Save money staying warm this winter

We probably put more effort into saving money on our energy bills in summer when our air conditioners can be running 24/7. But there are things we can do to save money on energy bills in winter too.

May 26, 2022

Stop draughts

The warmth you’re paying for could be disappearing out of your doors or windows. Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest ways to keep your home warm and doing it well can save you up to 25% on your heating bills.

  • Install draught-proofing strips along the bottom of your front and back doors.
  • Block the gaps around internal doors too. You can buy or make yourself a draught excluder to put at the bottom of the door to make sure you stay toasty warm.  
  • If you intend to stay in your home for the long term, you could consider investing in double glazing. This can save up to 30% on your household energy consumption over winter.

Make your curtains and blinds work harder

Windows can leak up to 40% of the warmth in a room.

  • Investing in quality curtains and blinds can make a surprising difference. Make sure the curtains are thermal lined and look for blinds fabrics that insulate well.  
  • Fitted pelmets above curtains can also reduce heat loss.  
  • You can also use a curtains and blinds combo.

Change your thermostat

  • 19 degrees is the perfect temperature for your thermostat – each added degree of heating adds between 5% and 10% to your energy use.

Don’t overdo the tumble drying

Clothes dryers are very convenient—but remember they can be expensive to run, so avoid automatically using it for wet clothes in winter.  

  • Use free energy from the sun and the wind to dry your clothes if you can.
  • If you don’t have a clothesline, you can put a drying rack out in the sun and fresh air.  
  • You could also dry clothes in a room which you are already heating.  

Shorten your shower

Make sure you don’t overdo the length of your shower just because it’s cold!  

  • Hot water accounts for about 25% of the average energy bill. Aim for 4 minutes (put on a song so you don’t get distracted!).
  • You can also install a water-efficient showerhead to reduce costs.

Roof insulation

  • Installing roof or ceiling insulation can reduce your energy by around 45%.  

Shut the door!

  • Heating the entire house can waste a lot of money. So, shut the door to areas you aren’t using (such as the laundry and bedrooms during the day).

Don’t heat an empty house

  • Turn off your heaters before going out!

Alternatives to using heating

  • Put on a jumper!
  • Use a hot water bottle when you go to bed.
  • Have summer and winter doonas.
  • Add an extra blanket to your bed.
  • Snuggle up on the sofa under a comfy blanket to watch TV.  

Source:
https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/seasonal-advice/winter

This is some text inside of a div block.
No items found.