As the days get shorter and the pre-winter chill sets in, it can be all too tempting to crack out the heater and start cosying up.
But before you grab that space heater or dial up the thermostat, consider that heating is one of the biggest power guzzlers in your home. Those extra running costs can add up and before you know it, your energy bill has soared.
There are many cost-effective methods to save energy and money through the winter months.
From reversing your ceiling fans to going to bed with a hot water bottle, these energy-saving tips will help keep you snug without blowing the budget.
1. Rug Up
Before turning to a heater make sure you are properly hearing up yourself. It is easier to get warm yourself then to heat an entire house. Try putting on thick socks, wear slippers and a jumper and wrap yourself up in a blanket and snuggle up on the couch.
2. Control the Thermostat
When it comes to heating – 18-20 degrees in the most efficient setting. Each degree warmer than this can increase energy use by 10% with those extra costs quickly adding up. If you have zoned heating, heat only those rooms you are using and close the doors to empty areas. Consider that for the average Australian household heating and cooling account for up to 50% of energy costs.
3. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans spin in an anti-clockwise direction to create a breeze in summer. In winter, you want to reverse this so they are turning clockwise at low speed, to help push the hot air back towards the ground.
4. Take Short Showers
As it gets colder we find ourselves spending more time under a hot shower. While very nice to have long hot showers will only lead to increased energy usage and costs. It is generally recommended to shower for as long as your favourite four-minute song. Sing your lungs out and have a bathrobe and slippers ready as you jump out of the shower.
5. Only Heat the Rooms You Use Most
reduce the area you heat by closing doors to rooms you’re not using, so you’ll use less energy to heat the rest of the house.
6. Use A Draft Stopper
if cold air is getting in, warm air is getting out. Invest in door seals, draft-proofing strips and door snakes to stop heat escaping and reduce your heating costs by up to 25
7. Close the Curtains
Keep your curtains open during the day to allow maximum sunlight into your home then close them at night to trap in the warm air.
8. Use the Oven
Unleash your inner Gordon Ramsey and start baking and roasting some delicious meals because using the oven has the added benefit of helping to heat up the home.
9. Invest in Some Rugs
if you can’t insulate under the floor, then laying rugs over the top can also help to minimise heat loss.
10. Ditch the Electric Blanket
Stop using energy-guzzling electric blankets to warm your bed, and instead use a hot-water-bottle-that is still one of the easiest and most effective ways to warm up. Slip your hot-water-bottle in between the sheets a few minutes before you’re ready for bed.
