Seven tips on being energy efficient this winter

With many of us working from home, not to mention home schooling, it’s the perfect time to check if your heating is working optimally.

The aim of the game when it comes to efficient heating is warming the people, not the space.

Not rocket science! Just grab a big warm jumper and your slippers and only then switch your thermostat to between 18 and 20°C – a reasonable temperature for most of us.

If you’re still not comfortable, adjust the temperature gradually. A single degree’s increase is often all you will need - advice worth heeding, with a one degree increase adding close to 10% to your running costs!

Consider these additional ideas to improve your energy efficiency Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans

Your ceiling fan can help distribute warm air through a room during the cooler months. If your fan has a reverse rotation function, use it to push the air in the right direction for heating.

Draught proof your home

Around a third of home heating can escape through gaps and cracks, so draught proofing is an easy way to reduce your household energy bill. Seal gaps around doors and windows with draught or weather strips and seals. The most effective places to place seals are external doors and windows.

Install self-closing exhaust fans

For ceiling exhaust fans, obtain a cover that will seal it with shutters when not in use.

Only heat the room you’re in and keep doors and curtains closed

The way you live inside your home will have a big impact on your energy use and costs. The good news is that changing your habits is free! Open the curtains to the sun during the day to gain free heat, then close them when the sun goes down. Make sure you keep the doors closed to trap the warmth. 50% of your heat can escape when the curtains are open.

Dress for the weather before resorting to heating

This is a super easy way of saving energy, given turning up the heater can mean a 10% increase in your running costs, with every extra degree. Treat the kids (and yourself) to an animal-themed ‘all in one outfit’ - a super fun way of staying warm!

Select the right heater for you

The Australian Energy Foundation’s Complete Guide to Choosing an Energy-Efficient Heater compares different types of heaters, with split system, reverse-cycle air conditioners coming out on top.

Don’t overheat your house - install a thermometer

Installing thermometers in your main living areas will help keep the temperature at 18-20°C. You can get a wall thermometer from a hardware store for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

To find out more visit Council’s Home Energy Efficiency webpage part of Council’s Charge Ahead program or organise a free 20 minute phone consultation with Council’s energy advice service, delivered by the Australian Energy Foundation.

Visit aef.com.au or call 1300 23 68 55.