The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says making energy-smart choices can reduce winter’s impact on your wallet.
And some of them don’t need to cost you a thing.
Here is the department’s top 10 list of things you can do for free to reduce your winter energy bills.
• Dress for the season - Put on some warmer clothes before you crank up the heating. Each additional degree of heating can add between five and 10 per cent to your energy use.
• Shut the door on wasted energy - Heating the entire house can be costly. Shut the door to areas you aren't using (like bathrooms, or the bedrooms during the day). Only heat the rooms you're using and save on energy and cost. Remember to regularly clean your heaters including the filters, fan blades or vents so they perform at their best.
• Turn it off - Avoid heating your home unnecessarily. Turn off your heaters before going to bed and when you're leaving the house. Many appliances continue to draw stand-by power even when switched off. This can account for up to three per cent of your total energy costs. Turn off appliances not in use (such as TVs, computers and consoles) at the power point.
• Use ceiling fans effectively - Reversible ceiling fans can complement your heating by helping to disperse hot air around a room. Warm air rises and collects in a layer just underneath the ceiling. If your ceiling fan has a reversing switch, use it to circulate warm air throughout the room.
• Let the sun shine in - Solar panels may not be suitable for every home and budget. But you can still use the free heat from the sun. Open your curtains when the sun is shining and close them before it gets dark.
• Don't use the shower to warm up - Heating your hot water can account for more than 20 per cent of your household energy use. Try to avoid the temptation of using the shower to get warm. Aim for a four minute shower.
• Use a ‘solar’ clothes dryer - Clothes dryers are very convenient, but remember you're paying for this convenience. Try using your clothes dryer less often. Use free energy from the sun and the wind to dry your clothes if you can. If you don’t have a clothes line you can put clothes racks out in the sun and fresh air. Or you could dry clothes indoors on a rack when the heater is already on.
• Shop around and switch to save - Don’t assume your current energy provider is offering you the best deal available. Look at government price comparison websites to check which provider has the best rate. You can also contact your current provider to ask them if there’s a better deal they could put you on right away. Most people can compare electricity and gas offers on the Energy Made Easy website. If you live in Victoria, visit Victorian Energy Compare.
• Waste not, want not - In Australia we waste a third of the food we buy. Food waste can cost Australian households thousands of dollars a year. This food ends up in landfill where it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is particularly damaging to the environment. Much of the food waste comes from poor planning. Use shopping lists. Check your pantry and fridge before heading to the shops.
• Include active transport choices - Swapping short car trips for walking or cycling can save money. It can also keep you fit during the winter months. You’ll save on petrol, maintenance and potentially the upfront cost of buying a car (or a second car).
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