10 ways to stay warm and save energy this winter
As winter is closing in around us and the mornings are much chillier what does that mean for our electricity bills?
We all love to wake up to a warm house in the mornings but the angst of what that can mean to our hip pocket is real. Saving money is paramount to so many people, especially coming off the back of recent events in our world.
Here are 10 tips for saving energy and in turn saving money this winter whilst also keeping warm.
- Grab a blanket instead of dialing up the thermostat.
Snuggling up under a blanket is the best thing about winter so why not do it as much as you can.
- Close the windows and doors to keep the warm in.
Having open doors and windows allows the air to move freely in and out of your home. Keeping them closed during the winter months helps the warm air to stay in and keep the cold air out. Make sure there are no cracks so draughts can get it. Don’t forget to check the doggy door!
- Use your curtains
During the day, open the curtains in your house and let the sun naturally heat your rooms. Make sure you close them when the rooms have warmed up as warm air gravitates toward the cold glass. Appropriate window protection such as thick curtains or blinds can act as an insulation layer on the inside of your window and help the warmth from escaping.
- Use a draft stopper
This of course works in the same way as closing your windows. Any air leaks in your home will not only let the cool air in but also let the warm air escape. A draft stopper at the bottom of your doors can help to reduce the airflow.
- Only heat the rooms you use most
If you need to use your heater, only heat the rooms you use most. Some heat will pass from room to room through open doorways and hallways, but by only heating, the rooms you are using you can reduce your bill significantly. Up to 40% of an electricity bill for the average Australian home is for heating and cooling.
- Keep your thermostat between 18 and 20 degrees
When heating your house keep your thermostat between 18 and 20 degrees. Each degree over 20 uses around 10% more energy
- Turn of heaters before going to bed or when you are leaving the house
There is no need to run your heater when you are in bed and you can use those snuggly blankets or when no one is home to enjoy the warmth. Instead, set the timer on your heater to come on just before you jump out of bed or when you are due to come home. It is much cheaper to run a timer than to run the actual heating unit.
- Switch your ceiling fan to spin clockwise
While this is more prominent for our friends in southern states, it is helpful to know that ceiling fans have a “winter” mode. This allows fans to rotate clockwise and when done at low speed it will pull cool air up. The gentle updraft pushes warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, down along the walls and back to the floor.
- Do not use the show to warm yourself up
By using a hot shower to warm yourself up, not only are you using electricity to heat the water you are also going to encounter the water costs as well so you will have a double hit to your wallet.
- Reduce standby power
If you are not using an appliance, ensure that it is turned off at the wall. It is estimated that the average Australian home spends almost $100 a year on standby power.
Electricity in this day and age is a necessity. Do not let it become a burden for your family.
Call your local North Brisbane Electricians for more information!
