Winter Energy-Saving Tips

5th November 2024

Want to stay warm and cosy throughout winter? Learn how to save on energy bills at home during colder months without compromising on comfort.

There’s nothing quite like snuggling up in the warmth of your living room when the wind howls outside and the rain pelts the windows. But that cosy warmth comes with a cost, especially if it’s generated by your home heating system.

Did you know that heating and cooling are responsible for up to 50% of the average Australian home’s energy bill each year. Fortunately, there are simply steps you can take to reduce this figure. For instance, by dialling down the thermostat on your heater by just one degree, you can reduce energy use by up to 10%.

Want to learn how to keep your home toasty without spiking your energy? In this article, we’ll guide you through some tried and tested winter energy saving tips. We’ve divided them into actions you can take right away, tasks for the weekend, and strategies that may require a bit more planning (and investment).

Quick fixes to reduce your winter energy bill

Looking to save money on your energy bill this winter? The good news - many of these fixes can be implemented right now, and they won’t cost you a cent:

• Rug up: Layer up with warm clothes to stay cosy indoors.
• Opt for energy-free alternatives: Swap out the electric blanket for a hot water bottle or an extra blanket.
• Adjust the thermostat: Lower your heater thermostat to around 18-20 degrees celsius for comfortable yet efficient heating.
• Zone heating: If your heater allows, only heat the rooms you are using to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
• Close unused rooms: Shut doors to unused rooms to help contain heat in the areas you’re occupying.
• Seal out the cold: It may sound obvious, but be sure to keep external doors and windows closed to prevent cold draughts from entering your home.
• Limit shower time: Although a long, hot shower is hard to resist when it’s cold, keep shower time to a minimum to conserve energy.
• Embrace natural light: On sunny days, open the curtains to catch those winter rays.
• Curtain call: As daylight fades or on cold, cloudy days, draw the curtains to retain indoor warmth. These simple adjustments can help reduce your winter energy consumption and keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.

A weekend’s work to seal up heat loss

Did you know that up to 25% of winter heat loss in your home can be attributed to the cracks and gaps around doors, windows and the roof? That’s a lot of warm air escaping. Here’s what you can do about it:

• Identify gaps: Your first step is to take a tour around the house and spot all visible gaps - do it on a windy day to feel draughts as well. Common trouble spots include under and around door and window frames, pet doors, fixed vents, chimneys and vented skylights. Don’t forget to check built-in wardrobes and areas with plumbing and electrical cables entering the house.
• Seal the gaps: How you seal a gap can depend on where it is. For gaps under doors, for example, consider using retractable draught seals or simple door snakes. Around windows, you could add draught-proofing strips. And many cracks can be simply sealed with some caulk or sealant. An assistant at your local hardware store should be able to advise on the best solution for the various cracks and gaps around your home.
• Window coverings: When addressing gaps, it’s also a good time to assess your window coverings. You can help to trap the heat inside your home in winter by installing thick or well-insulated curtains, blinds or shutters. You should be able to find good-quality options at your local hardware store.

By sealing up those draughts and adding some insulated window coverings, you'll keep your home warmer and more energy-efficient, making those chilly winter months much more comfortable.

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Big changes that will pay off in the long run

In some older homes, warm air can escape like water through a sieve. More significant changes can help you keep warm air inside your home for much longer. While these changes may cost more upfront, they have the potential to significantly reduce your heating bills into the future:

• Insulate your home: The stats say it all. You could save up 45% or more on your heating costs by installing ceiling insulation. You may find that it’s easier than you think, as many older homes can be retrofitted with insulation.
• Invest in some quality rugs: If you can’t insulate under the floor, then laying rugs over the top can also help to minimise heat loss.
• Double-glaze your windows: The warmth from your heater leaks out through single panes of plain old glass, with up to 40% of a home’s heating energy lost through windows. If you suspect that a lot of warmth escapes through your windows, double-glazing (or, if the budget doesn’t stretch to that, then laminating or adding insulating blinds) could make a huge difference.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Investing in modern, energy-efficient heaters and thermostats can lead to significant energy savings. These appliances are designed to use less power while maintaining optimal performance, helping you reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills over time. Look for appliances with high energy ratings ]to maximise your savings.
• Consider solar panels: Installing solar panels can provide a sustainable and renewable energy source for your home. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can offset your energy consumption from the grid.
• Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring that your heating system only runs when necessary. By lowering the temperature when you’re not home or asleep, you can save a considerable amount of energy without sacrificing comfort.

These winter saving energy tips may require a higher initial upfront cost than the earlier suggestions, but they can lead to significant benefits in the long run - most notably, reduced energy bills and a more sustainable household.

Final word

As we’ve seen, there are many ways to save energy at home in winter. Start with a quick energy audit – assessing both your habits and your home’s structure – to identify areas for improvement. Then, implement some of the suggestions above to help reduce your energy bill while keeping your home warm and cosy.

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