Keeping warm over winter is important, but with the rising cost of living – including energy costs – keeping our homes warm is becoming more difficult every year. While this is important, it is just as important to remain energy efficient while keeping our energy bills down at the same time. Research has shown that a staggering 50% of a household’s energy costs are spent on heating alone during winter¹.
While we can’t control the weather, there are a few ways to keep the heat in as the cold weather starts to set in. At Home Care Assistance, your Care Professional can assist you with some of the following 5 top tips for keeping your home energy efficient, warm and safe this winter.
1. Only heat the rooms you are using
The smaller the space you are heating, the less expensive it is to heat. Close the doors or vents to any areas you are not using and heat the areas you do use. For example, if during the day, you spend most of your time in the living room, you could close off the rest of the house and just heat the living room.
2. Don’t overuse the heating
With every degree you increase your heating by, this can increase your energy usage by between 5 to 10%². If you have ducted heating in the home, it is recommended that you set your heating between 18 and 20 degrees in winter³. In conjunction with this, wear warm clothing around the house and make use of blankets.
3. Window coverings
Heat moves easily through glass, so open the curtains or blinds to allow natural heat in to warm up the room. If you have the heating on in your home, curtains and blinds are a great way to keep warm air in, so close your curtains or blinds before it gets dark to help retain the heat.
4. Seal drafts and insulate
Reducing draughts can help save up to 25% on your heating bill⁴. Be sure to check that your windows and doors have appropriate seals and that they are undamaged. Another quick and inexpensive way to further stop draughts from coming in under doors are weighted ‘door snakes’ or draft stoppers, which you can purchase from stores such as Bunnings or Spotlight. By placing these at the bottom of the door, they block the cold air from entering while keeping the heat in.
5. Renegotiate your energy plan and find out if you are eligible for a rebate
Contact other providers for cheaper, more competitive rates or renegotiate your energy plan with your current provider.
You may also be eligible for a rebate to help with your heating costs. These will vary from state to state, so it is worth checking if they are available in your state, and whether you are able to apply for a rebate.
That said, given the high cost of living and the soaring rise of energy bills over the winter months, it is important to not only remain energy efficient, but to be safe while doing it. Not all households are fortunate to have temperature controlled, ducted heating, which leaves many reliant on fireplaces, space or gas heaters. Be sure to put fires out and turn off heating appliances when not in use, to avoid overheating and potential electrical fires, while at the same time checking that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fully functional and working correctly.
If you need help with any of these steps, ask your Home Care Assistance Care Professional to assist in helping you stay warm this winter while keeping those heating bills down.
Support of a home care company like Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefit and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with Home Care Assistance near me today.
[1] https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/life-stages-advice/seniors-guide-energy-saving
[2] https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/life-stages-advice/seniors-guide-energy-saving
[3]https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/life-stages-advice/seniors-guide-energy-saving
[4] https://nationalseniors.com.au/news/finance/reducing-your-heating-costs-this-winter
