How To Minimise The Impact of Load Shedding on Your Property

Load shedding has become an unfortunate reality in South Africa, and it is important to be prepared for it to minimise its impact on your property. While load shedding can be disruptive, it's not an insurmountable obstacle. With the right mindset and preparation, you can keep your home or business running smoothly, minimise damage to your appliances and electrical equipment, and even save on costs over time. 

If you're planning to sell your property soon, making sure that it's prepared for load shedding can be an appealing factor to buyers and could increase your chances of selling it quickly. It's important to consider investing in backup power solutions, like a generator or battery backup system, in the event of power outages. By doing this, your property will stand out in the market and be more appealing to potential buyers.

So, without further ado, let's dive in and explore some useful ways to minimise the impact of load shedding on your property. 

Kick Loadshedding to the Curb 

Invest in a Backup Generator

When considering a generator, you need to take into account the size of your property and the amount of power that you require to run essential appliances. For instance, a smaller generator may be sufficient to power basic appliances like lights and a refrigerator, while a larger generator may be necessary to power a larger property or business.

Generators can be expensive, but the benefits they offer make them worth the investment in the long run. Additionally, a generator can also add value to your property, which is great if you ever plan to sell it in the future. When choosing a generator, you should also consider the type of fuel it uses, such as diesel or petrol, and how much fuel it consumes. This will impact the running costs of the generator and should be factored into your decision.

Install a Battery Backup System 

A battery backup system stores energy from the grid or solar panels when electricity is available and uses that energy to power your property during load shedding. The best part is that you don't have to worry about the noise and pollution that comes with a generator.

One of the advantages of a battery backup system is that it can be charged using solar power, which means you can save on your electricity bill in the long run. This option is particularly appealing for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably.

Unplug Electrical Equipment 

During load shedding, power surges can occur when the electricity supply is restored. These surges can cause damage to your electrical equipment, which can be costly to repair or replace. To prevent this from happening, it's important to unplug all non-essential electrical equipment during load shedding.

Non-essential equipment includes appliances such as televisions, computers, and microwaves. By unplugging these devices, you can protect them from potential damage caused by power surges. It's important to note that even when these appliances are turned off, they can still be affected by power surges, which is why it's best to unplug them altogether. Installing surge protectors can also minimise the impact of these surges. Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from your equipment and into the ground, preventing damage.

Ensure That Your Alarm System Is Fully Functional

Ensuring that your alarm system is in tip-top shape during load shedding is crucial for the security of your property. Load shedding can compromise the effectiveness of your alarm system, leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins and theft. 

Here are some tips to help ensure your alarm system is in good working order during load shedding:

• Make sure that your alarm system's backup battery is in good working order and has sufficient charge to keep the system running for an extended period.
• If you do not have a backup battery, now is the time to invest in one. A battery backup system can provide backup power to your alarm system during load shedding. This will ensure that your alarm system remains operational even when there is no electricity supply.
• Check that all sensors and alarms are working correctly and replace any faulty parts on a regular basis. 
• Make sure that your alarm company has your updated contact details, including your cell phone number and email address.

Load shedding is an unfortunate reality in South Africa, but being prepared can help minimise its impact on your property. Having backup power solutions and regularly maintaining your property's electrical equipment and alarm systems can certainly make it more attractive to potential buyers in the market too. 

Ready to Sell Your Loadshedding-Proof Property?

If you are ready to sell your home, contact us today. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, providing you with valuable insights and personalised support. With our extensive network and experience in the South African property market, we can help you get the best possible price for your property.