Jun 16, 2017 1:05:00 PM

Budget Saving Winter Warming Tips

Topics: Health and Wellbeing 0

Winter has arrived and unfortunately, so have the power bills. While newly built homes are well-insulated, energy efficient and warm, older homes tend to lose heat as soon as the sun goes down. To keep your home warm and dry this winter without blowing the budget, we’re sharing our budget saving winter warming tips.

Wrap up inside

Before you turn on the heater or crank up the heat pump, make sure you’re bundled up with extra layers of clothes, even when you’re inside your home. Pile on the thermal socks, fuzzy slippers and warm sweaters, and add extra blankets to beds and the couch. That way you can turn off the heaters and keep the temperature inside your home a few degrees cooler without even noticing. And save on your power bill!

Seal up the gaps

To keep the warm air inside your home and the cold air out, fit draught excluders to windows and doorframes, ensure that windows and doors seal properly when closed, and fill in any cracks in doors and windows using silicone. You’ll be amazed at how much heat escapes through the cracks! 

Keep the heat in

Cover hardwood floors with rugs, close inter-leading doors to seal the warmth into a room you’re heating, and close curtains and blinds as soon as the sun goes down. Thermal curtains work best at keeping the heat inside your home. And if you’ve cooked dinner in the oven, leave the door open a crack so the heat escapes and warms up your kitchen.

Set timers to heaters

It’s a good idea to have your heaters or heat pump turn on and off at certain times of the day or night using timers. You could set the heating to go on in the early morning and evening and to turn off at night when you’re asleep. Remember to turn off heaters when you’re not home.

Stay dry inside

To effectively and efficiently heat your home, it’s vital you keep the air inside dry. When you’re cooking or using the dryer, ensure you ventilate to remove steam and moisture from the air. If you don’t have an extraction fan or a dehumidifier, open a window while you’re cooking, showering or drying washing. Avoid hanging wet or damp washing inside as this moisture will make your home feel damp.

Fight mould and damp outside

Outside it’s as important you fight mould and damp. Check that all outside vents are clean and free of blockages to help damp air move out of your home. Repair broken guttering and downpipes to avoid a build-up of mould and damp.

These simple tips not only save you money by helping reduce your energy bill, they’ll also ensure your home is warmer and healthier this winter.

Resources:

https://www.energywise.govt.nz/at-home/simple-ways-to-lower-energy-bills/#Keepyourhomewarm


Disclaimer:

While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information and no responsibility is taken by Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) for any errors or omissions. This publication does not constitute personalised financial advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication is, or should be taken as, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or retain any investment in or make any deposit with any person. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt within this publication. A Disclosure Statement is available on request and free of charge.

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