Heating your home in winter doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. While Australia’s winters might be milder than elsewhere, staying warm efficiently still requires a bit of planning. Fortunately, there are plenty of straightforward ways to keep costs down while keeping the chill at bay.
Here are some practical tips to help you save energy, and money, without sacrificing comfort.
Stop the Draughts
Small gaps in windows, under doors, and even between floorboards can make your heater work harder than it should. Use door snakes, adhesive strips, or even rolled-up towels to block cold air coming in.
It’s a simple fix, but sealing up draughts can make your living space noticeably warmer and ease the pressure on your heater. Check around vents, letterboxes, and even pet doors, anything that could be letting in cold air.
Get Your Heater or Fireplace Checked
If your system is older or hasn’t been serviced in a while, it might be using more power than necessary. Cleaning filters and checking for wear can help it run more smoothly.
Whether you use a gas heater or a split system, booking a service before winter kicks in fully is always a smart move.
Mr Emergency Aircon Experts, recommends using a carbon monoxide detector near fireplaces to help keep tabs on air quality, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated rooms.
Let in the Daylight
Open your blinds and curtains during the day to take advantage of free sunlight. Even on cool days, the sun can gently warm up your home.
As soon as the sun dips, close everything up to trap the warmth inside. Thermal curtains or lined blinds work especially well for this. South-facing windows are especially good for natural light and warmth.
Dress the Part Indoors
Sometimes the easiest way to stay warm is also the most obvious: layer up. Wearing an extra jumper or thick socks can mean you don’t need to crank the heater.
Throwing rugs and blankets on the couch helps too, especially in the evenings when temperatures tend to drop. Hot water bottles, heated throws and slippers can also do wonders for personal warmth.
Only Heat What You Need
There’s no need to warm up rooms you’re not using. Close the doors to unused spaces and focus your heating where it counts. If you live in an open-plan home, try using curtains or folding screens to reduce the area needing heat.
A small portable heater might be enough if you’re spending the day working in one room. Just make sure it’s energy-efficient and has safety features.
Insulate, If You Haven’t Already
Insulation helps hold onto heat and reduces the need to run the heater constantly. If your home feels cold quickly once the heater’s off, you might need better insulation in the roof, or possibly under the floor if it’s raised.
Insulating your walls is more complex but can significantly reduce energy loss. While insulation can be an upfront expense, it tends to pay off with lower energy bills year after year.
Adjust the Thermostat
Keeping your thermostat around 18–20°C is usually enough to stay comfortable. Going just a few degrees higher can significantly increase your bill.
If your system has a timer, use it to warm up the house before you wake up or get home, rather than leaving it running all day. Smart thermostats are also worth considering if you want to automate or remotely adjust heating settings.
Cover Cold Floors
Bare floors, especially timber or tiles, can really sap the warmth out of a room. Put down rugs where you can, especially in bedrooms and living areas.
Not only do they make rooms feel cosier, but they also help insulate against heat loss. In older homes, underfloor insulation paired with rugs can significantly improve indoor temperatures.
Check Your Energy Plan
It’s easy to set and forget your energy provider, but shopping around could save you a fair bit. Use government comparison websites to see if there’s a better deal available.
Also check if your plan rewards off-peak use, which might suit your household’s schedule. Many Australians are unknowingly overpaying for electricity, especially during winter.
Use Your Oven Wisely
In winter, you’re probably cooking more roasts or casseroles. After you’ve turned the oven off, leave the door slightly open so the leftover heat warms up the kitchen.
Just make sure it’s done safely, never use the oven itself as a heater. Cooking more at home in winter can be both a money-saver and a good way to gently warm up your space.
Look into Rebates
Depending on where you live, your state might offer energy rebates or discounts for things like insulation, efficient heating systems, or even simple upgrades. You could also qualify for interest-free loans to upgrade older appliances.
It’s worth checking your state government’s website, you might be eligible for more than you think. This is especially helpful for pensioners, families on low incomes, or renters with long leases.
Smart Heating, Big Savings
You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay warm in winter. By making a few small changes and staying smart with your energy use, you’ll stay comfortable without the financial stress.
Start with simple fixes, block the draughts, dress warmly, and heat only what you need. If you can afford to invest in better insulation or a more efficient heater, it’s likely to pay off in the long run.
Warmth, comfort, and lower bills, now that’s a winter win.
