Yahoo Finance The cheapest ways to heat your home this winter
CHOICE has revealed its top tips to keep warm and save money this winter.
Winter is coming. But before you crank up the heat, there might be some cheaper things you can do around the house to keep yourself warm.
With electricity bills expected to skyrocket come July 1, CHOICE experts have shared their top tips to stay cosy and save cash.
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“As we head into the cooler months, it helps to do everything you can to reduce your energy use and avoid the nasty shock of a high heating bill,” CHOICE heating expert Chris Barnes said.
“Insulating your house well and making use of reverse cycle air conditioning are the most effective ways of heating your home, but there are also a number of much cheaper options that work well.”
1. Seal up draughts
Draughts can let cold air into your home and waste heating, so it’s worth tracking down any draughts and sealing them up.
“A great way to seal up draughts is by using weather seal tape or draught strips, which you can buy from your local hardware store. All you have to do is stick the adhesive side to a window frame or door jamb,” Barnes said.
“Door snakes are another option when it comes to sealing draughts - you can even make your own if you’re the crafty type.”
2. Close your curtains and use rugs
“Up to 40 per cent of heating energy can be lost through windows, so keeping your curtains or blinds closed will make a big difference and keep your house warmer,” Barnes said.
“If you have hard floors, cover them up with rugs. The more distance you can put between the floor and your feet, the better.”
3. Switch ceiling fans to reverse
Most modern ceiling fans have a reverse switch, which makes the blades turn clockwise and will help distribute warm air around the room since hot air rises.
“When daylight savings ends, switch your ceiling fans to reverse, and they’ll push warm air back towards the floor,” Barnes said.
4. Portable electric heater
A reverse-cycle air conditioner is by far the cheapest heating appliance to run, CHOICE found. But they have a high upfront cost - between $2,000 and $15,000 for purchase and installation.
If you are low on cash or are a renter, a portable electric heater could be a good alternative. But beware, the costs can add up over time.
“On average, an electric heater will cost you less in the first year but, in the long run, the bills stack up. Be cautious of how long your heater is on and avoid running multiple heaters in different rooms,” Barns said.
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