Energy saving tips for winter
As the days start to get cooler and longer, you are probably getting ready to dust off the heaters and switch on the electric blankets in preparation. With all these extra appliances up and running during the autumn and winter periods, it can become far too easy to let your electricity and gas bills spiral out of control. Heating and cooling can account for around 40 per cent of your household energy charges, but you don't want to be paying more on gas and electricity prices than you need to.
Here is a short guide to help you rein in your energy use when the weather turns .
Do your heater research
While there are any number of heaters available, not all models are created equal. Have a think about the size of your property. Many households make the mistake of buying the wrong appliance and end up using far more energy than necessary. A portable electric heater is ideal for warming smaller areas of the home, but is not ideal when you intend to heat a whole room.
Plugging in a gas heater can be optimal for mid and small-sized areas, and they can actually produce one-third less greenhouse gas emissions energy than an electric model, according to the government's YourHome portal. Be aware that there are a number of safety regulations surrounding their use. You'll need to have proper ventilation because of the fumes they produce, so keep this in mind before flipping the switch. Like most household appliances, check the energy rating - the more efficient the heater, the better it will likely be for your energy bills.
Keep the temperature at bay
First and foremost, keeping your home at the optimum temperature requires proper insulation. The Australian government's Your Energy Savings website reports that wall insulation can save up to 20 per cent in heating and cooling costs - and this can rise even higher in winter, so ensure your property is sufficiently protected against energy wastage.
The weather may be cold outside, but the temperatures indoors do not need to be extreme. Households can often get carried away with setting thermostats much higher than they need to be. Your heating needs will often depend on your particular area and property, but as a start set your thermostat to between 18 and 21 degrees - for every one degree you increase your heater, the cost of running can jump by 10 per cent.
If you're concerned about skyrocketing bills, a switching service such as Make It Cheaper can take the hard work from the equation. By providing them with a bit of information about your energy needs, they can compare electricity and gas prices and source a more suitable deal.
Posted by Jeremy Elliott