With energy prices on the rise, and temperatures on the cool side, it’s the perfect time to look at ways to stay warm without breaking the bank.
Check out these easy and cost-effective tips to keep your bills in check without compromising on your comfort.
Hello heater
On average 40% of the energy we use at home is for heating and cooling (excluding heating hot water). Get help with choosing a heater that best suits your home and needs with Energy NSW - Heating and Cooling and Energy NSW – HVAC Guide.
Keep it moderate
Choose a heater with a thermostat to help keep the temperature at 18-20°C. For every 1°C above 20°C your energy bill can go up by 10%. Remember to get the best performance from your heaters, regularly clean the filters, fan blades and vents.
Dress for the season
Don’t crank up the heating, slip into warmer clothes. Donning a beanie inside will save you money in the long term!
Shut the door on wasted energy
Avoid heating the whole house, instead concentrate on warming up the areas you spend most time in, such as sitting rooms and kitchens. Shut the doors to areas that don’t get used during the day like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Switch off when stepping out
Avoid wasted heat and turn off your heaters half an hour before bedtime or when you leave the house. Appliances such as TVs, game consoles and computers in stand-by mode can still account for up to 3% of your power bills; so remember to turn them off at the power point.
Better circulation
Warm air rises, making the area just under your ceiling the warmest part of a room. If your ceiling fans work in reverse mode, use them to disperse warm air for better comfort.
Mind the gap
Sealing gaps around problematic windows and doors is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your home warmer. Use sealing strips for windows or door snakes for internal and external doors.
Make it pretty
Give your space a new look with curtains or a rug. Snug-fitting fabric drapes – with thermal lining trap a layer of cold still air which prevents heat loss. For best thermal protection use a snug fitting pelmet at the top.
Ditch the dryer
Forget an energy-guzzling clothes dryer, and instead stick your clean smalls on a drying rack outside and let them to dry naturally in the sun and wind. Or move the rack indoors or inside next to a sunny window and let the ambient temperature do its work.
Shop around
Regularly review your energy provider to check you’re getting the best deal available. Check out Government price comparison websites – such as Energy Made Easy - and don’t shy away from making the switch.
Invest in tech
Homeowners should consider spending money on big ticket items that save money in the medium term. Insulating a roof cavity can save you up to 40% on heating and cooling bills, flooring another 10%, new sealed windows can save on thermal heat reduction and solar panels accompanied by batteries make everything more affordable.
To find out more visit our Home Energy Efficiency information page.
Or join our upcoming Reduce your Energy Bills webinar on Wed 14 Aug and learn how to take control without sacrificing comfort!