13 Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bills

Everyone worries about high heating bills in winter and cooling bills in summer. We want to stay comfortable in our homes but it can come at the price of a very high energy bill.

However, the good news is now you can reduce your electricity bills without sacrificing your comfort. If you are wondering how, here are the 13 simple ways you can reduce your heating bills this winter without reducing your comfort.

1. Minimise drafts

Drafts don’t only make your home uncomfortable but can also increase your heating bill significantly as it takes more energy to heat your home. To minimize drafts, you can fit weather-stripping material around door frames. Also, choose the right blinds and curtains and install them properly. 

Also know about Best eco-friendly insulation materials for homes

2. Update your roof insulation

Check your home’s current roof insulation. It may not be the most effective for your area. If you do intend to upgrade your insulation, make sure it meets the recommended R-Value of your climate. Also, ensure that all vertical roof space surfaces are insulated and include a layer of aluminium. You can use thermal imaging to identify the existing flaws like gaps and sections of insulation.

3. Consider double glazing

By double glazing your windows, it will cut out noise, save energy and also improve the security of your home.

4. Reduce heat loss

Consider using curtains, blinds or drapes to cover your windows. It will keep both the sun rays and cold winds out of your house. 

5. Minimize which rooms you heat

Instead of heating all the rooms in your home at once, try to only using heating in rooms you are currently using. For instance, in the evenings, you may only need to heat your kitchen, living room and lounge room.  Make sure to turn the heating off in any rooms you are not using. 

Switching from a central heating system to a small space heater can also reduce your energy bills. 

6. Heat and cool your home wisely

To save on your heating bills, adjust your thermostat between 18 to 20 degree Celsius. You can save up to 10% on energy use by doing this. 

Also, set it according to your needs and turn it off when you don’t need it, or you’re not at home. 

If your heater doesn’t have a thermostat, you can keep a thermometer handy to measure the temperature as needed.

7. Dress warmly and use extra blankets to reduce the electrical heating

One way to save on your heating bill is to wear more layers of clothing. An at-home winter wardrobe can include thermal tops and pants, thick warm socks and plenty of thick jumpers and track pants. You can even top the look off with a beanie. 

When you’re not moving around your house, don’t forget to have a blanket or two to keep war, This way you can be warm and comfortable without having to use your heater.

8. Maintain your heating system

You should schedule a maintenance service at least every two years with a professional technician to check your heating system is operating efficiently and safely. Also, you should ensure the cooling or heating system filters are cleaned regularly to improve energy consumption and air quality.  

9. Update your ceiling insulation

Save on your heating bill with updated ceiling insulation. Your current insulation may not be as effective as other options currently on the market.

10. Use a hot water bottle

There are other ways which you can use to keep yourself warm and don’t include using high-energy appliances. Hot water bottles are an old-fashioned alternative to electric blankets. They can also be effective for relieving sore muscles and cramps. You can also use heat packs.

11. Keep your shower short

If your heating bill includes your hot water, you can reduce shower time down to save money. Changing from 10 minute showers to five minute showers can make a big difference.

12. Add a cover to your swimming pool

If you also heat your swimming pool, adding protection will not only stop water from evaporating and save you money on having to top up the water, but it will naturally insulate and heat the water for you. Plus, a pool cover minimizes how much cleaning you need to do and reduces the required run time the filter pump. 

13. Solar energy for water heater

You can make an even bigger dent in your heating and energy bills if you install a solar energy panel. These panels can be used to generate electricity for your home and even heat your hot water.

Conclusion

The tips above are great ways to reduce your heating and general energy bills. However, if you’re still having issues, it may be worthwhile revisiting your current energy plan and exploring the market for what other options are out there.