It’s always a horrific moment when you see that winter electricity bill pop up in your email inbox or mailbox, and as we’re preparing to get right into the thick of the cooler temperatures now, you might be already considering how you can lower those bills for the winter.
This week, we’re going to share a few handy tips and tricks that will significantly reduce your winter energy bills, without leaving you freezing or in the dark in your home!
#1 REDUCE THE THERMOSTAT BY 10
A simple 1-degree drop in temperature may not seem like much, but in many cases it can be enough to reduce energy consumption by up to 10 per cent! If you’re used to setting your heater on 26 degrees in winter, and walking around in shorts and tee shirt, maybe it’s time to consider adding another layer of clothing, and dropping that temperature to 20 or 21 degrees – the difference in your electricity usage will be enormous!
#2 SEAL CRACKS AROUND WINDOWS AND DOORS
Often, older homes may find that the chill from outdoors is seeping in through cracks, typically found around windows and doors. Using a draught-stopper or door snake, and sealing up any cracks around windows, will mean you not only keep that cool air out, but your home retains more of that warmth that your heating system is churning out.
#3 INSULATE YOUR HOME
While it may cost you to have insulation fitted retrospectively into your home, those upgrades will pay for themselves once you start seeing significantly less money being burnt on heating and cooling costs.
If you’re building a new home, ensure you speak with your builder about the most effective year-round insulation for your location.
#4 REDUCE RUN-TIME
Reducing your heater’s run time during the winter months, even by just one hour per day, will add up to a 90 hour reduction in usage over the winter months. Dependent on how high you set your thermostat, this could mean you shave more than $100 off your winter bills.
#5 CHECK APPLIANCE ENERGY RATINGS
If it’s time to purchase a new appliance, whether summer, autumn, winter or spring, make sure you check its energy rating. The more stars it has, the less
energy it will use year round, and while it may not mean much in those in between seasons when you’re not looking to cool or heat your home, it will make a drastic difference in winter when you’re pumping the heater to stay comfy indoors.
#6 CLOSE OFF UNUSED PARTS OF THE HOME
No one using the study tonight? What about the second living area, or spare bedroom? No? Shut the door! Reducing the area your heating system needs to warm will mean your home can reach the thermostat temperature faster, and therefore reduce its output quicker, saving you even just a little bit – but every dollar counts right?