Save money staying warm this winter

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

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