7 Tips To Save Money On Your Heating This Winter

With power prices in the news and the cold winter about to hit, it is wise to take a fresh look at your energy consumption. The average Australian home uses about 40% of their energy on heating and cooling.

Even the smallest of changes can lead to helpful savings on your energy bill, and we don’t just mean putting on an extra layer of clothing. Here are Metropolitan Heating and Cooling’s seven handy tips:

1. Check Your Thermostat

Of course, every household is different so the best place to start is by understanding how much energy you use on heating every day. Keeping your thermostat between 18°C and 20°C is recommended and every degree you reduce your heat can save you up to 10% on your energy use.

2. The Draft Stopper is Your Best Friend

Of course, every household is different so the best place to start is by understanding how much energy your heating system uses every day. Keeping your thermostat between 18°C and 20°C is recommended and every degree you reduce your heat can save you up to 10% on your energy use.

3. Coverings and Shadings

When you consider that a single panel of glass can lose almost 10 times as much heat as the same area of an insulated wall, it is worth thinking about window coverings. Did you know that windows can leak 40% of your warmth from your home? Imagine what that does to heating bills.

Blinds and curtains can reduce heat loss through your windows. A poorly fitted curtain will lose heat, whilst a well-fitted curtain will trap heat so it is important to think about what is covering your windows.  Use close-woven and tightly knitted curtains or blinds to trap the heat.

Ensuring a snug fit of your curtains will also help to prevent heat moving behind them, keeping you warmer. Always remember to close your curtains or blinds when you have the heating on, especially when the cold sets in at night.

4. Don’t Heat the Whole House

Think about which room (or rooms) you want to heat. Do you really need it heated? Do you need more than one room heated? If you need to heat more than one room, you can close doors to trap heat inside and reduce your heater’s energy output along with energy costs.

5. Program Your Heater

Think about how you can use your heater economically. Set it to a timer and only use it when you need it most. Set it to switch on 20 minutes before you wake up then turn it off 20 minutes before you leave the house or go to bed. If you are using an electric blanket to warm your bed, turn it off before you go to sleep. This will definitely reduce your heating bill.

6. Get Your Heater Serviced

Getting the most out of your current heating system during the colder months could be as simple as getting it serviced by a professional. A specialist heating technician will be able to spot any issues or inefficiencies in your units such as in their coils or fins. They will be able to clean the unit’s filters and condensers so that your warm air is clear of pollutants and the unit can function efficiently, reducing your heating bills.

7. Take Advantage of Natural Heat

When it comes to saving money on heating during the winter, Mother Nature can be your ally. There are simple yet effective ways to harness natural heat, make your home warmer and enjoy energy savings without relying solely on your heating systems.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Sunlight is your friend: The sun can be a powerful source of heat during the winter months. Open your curtains and blinds during the day to let the sunlight in. South-facing windows are especially effective at capturing the sun’s warmth. Just be sure to close them once the sun sets to avoid air leaks and trap that warm air inside.
2. Strategic curtain use: Consider using thermal curtains or blinds that can help insulate your windows. At night, close them to keep the cold air out and prevent heat from escaping. During the day, open them to welcome in the sun’s warmth.
3. Passive solar heating: If you have stone or tile floors, they can absorb and store heat from the sun. When the sun is shining, these surfaces will absorb warmth and slowly release it into your home, keeping it cosy.
4. Winter gardening: If you’re an avid gardener, you can use certain plants strategically. Placing potted plants near sunny windows can help increase humidity and warmth in your home. Some houseplants can even act as natural air purifiers while adding a touch of green to your winter décor.
5. Use ceiling fans: Hot air rises, so put your ceiling fans into reverse (clockwise) so that they send the heat down into the room.

Taking advantage of natural heat is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet. So, embrace these tips and make the most of what nature has to offer this winter.

Save with Metropolitan Heating and Cooling

Here’s a bonus tip for saving money on energy bills this winter. An expert technician from Metropolitan Heating and Cooling will be able to assess which type of heater is right for your property, service and repair your current system and provide advice about how to get the most from your system to help you stay warm this winter!

We service and install all sorts of heating including hydronic heating, gas ducted heating, reverse cycle heating and gas wall furnaces. Our services include duct cleaning, which, if you have ever had a possum expire in your ductwork, you would appreciate improves air quality.

It also improves the efficiency of your system.  Safety is also important, and we always do carbon monoxide testing with every gas heating installation so that you don’t share the possum’s fate.

Don’t hesitate to contact the heating experts from Metropolitan Heating and Cooling.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.