Hot tips to reduce your energy bills this winter

The Australian winter throughout most parts of the country is unbelievably cold, resulting in most households turning to increased use of heaters, to stay warm. Unfortunately, this often leads to higher energy consumption and higher bills during winter, and with ever increasing energy prices throughout the country and the cost of living increasing. Using the tips below, you’ll be able to help keep your energy bills down this winter.

Put up window covers, close windows and doors

To stay warm and save money on your gas bills this winter, consider fitting draught seals on the opening of windows and doors.  When the heater starts to heat up to more extreme temperatures, it can be best to keep windows and doors closed during the day when the outside temperature is far hotter than inside the house. Once the outside temperature is higher than inside, you can start to open doors and windows to cross-ventilate air to continue to heat up your house.

Program your thermostat

When using your heater, only heat the rooms and close doors and curtains to keep the warm air in. By setting your heater to between 18 and 20 degrees, you can keep your home warm and reduce costs. Every degree higher than this temperature can add around 15% to your gas bill.

Use energy efficient globes

There are plenty of options when it comes to energy efficient lighting which can help to maintain an energy efficient household. By choosing the appropriate lights bulbs, you can ensure your home is energy efficient and saving you more money on energy bills.

Turn off non-essential appliances at the switch

This winter, a simple flick of the switch can save money and energy. When not in use, turn non-essential appliances such as computers, printers, televisions, and entertainment systems off at their power points. Electronic devices can use up to 10% of your household’s electricity on standby (called phantom power).

Run a full load of washing

Are you looking to stay on top of your washing and energy bills this winter? Try waiting until your washing machine and dishwasher are full before running a cycle. For greater savings, choose cold wash and the shortest washing cycle when you can.

Install Solar + Battery 

The Winter conditions are ideal for households with rooftop (PV) solar with a solar battery fitted. With rooftop solar, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also producing your own free energy which can be used to power your home and appliances during the day. So, by meeting your energy needs with the solar power your system produces you’ll be able to pay less for the power you use. Rooftop solar systems produce more electricity over summer and combined with a solar battery can store electricity to use at night when the sun goes down, meaning households can draw less electricity from the grid. With the cost of living increasing, it is a no brainer.