“This Will Scare You”: Johannesburg Gent Shows How Much Electricity a Small Heater Uses Monthly

• A Johannesburg electricity expert shared a viral video revealing the monthly costs of running a small fan heater
• The demonstration showed that a standard 2000-watt heater costs R240 per month for one hour daily use
• Over 3000 people reacted to the eye-opening video with many realising why their electricity bills have been so high
• Briefly News spoke with financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about the potential savings South African households could achieve by implementing energy-efficient practices

A Johannesburg electricity expert has left South Africans stunned after revealing the true cost of running small heaters during winter.

Content creator @wes.reddy.9, who regularly shares electricity usage tips and helps people reduce their power consumption, posted a viral video on 30th July that has opened many eyes about heating expenses.

The video was shared with the caption:

"Tiny heater burns your wallet 🔥"

In the demonstration, the expert connected a standard fan heater to a device that measures electricity usage in real-time. The results were eye-opening as the metre showed the small heater consuming 2000 watts or two kilowatts of power. He explained that using the heater for just one hour daily would consume two electricity units, costing R240 per month at current rates.

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The calculations become even more alarming when considering longer usage periods. Running the same small heater for four hours daily pushes the monthly cost to R960, while six hours of daily use reaches a staggering R1440 just for heating. These figures exclude other household electricity consumption, meaning heating costs could easily double or triple monthly electricity bills.

Briefly News spoke with financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about how South African households can save money by adopting energy-efficient practices. She said:

"Over the long term, consistent energy-saving habits not only benefit individual households but also contribute to reducing overall demand on the power grid."

Mzansi reacts to the video

Thousands of viewers shared their experiences and asked questions about heating costs.

@divhanimandavha shared:

"I have it... You fall asleep with this one on, a few hours later you will wake up in darkness 😅😅. I respect this thing here."

@lucillecornelius suggested:

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"Gas heaters may be the solution. Unfortunately the heating should be factored in at building stage."

@shanilbhurath asked:

"What do you recon for heating?"

@wesreddy replied:

"Unfortunately, anything using elements to heat is going to be high wattage, the only way to save is to manage the time its used well."

@ashaynair realised:

"Fml, that's why my bill is 3k or more, lol!"

@sulimansookaria requested:

"Thanks, very informative, as a matter of interest... My daughter uses a three bar heater for around 2 hours a day, I would like to know what it costs me."

@sharlenecoopoosammy concluded:

"The reason I do not use mine. Hot water bottles are still effective."

Better heating alternatives exist

According to Nedbank, staying warm this winter means finding home heating that uses less electricity. Before investing in expensive heaters, homeowners can trap heat inside by fixing draughts, adding ceiling insulation, using thick curtains, and dressing in layers indoors. Gas heaters offer an alternative that doesn't require electricity, though they need proper ventilation to prevent toxic fume build-up.

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The expert's advice resonated with viewers who finally understood why their electricity bills skyrocket during winter months.

Watch the Facebook reel below:

3 Other stories about electricity

• Briefly News recently reported on a man who revealed the exact cost of boiling a kettle, with his detailed calculations helping South Africans understand their daily electricity expenses.
• South Africans questioned prepaid electricity costs after discovering they received fewer units for R800, sparking outrage about the complex tariff system that many don't understand.
• A Johannesburg energy expert compared air fryer versus stove electricity usage, revealing which appliance actually saves money and surprising thousands with the results.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News