Categories: Advice

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: Energy-Saving Tips

As the colder months approach, many homeowners see a spike in their energy bills due to increased heating use. The good news? With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home warm and cosy without driving up your electricity costs. Here are some essential tips from Mercury to help you prepare your home for winter while saving energy.

1. Seal Drafts and Insulate Your Home

Gaps around windows, doors, and vents can let cold air in and warm air out, making your heating system work harder. Use weather stripping, door seals, and caulk to seal any drafts. Adding insulation to your roof and walls can also help retain heat and improve energy efficiency.

2. Optimise Your Heating System

Heating accounts for a major portion of winter energy use. To keep costs down:

Set your thermostat to a comfortable but efficient temperature (around 18-20°C).
Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating when you’re asleep or away.
Keep doors closed in unused rooms to prevent heat loss.
Regularly clean and maintain your heater or air conditioner to ensure peak performance.

3. Switch to Energy-Efficient Heating Options

Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner or heat pump, which uses less energy compared to older electric heaters. If you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney is properly sealed when not in use to prevent heat loss.

4. Maximise Natural Heat from the Sun

Take advantage of sunlight during the day by opening curtains and blinds on north-facing windows. In the evening, close them to trap the warmth inside. Thick curtains or thermal blinds can provide an extra layer of insulation.

5. Layer Up and Use Smart Heating Habits

Before turning up the thermostat, try adding extra layers of clothing or using warm blankets. A heated throw or an electric blanket can also keep you warm at a fraction of the cost of running a heater all night.

6. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

With shorter daylight hours, indoor lighting gets used more in winter. Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer.

7. Check Your Hot Water System

Hot water usage tends to increase in winter. Lower your water heater temperature to around 60°C and install a water-efficient showerhead to reduce hot water consumption. Also, fix any leaks to avoid unnecessary energy waste.

8. Consider Solar Energy for Long-Term Savings

If you haven’t already, winter is a great time to think about installing solar panels. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can help offset your electricity usage and reduce your reliance on the grid.

By following these tips, you can stay warm and comfortable throughout winter while keeping your energy bills under control.

Need help optimising your home’s heating and energy efficiency?