20 minutes before bed, and by the time we climb in, it’s warm and cosy.
The key is: you warm the bed, then turn it off (or down to the lowest setting) once you’re under the covers. You sleep well, and it doesn’t run all night.
4. Fur Throws on the Couch
If you’re spending any time on the couch in winter – and let’s be honest, you are – throws are non-negotiable. We have two faux fur throws draped over our couch, and they get used every single evening.
They’re also great for when you’re working from home and just need something to wrap around your shoulders between meetings. No need to heat the whole room if you’re just sitting still.
Budget for a decent throw: R200–R600 at most homeware or linen stores.
For two people, a double electric blanket runs about R800–R1,500 depending on the brand. It’s a once-off cost that pays for itself in comfort within the first week.
3. Rugs Under the Bed
This one sounds small but makes a huge difference. Tiled floors in winter are brutal stepping out of bed onto cold tiles at 6am is its own kind of suffering.
We put a thick, fluffy rug under and around the bed so your feet always land on something warm. It also helps insulate the room a little. We picked ours up from a homeware store for about R300–R500, and it works double duty as a décor piece.
5. Fluffy Slippers
Look, this one’s simple. Cold floors ruin your whole vibe. A pair of fluffy, rubber-soled slippers keeps your feet warm from the moment you wake up to the moment you get into bed. We each have a pair, and they honestly get worn from June through August without fail.
You can find great options for R150–R400 worth every cent.
What Does Winter Actually Cost in South Africa?
Let’s talk money — because staying warm isn’t free, and it’s worth planning for.
Electricity Bills Go Up
This is the big one. Heaters, electric blankets, hot water usage, longer morning showers – it all adds up. A typical South African household can see their electricity bill increase by R300–R800 per month in winter, depending on usage and Eskom’s current tariff structure.
For Gauteng specifically, load shedding also affects how you plan your heating gas becomes even more attractive because it works regardless of whether the power is on.
Gas Costs
A 9kg LPG gas cylinder costs around R220–R280 at the time of writing, and depending on how often you use the heater, a two-person household might go through one cylinder every 3–5 weeks during peak winter months.
So budget roughly R200–R400/month in gas costs if you’re using a heater regularly.
Warmer Clothing & Winter Bedding
If you haven’t restocked in a while, budget for:
- A winter duvet (good ones start at around R500–R800)
- A jersey or fleece per person (R200–R500 each)
- Thermal underlayers are often overlooked but brilliant for those really cold Highveld mornings
Rough Monthly Winter Budget (2-Person Apartment)
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Increased electricity | R400–R700 |
| Gas cylinder refill | R200–R400 |
| Hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) | R100–R200 |
| Extra candles / warmth extras | R50–R150 |
| Total | ±R750–R1,450/month |
That’s on top of your normal living expenses so it’s worth planning ahead rather than getting surprised by a January credit card statement.
A Few Extra Things We’re Doing This Year
- Draught-proofing the windows – we noticed last year that the bedroom window lets in cold air. A simple foam strip from the hardware store fixes this cheaply.
- Keeping hot drinks stocked – rooibos, hot chocolate, and good coffee are part of the budget now.
- Meal planning for warm food – soups, stews, and one-pot meals are cheaper to make and do a better job of warming you up from the inside than any heater.
Final Thoughts
Winter in a Midrand apartment doesn’t have to mean suffering through three months of cold. With a bit of planning and the right combination of a gas heater, electric blanket, rugs, throws, and slippers you can make your space genuinely cosy.
The upfront costs are manageable, and once you’ve got the setup, it’s just the monthly running costs to think about. Plan for an extra R750–R1,500/month in winter-related expenses and you won’t be caught off guard.
Stay warm out there. ☕