As the weather cools down and we find ourselves spending more time at home, we often end up using more energy too. Here are some easy ways to keep cosy without spiking your energy bill (or layering on loads of fuzzy jumpers).
Understand your energy use
Before we get into the tips, it’s worth getting a better understanding of where the average Australian home uses the most energy.
Here’s a snapshot:
- Heating and cooling: 40%
- Appliances and equipment, including refrigeration and cooking: 33%
- Water heating: 21%
- Lighting: 6%
Winter energy saving tips
Now that you know the average Australian home uses about 40% of their energy on heating and cooling, you can put a plan in place to save this winter. Even small changes to the way you heat your home can lead to some helpful savings, so here are five handy tips:
- Only heat the rooms you use most – reduce the area you heat by closing doors to rooms you’re not using, so you’ll use less energy to heat the rest of the house.
- Keep your thermostat between 18°C and 20°C – every degree you reduce heat can save up to 10% on your energy use.
- Keep showers short – hot water usage accounts for around 21% of your energy bill, so having shorter showers can result in big savings in the long run.
- Use a draught stopper – if cold air is getting in, warm air is getting out. Invest in door seals, draught-proofing strips and door snakes to stop heat escaping and reduce your heating costs by up to 25%.
- Close your curtains – shutting curtains or blinds is an easy way to stop heat escaping. Windows can let more than 40% of your winter warmth leak out of your home.
Whatever the season, the best way to save on your energy bills is to be mindful of the ways you use energy and to make sure you’re on the right gas and electricity plan for your needs.
