Winter is on its way, and cold weather brings higher heating bills. But right now, with the cost of living skyrocketing, most of us need to keep a closer eye on our energy costs.
Reducing power use is also much better for the environment, and with Earth Day happening this month we’ve put together some sustainable ways to stay warm in the colder months.
Here is what you can do this winter to keep your heating costs as low as possible:
Go solar
Solar power is an excellent way to save money on all your power bills, even if you are only using it to heat your water. Make sure to check the NSW Government website to see if your home is eligible for a solar rebate.
Seal up gaps
Hot air has a way of getting out by any available crack or crevice. Make sure your windows are well sealed, as are your doors. Draft excluders can make an enormous difference to the warmth of a room in an older Northern Beaches home and cut down on the need for heating during winter.
Curtains
Window coverings can also make a difference. By adding double-lined curtains with pelmets, you can trap even more heat inside your house.
Flooring
If you have floorboards or tiles, you will know that they get very cold in the winter months. Pick up a few rugs or carpets to cover floorboards and tiles and keep rooms feeling warmer.
Close doors
If you have unused rooms, there is no point in spending money warming them up. Close the doors to any rooms that aren’t being used and turn off the heating in those rooms if you can.
Make the most of the warmth you get
On the Northern Beaches, warm light comes from the north during the day. Make the most of it by opening curtains and letting the natural light warm up your home.
Rug up
One of the simplest and most obvious ways to keep from overusing heating is to rug up warmly. This can take as little as slipping a jumper on. Otherwise, some blankets by the couch can help (there are always plenty at Kmart at this time of year). Otherwise, you can even invest in an Oodie. Ugg boots, slippers, hot water bottles – whatever you can think of to keep warm without having to put the heater on.
Get moving
One of the best free ways to warm up is to get moving. A little exercise gets the blood flowing and warms you up before you know it. Just a quick walk around the house can get the blood flowing, or do a quick exercise routine – even Netflix is getting in on the trend for online exercise classes with a new series of workouts from Nike, so you can get fit from streaming (before settling down to a movie.)
Timers
If you do have to use the heater, it can help to use the timer. That way, you can warm up the house when it’s needed but have the heaters off when they aren’t necessary, like when you’re not at home or when you’re snuggled up in bed.
Insulation
If you feel like your home is colder than it should be, then it might be worth investing in better insulation. Upgrading the batts in the ceiling or paying for double-glazed windows can be a double win because it will also add value to your home.
Thinking of selling your home this autumn or winter and want to discuss current market trends? Feel free to get in touch – we’re always happy to help.