As the days get colder and winter truly sets in, sometimes there’s nothing better than a cosy night on the couch with the heater cranking. But as we spend more time at home, this can result in an increased energy bill.
If you’re wondering how to save energy in your home this winter, we’ve put together a range of tips. Not only will saving energy be kinder to your pocket, it’s also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Energy saving tips for heating your home
Considering heating and cooling accounts for 40% of energy use in the average Australian home, it’s not surprising energy bills go up as the temperature drops. However, there are still ways you can efficiently heat your home in winter without breaking the bank.
- Keep the temperature on your heating system between 18°C and 20°C. Every degree above 20°C can add 10% to your heating bill.
- If you don’t have a heating system that allows you to turn off certain areas or rooms, close the doors to those areas. You’ll use less energy if you only heat the rooms you’re using.
- Check for gaps around windows and doors. If there are any, use a draught stopper to prevent cold air coming in and warm air getting out.
- Let the sun in during the day but close your curtains or blinds at night to stop heat from escaping.
- Looking long term, you could invest in a solar heating and cooling unit, and look at updating the insulation in your home.
Reducing your water usage
Hot water accounts for around 20% of your energy bill, so a great place to start is to reduce water consumption overall if you can. Here are some energy saving tips you can do around your home:
- Take shorter showers
- Wash your clothes in cold water and only when you have a full load of washing. Check if your washing machine has an eco-cycle which uses less energy
- Instead of using a dryer, dry your clothes in the sun or under the heater if you’ve got it on anyway
- Only run your dishwasher when it’s full and put it on an eco-cycle
- Invest in a solar hot water system
Power saving tips
There are several things you can do at home to make a difference both financially and environmentally.
- Use LED light bulbs, which can be used in most existing light fittings. They use up to 75% less energy than halogen bulbs, last 5-10 times longer, and are better value for money.
- Remember to switch off your lights and appliances when you’re not using them. Turning things off at the wall can save more power than leaving them on standby.
- Is your fridge set to the right temperature? As it’s on 24/7, it’s a costly appliance to run. Your fridge should be set at 4°C to 5°C, and your freezer should be between -15°C to -18°C.
- When you’re buying appliances, try to opt for more energy efficient ones by looking at the energy rating. While they may cost a little more to buy, using less energy will be beneficial in the long run.
