How to stay warm in winter and save

Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, simple actions can help you keep warm and spend less on energy bills.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for winter.

Ask your energy provider for a better deal and about financial support options. Available supports include hardship payments, concessions, payment extensions and flexible payment options.

Switch to a different energy plan to save money. Use the Australian Government’s comparison service, Energy Made Easy.

• Set your thermostat between 18 and 21 degrees for ideal energy efficiency and comfort. Lowering it by one degree can save you up to 10% on your heating bill.
• Only heat rooms you're using. Close windows and doors when the heater is on. Remember if you have an unflued gas heater, you need to leave a window slightly open for extra ventilation.
• Turn off heaters when you go out. Use a timer to turn them on 30 minutes before you wake up or come home.
• Replace fan heaters as they can generate excessive air movement across your skin which can make you feel colder.

A typical Canberra house loses 10-20% of heating through its windows in winter. Windows also let the sun’s radiant heat in to warm your home. You can make the most of your windows with a few simple actions:

• Close curtains or blinds at night to keep warmth in. Open them during the day to let sunlight in.
• Use thermally backed curtains or energy-efficient blinds (such as honeycomb or roman blinds).
• Install pelmets around curtain rods to stop air movement around windows.
• For windows that receive little or no direct sunlight, consider wrapping them in an insulating layer, such as bubble wrap, for the whole winter.
• Clean your windows to let more sunlight in.

Warm air can escape through gaps and cracks around windows and doors. Draughts make you feel cold even when the air is warm. To keep the warm air in and the chill out, you can:

• seal gaps around windows and doors with sealant using a caulking gun and
• use door snakes or other draught stoppers.

Up to 35% of heat is lost through the ceiling in a poorly insulated home. Another 20% is lost through walls and up to 15% through the floor.

• Improve your insulation if you can. Insulation helps climate control our homes, keeping us warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It can halve heating and cooling costs.
• If you own your home, check that you have adequate insulation in your ceiling, walls and floors. If it doesn’t meet the minimum R5 value, consider having your insulation topped up.
• If you’re a renter, ask your rental provider whether your home meets the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for Rental Properties.

Efficient electric reverse-cycle heating and cooling systems can heat your home quicky and easily and cost less to run than gas heating and other electric systems.

• Create a plan to transition from gas to electric appliances with our free and easy-to-use tool. You’ll get advice on choosing efficient all-electric appliances and find support to switch off gas.
• No matter what system you choose, remember to purchase a system with a high energy efficiency rating.

Don’t know where to start?

These programs can help:

• Watch these bite-sized videos for money-saving and energy-saving tips you can apply around your home.
• Contact the Sustainable Home Advice service –  your one stop shop to get information on how to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. You can also learn about what ACT Government supports and rebates you may be eligible for.
• Get a free in-home energy visit from one of our energy experts. Learn the best actions you can take to make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy use and costs. Home energy visits are available for for renters and homeowners.
• Create a plan to transition from gas to electric appliances with our free and easy-to-use tool. You’ll get advice from CHOICE on choosing efficient all-electric appliances and find support to switch off gas.
• The Home Energy Support Program can provide up to $5,000 in rebates to homeowners with an eligible concession card. It can help with the costs of installing rooftop solar, energy efficient appliances and ceiling insulation.
• The Home Energy Efficiency Program can provide help with draught-proofing and window coverings. It also offers free expert advice on lowering your electricity, gas and water bills.
• The Sustainable Household Scheme can provide zero-interest loans of up to $15,000. It supports the installation of energy-efficient electric appliances and solar systems. It can also help pay for electric cars and EV charging.
• The ACT Government offers free workshops to help Canberran’s access detailed energy saving advice, tools and resources.
• The ACT Government has partnered with electricity retailers to develop a utilities hardship fund. Customers who need financial support can receive $300 to help pay their electricity bills. Access this service by calling your electricity provider.
• Concession card holders can access the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate through their energy supplier to help with energy bills. The concession includes up to $800 for the 2024-25 financial year. Access this service by calling your provider.

Discover more energy savings tips and advice for your household.