Simple Hacks to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Simple Hacks to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Last updated on December 10th, 2020 at 05:41 am

We all know that Canberra winters can be testing to say the least. With negative temperatures, frosty mornings and snow blowing cold winds down from the surrounding mountains, it takes more than an extra jumper, thermal socks and a hot water bottle to stop us shivering.

It’s commonly thought that the easiest way to beat the winter chill is to turn up the central heating or blast a space heater. While this might bring some relief from the cold, it will also bring a hefty electricity bill. So, instead of overusing these expensive, energy consuming appliances, we recommend giving some of these simple tips a go.

Let the sun in during the day 

Once the sun in shining, it’s important to capture as much of this free, natural heat as possible. Even on some of the coldest winter days, the sun is still a good source of warmth. Before you leave your home for the day, simply open-up the curtains, and let the sun shine in.

Close your curtains at night

When the sun begins to set, it’s important to close the curtains to avoid heat escaping through the windows. If you’re in a particularly cold home, you can also put up temporary curtains (or even sheets, rugs, etc.) over doors and windows while you’re sleeping to further ensure that the heat stays inside.

Use timers on your central heating

The Centre for Sustainable Energy advises that programming your heater to turn on a little earlier, at a lower temperature (such as 30 minutes before you get up in the morning), is cheaper and more effective than turning it on just as you need it at a higher temperature. However, be careful not to make the mistake of leaving your heating on low all day – because then you’re just paying for heat when you don’t need it. 

Close internal doors

If you spend a lot of time in certain rooms, you can close other internal doors to ensure that the heat stays in the rooms where it’s needed. If you leave the doors open, the heat is likely to go upwards and outwards. While it may not seem like much, any blockage that keeps air from escaping a little less quickly will help keep you warmer.

Move furniture away from vents

A simple way to keep your home warmer in winter is to double check that furniture has not be unknowingly placed in front of heating vents. Ensuring that vents are not blocked means the flow of heat is not disrupted and every room gets the maximum potential heat.