Victoria
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South Australia
QueenslandAs the cold season settles in, it’s time to gear up for maximising energy efficiency in our homes. With a few simple tweaks, you can significantly cut down on energy costs while keeping your living space cosy and comfortable. Let’s delve into some quick energy wins for the winter months.
Optimise Heating Settings
Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature range. Aim for 18°C to 20°C during the day and lower it when you’re asleep or away. Every degree above this range can spike energy usage by around 15%. By maintaining a consistent temperature, you’ll avoid constant adjustments and save on heating costs.
Combat Drafts
Draft-proofing your home is a crucial step in minimising heat loss during winter. Seal gaps around windows and doors using weatherstripping, caulk, or silicone. Don’t forget those pesky gaps at the bottom of doors; draught-stopper snakes can effectively block them. A candle test is a low-tech method to detect air leaks – if the flame flickers near doors or windows, there’s a draft to be addressed.
Harness Natural Heat
Make the most of natural sunlight during the day by positioning your workspace near windows. Open up curtains or blinds to allow sunlight in, which helps warm up your home naturally. Consider planting trees and shrubs around your property to act as a windbreak in winter, reducing the need for excessive heating.
Optimise Window Insulation
If replacing windows isn’t an immediate option, investing in quality curtains or blinds can make a noticeable difference in energy efficiency. Heavy curtains made of insulating fabrics can help trap heat indoors, while well-fitted blinds can provide additional insulation.
Embrace Cold Water Washing
Switching to cold water washing can significantly contribute to energy savings, especially during winter. Washing clothes in cold water not only reduces energy consumption, but preserves fabric quality too. Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher to maximise efficiency.
In addition to these quick fixes, upgrading inefficient everyday appliances will help reduce long-term costs on energy bills and maintenance. State and federal government incentives are available to support Victorian households in accessing these upgrade opportunities.
Click here to see upgrades available for your home.
