Warming your house during winter need not cost an arm and a leg. Whereas Australian winters may not be as cold as other countries, warming efficiently does need some preparation. Happily, there are many simple ways to do things on the cheap and keep the chill off.
These are some practical solutions to reduce energy, and therefore cost, while retaining comfort.
Halt the Draughts
Small areas near windows, under doors, and around floorboards can force your heater to work harder than needed. Use door snakes, stick-on strips, or rolled towels to block cold airflow.
It’s a simple solution, but sealing up chill gaps can get your living space appreciably warmer and lower the workload on your heater. Check around vents, mail slots, and even pet doors, anything that could be taking in cold air.
Get Have Your Heater or Fireplace Inspected
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.
No matter whether you use a gas heater or a split system, an annual service before winter is always worthwhile.
Mr Emergency Aircon Experts advises utilising a carbon monoxide detector beside fireplaces to assist in maintaining an eye on air quality, particularly within closed or poorly ventilated rooms.
Let in the Daylight
Open your curtains and blinds during the day to use free sunshine. Even on cold days, sunshine can slowly heat up your building.
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 form of warmth is also the easiest: layer up. Wearing an extra jumper or some thick socks can mean you do not need to increase the heater.
Spreading throw rugs and blankets on the sofa also comes to the rescue, particularly during nights when temperatures are lower. Personal heat can also be achieved with hot water bottles, warmed throws and indoor slippers.
Only Heat What You Need
Don’t spend energy on rooms you are not using. Close the doors on unused rooms and focus your heat where you require it. For open-plan homes, use curtains or fold-down screens to reduce the space to be heated.
A tiny portable heater may suffice if you are only working within one room for the day. Make sure, though, that it is energy efficient and comes with 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.
Insulation of walls is a more complicated task but can lower energy loss dramatically. Although insulation is a one-time cost, it can save you on energy bills year in and year out.
Adjust the Thermostat
Maintaining your thermostat between 18–20°C is normally sufficient to feel comfortable. Rising only a few degrees can have a big impact on 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
A cold floor, especially timber or tiles, will pull the warmth out of a room. Put rugs where you can, especially in bedrooms and lounge rooms.
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 is simple to set and forget your energy provider, but you could save a reasonable amount by comparison shopping. Compare government comparison websites to determine if you can get a better deal.
Also, check if your plan pays for off-peak use, which could coincide with your household’s timing. Most Australians pay more than necessary for power, 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 ensure you do it safely, do not ever use the oven as a heater itself. Preparing more meals at home during winter can both save you money and warm your space up nicely.
Look into Rebates
Depending on where you are, your state may have discounts or rebate offers on energy for insulation, efficient heat, or simple upgrades. You may also qualify to get interest-free loans to replace old appliances.
It’s always worth checking on your state government’s website, you may be eligible for more than you realise. This is especially good for pensioners, low-income households, or long-leasehold tenants.
Smart Heating, Big Savings
It needn’t cost an arm and a leg to keep warm during winter. With some minor adjustments and being savvy with your energy consumption, you’ll remain warm and cozy with minimal financial pressure.
Begin with minimal repairs, seal the draughts, wrap up warm, and warm only what you need. If you have the budget to spend on better insulation or a more efficient heater, you’ll probably reap the benefits in the long term.
Cosiness, warmth, and reduced bills, now that’s a win for winter.
