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How to stop your bills skyrocketing this winter

Lifestyle
3 years ago
2 minutes

The more we use our heating and lighting in the home due to cold and dark winter days, the higher the cost of utilities. 

Its likely we'll be staying in a lot more than usual this winter because of COVID-19, which creates further incentive to reduce our potentially high energy costs. 
 

Find and seal gaps

Almost ten times more heat escapes through gaps in windows and door frames than walls so make sure yours are up to scratch. Use caulk to fill gaps where your windows meet the window frame and refit sliding doors with new door seals if yours are getting thin. If you have a plastic cat flap or dog door, install a cover over it so you don’t lose heat that way.

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Use what you already have

First off, use clothes, blankets and wheat packs or hot water bottles to warm up before cranking the heat up. Did you know you lose heat through your head and feet first? Wear a beanie and fluffy bed socks, and buy yourself some nice slippers.

 

Keep your showers short

It can be tempting to stand in the shower longer than necessary in winter but you’ll end up wasting both water and the energy used to heat it. Stick to the recommended 3 minutes and look at buying a showerhead with a minimum rating of 3 Green Stars — Bunnings has a great range.
 

Utilise off-peak times

According to Energy Australia, you’re eligible for off-peak rates if you have a meter configured to ‘Time of Use’, ‘Two rate’, or ‘Dedicated Circuit’. Check out their website to find out more.

 

Update your lighting

The days get shorter and night time gets darker in winter, so switch to energy-efficient lighting where possible. LED light bulbs use up to 90 per cent less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs of equivalent brightness – and they also last longer. 

 

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