How to keep warm and be cost-effective this winter!

Remember that hazy feeling we had a few weeks ago that summer was going to last forever? As we know, the cold weather soon rudely provided a dose of reality - meaning we can expect more than a few chilly winter nights ahead!

At Winning Appliances, we stock a wide range of high-quality heating solutions, offering economical, efficient and effective solutions.

But we all want to cut back on our energy expenses - and keeping your home warm accounts for one of the main reasons why your winter energy bill is regularly so expensive.

In fact, EnergyAustralia has claimed recently that the average NSW household could be looking at upwards of a 24 per cent increase in their winter bill.

So as you brace yourself for the onset of the big chill (or the Australian approximation of same), here are a few tips for maximising the warmth in your home, while minimising your utility bills.

1. No more gaps

One of the easiest and most effective ways to retain heat in your home. It seems obvious - but up to 25% of winter heat loss from existing houses is caused by draughts.

Preventing the free passage of cold air with something like a door snake (or even a towel!) will make a big difference.

Don’t forget the benefits of DIY insulation either - it can make you a big difference. Self-adhesive rubber seals around doors and windows, for example, are easy and cheap to install.

2. Windows

Speaking of windows, unless you’re living in an underground bunker, you have glass windows that are going to play a large role in whether your home is warm or not. According to Sustainability Victoria, a single pane of glass can lose almost 10x as much heat as the same area of insulated wall!

West, east, and north-facing windows are often exposed to sunlight - so if you’re planning a renovation, you definitely want to think about installing one in that direction! Also look out for removable window film plastic insulators at your local hardware store.

3. It’s curtains

If you already have a well-positioned window - make the most of it with some good curtain-technique. Keep them open during the day to let the light in - then make sure they are closed at night to keep the heat trapped in the house, especially if you have the heaters on.

For added benefits, make sure there is a snug fit between the curtain and the window, to minimise gaps at the sides and the top.

4. Good insulation

Make sure the home is well-insulated - particularly the roof, where about 25% of heat can be lost.  It can be an expensive renovation - but the impact of good insulation on retaining warmth in your home will be worth it. 

5. Focus the heat

Decrease your heating bills, by decreasing the area you’re aiming to keep warm - closing doors to adjoining rooms to keep heat trapped in (and it’s a great way to bring the family together!).  

This can be a problem in open-plan homes - but tacking curtains or blankets in available hallway entrances and door frames will work if you’re desperate in a cold spell!

6. Cook up a storm

Love to cook - and have time on your hands on a wintry weekend? Get into the kitchen and generate some warmth by cranking up the oven - baking some winter warmers or slow-cooking a roast for dinner. Your home will be warmed up and filled with wonderful cooking odours - and you'll have something deliciously hot to eat at the end of it. 

7. Hot water bottle

Warming a hot water bottle with a kettle will cost a fraction of that it takes to warm up your bedroom. Make sure you tuck your warmed-up hot water bottle in fifteen minutes before shut-eye and your bed will be nice, warm and ready for you.

8. Exercise

Don’t hate us - but simply getting a bit of circulation going will not only help you to stay fit, but warm. And, of course - if burpies and press-ups aren’t your thing, remember there are other kinds of vigorous physical activity you and your partner can opt for to keep the winter chill at bay!

For more (appliance-related) advice on keeping your home warm, feel free to talk one of our product experts in-store and online!

Images courtesy of Rinnai.