5 Tips to Stay Warm While Saving Energy
A lot of Queensland residents stress about the increase in their electricity bill during the summer because of running the air conditioner and for good reason – up to 40% of an electricity bill for the average Australian home is for heating and cooling. But what about when you start to feel the chill? Electricity in this day and age is a necessity but turning on that heater could have the same impact on your energy consumption, especially if you enjoy waking up to a warm house in the morning. So, how do you save money on your electric bill without getting frostbite this winter? We’ve got 10 tips to help you keep warm and conserve energy.
- Rug up under a blanket. Who doesn’t love putting on a thick pair of socks and jumping into bed or cosying up on the couch under a warm blanket during winter? Put on a movie, grab a hot chocolate and you’re all set for the night!
- Reverse your ceiling fans. Some people may not realise this, especially in Queensland where it doesn’t get as cold as our southern state friends, but most modern fans have a ‘winter’ mode. There is usually a switch above the blades that allows the fan to rotate in the opposite direction to pull the cool air upwards which, in turn, pushes warm air (which rises naturally to the ceiling) back down to the floor.
- Close all windows and doors. While you may not have much a breeze blowing through, having open doors and windows allows the air to move freely in and out of your home. Keeping them closed during the winter months helps the warm air to stay in and keep the cold air out. Make sure there are no cracks so draughts can’t get it. Don’t forget to check the doggy door!
- On the same note as closing your windows and checking for drafts, a draught stopper can come in handy during winter to help keep you warm. Any air leaks in your home will not only let the cool air in but also let the warm air escape. A draught stopper at the bottom of your doors can help to reduce the airflow.
- Use your curtains. During the day, open the curtains in your house and let the sun naturally heat your rooms. Make sure you close them when the rooms have warmed up as warm air gravitates toward the cold glass. Appropriate window protection such as thick curtains or blinds can act as an insulation layer on the inside of your window and help the warmth from escaping.
If you still feel the need to use a heater, only heat the rooms you use most. Close all windows to keep the warm air in and shut the doors to other rooms. Turn all heaters off when you go to bed or when no one is home. Instead, set the timer on your heater to come on just before you jump out of bed or when you are due to come home. It is much cheaper to run a timer than to run the actual heating unit. It’s also ideal to keep your thermostat between 18 and 20 degrees. Each degree over 20 uses around 10% more energy.
Using your electricity to be comfortable and warm in your home should not become a burden and a money stress. For more information on how to keep your energy prices low, call our team at North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical on (07) 3053 3118.
