How to Save on Energy Bills During Winter: 7 Handy Tips

When winter rolls around, it’s easy to watch your energy bills climb just as fast as the temperature drops. Between running the heater, using more hot water and keeping the lights on longer, staying warm can quickly become expensive.

But the good news is, there are plenty of simple, affordable ways to cut down on your energy use – without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re renting, owning, or somewhere in between, small changes can make a big difference to your bottom line. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you stay cosy while keeping your bills in check.

From smart heating habits to making the most of natural light, these seven easy wins can go a long way. Let’s get started on how you can save on energy this winter.

1. Seal Drafts and Insulate Your Home

One of the easiest ways to cut down your winter energy bills is by keeping the warm air inside and the cold air out. Drafts and poor insulation make your heater work harder, which means higher costs.

Here’s how to fix that:

• Check for drafts around windows, doors and floorboards. If you feel a breeze, you’ve found a culprit.
• Use weather stripping or door seals to block gaps. Door snakes are a quick and affordable fix too.
• Seal gaps in skirting boards or around vents with silicone or foam sealant.
• Close unused rooms to prevent warm air from escaping or spreading too thin.
• Add insulation to ceilings and walls if your home doesn’t already have it – this is one of the best long-term energy savers.
• Use heavy curtains to create an extra barrier against cold window panes.

A well-sealed, insulated home keeps you warmer for less.

2. Use Your Heater Wisely

Your heater can be one of the biggest energy users in winter, so it pays to run it smartly. Start by setting the thermostat between 18°C and 20°C – every degree higher can add up to 10% more to your energy bill.

If your heating system has a timer, use it to warm the house just before you wake up or get home, rather than leaving it running all day.

Make sure you close doors to rooms you’re not using. This helps trap the warmth where you need it and stops your heater from working harder than it has to.

Curtains and blinds should also be shut at night to keep heat from escaping through the windows.

If you’ve got ducted heating or a reverse cycle air conditioner, use zoning features to heat only the spaces you need. Smart use equals lower costs – without compromising on comfort.

3. Layer Up and Embrace Warm Clothing

Before you crank up the heater, try layering up – it’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to stay warm without using extra energy.

Dressing smart can make a big difference to your comfort (and your bill).

• Start with thermal base layers, especially on really cold days. They trap body heat and keep you toasty.
• Wear socks and slippers indoors – cold feet can make you feel chilly all over.
• Throw on a hoodie, jumper or a warm robe when lounging at home instead of turning up the heat.
• Use blankets while watching TV or working – it’s a cosy habit that saves money.
• Try heated throw blankets or heat packs for an extra boost without heating the whole house.

Layering up means you can keep your thermostat lower and still stay snug. It’s a win for your wallet and the environment.

4. Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight

Even on chilly days, the sun can be a powerful (and free) source of warmth.

Make the most of it by opening your curtains and blinds during the day, especially on north-facing windows where the sunlight is strongest. Letting in natural light helps to warm up your home without needing to rely so heavily on your heater.

As soon as the sun goes down, close your curtains to trap that warmth inside. Thick or insulated curtains work best – they create a barrier that keeps the cold air out and the warm air in.

It’s also worth cleaning your windows to maximise how much sunlight gets through. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it makes.

Using the sun wisely means your heater doesn’t have to work overtime. It’s a simple, cost-free way to stay cosy and cut down your energy bills at the same time.

5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances might seem like a big step, but it can lead to major savings over time – especially during winter when your usage spikes.

Here’s how to make smart choices:

• Look for the Energy Star label when buying heaters, dryers, or hot water systems – it means they meet strict efficiency standards.
• Replace old electric heaters with reverse cycle air conditioners, which use less energy to heat your home.
• Choose energy-saving LED light bulbs, especially if you have lights on for longer during winter.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient hot water system if yours is outdated – heat pump or gas continuous flow models are great options.
• Use smart power boards to reduce standby energy consumption from appliances you’re not using.

Investing in efficient appliances means lower running costs, less energy waste, and a warmer home that won’t blow your budget.

6. Lower Hot Water Usage

Hot water can be one of the sneakiest energy drains in winter, especially when those long, steamy showers become part of your daily routine. But cutting back just a little can lead to big savings.

Try keeping showers to four minutes or less – setting a timer can help. You’ll still feel refreshed without running up the energy bill.

Switching your washing machine to cold water is another easy win. Most detergents these days work just as well in cold cycles, and you’ll save energy with every load.

It’s also worth checking your hot water system. If it’s not insulated, it could be losing heat faster than it should. Wrapping your hot water tank and pipes in insulation can make a noticeable difference.

By being mindful of how much hot water you’re using and making a few small changes, you can keep your winter energy bills under control – without sacrificing comfort.

7. Choose the Right Type of Heating

Not all heaters are created equal – and picking the right one for your space can make a big difference to your energy bill.

Here’s what to consider when choosing:

• Reverse cycle air conditioners are one of the most energy-efficient options for heating larger areas. They also double as cooling units in summer.
• Multi-head reverse cycle split systems can heat multiple rooms and temperatures can be individualised to suit each room.
• Gas heaters can be cost-effective in areas where gas is cheaper than electricity, but make sure they’re flued and safe to use indoors.
• Electric panel heaters or oil-filled radiators are good for small rooms but can be expensive to run if left on for long periods.
• Hydronic heating is energy efficient, reliable and cost effective, using water and radiant heat to warm up your home.
• Portable fan heaters heat quickly but use a lot of power – best for short bursts in tiny spaces.
• Ducted heating systems with zoning let you warm only the rooms you’re using, helping cut costs.

Choosing the right heater helps you stay warm while keeping your energy use in check.

Don’t Let Winter Chill Your Budget

Saving on energy bills during winter doesn’t have to mean living in the cold or giving up comfort. With a few smart habits and simple adjustments – like using your heater efficiently, taking shorter showers, and making the most of natural sunlight – you can stay warm without sending your bills through the roof.

It’s all about being a bit more mindful of where energy gets used and finding easy ways to cut back. Even small changes can add up to big savings over the season. Whether you own your home or rent, these tips are affordable and practical for everyone.

So, don’t let winter put a chill on your budget – take control of your energy use and enjoy a cosy, cost-effective season. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.