With the cold weather lingering across Australia, particularly in the southern states, you might be concerned about your next energy bill. Don’t be caught out, avoid a high power bill with these easy tips to get the most out of your home.
Make good use of curtains and blinds
Window coverings need not be expensive, and of course, they’re only effective if you remember to use them! Open your blinds during the day to let the warm light through, and close them again as soon as the night air starts to creep in. If you’re on a budget, be sure to check out your local op-shop for some pre-loved bargains.
Seal up gaps around windows and doors
It might sound silly, but even a small draught getting through a gap can impact on your energy bills and comfort levels. Take the time to check for any gaps, and fill them with weather stripping (which you can pick up at any hardware store). Buy yourself one of those old door snakes, or get a proper draught stopper to put along the bottom of your doors.
Dress for the weather
If you’re one of those people who refuses to wear slippers inside, or wrap yourself in a dressing gown, then you can bet you’ll see the results of that on your power bills. Add on a few extra layers if you’re feeling cold, don’t forget the socks and remember it’s almost always cheaper to warm yourself than the whole room.
Warm up your bed
If you’re always feeling the cold at bedtime, then there are some easy things you can do to keep your bed cosy without having to turn up the heaters. Try flannelette sheets, extra blankets and a winter weight doona. If that’s not enough, investigate a safety checked electric blanket with a timer for that added warmth.
Check your hot water system
Hot water systems work harder in winter to maintain set temperatures, and heat exchange type units may need to be topped up regularly (top mounted inlet and outlet pipes). Your hot water system should not run continuously, so take a moment to listen for anything out of the ordinary, and be sure to have faulty units replaced or repaired before it fails.
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