Winter energy saving tips to cut costs and keep warm

In winter, a typical Canberra house loses 10-20% of heating through its windows. 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:

• if you have curtains or blinds installed, simply close them to keep the warmth in at night and open them during the day to let the sunlight in
• if you don’t have window coverings, fit your windows with 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

Eligible households can get free curtains along with other benefits as part of the Home Energy Efficiency program.

Warm air can escape through gaps and cracks around windows and doors, while 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
• use draught stoppers (or door snakes) and other draught excluders

Pensioner Concession Card holders may be eligible for free draught proofing from the Home Energy Efficiency Program.

Renters can get free draught-proofing tape through the Renters Home Energy program.

There are lots of different ways to snuggle up and get warm without turning on the heater.

• If you plan on sitting for long periods of time, heated throw rugs are a great option to keep warm and will cost you less than five cents an hour to run
• When going to bed, an electric blanket or hot water bottle will use much less energy than trying to heat your whole bedroom
• If you’re feeling chilly, reach for a jumper and a blanket before turning up the heater

When receiving a free in-home energy assessment, renters may be eligible for a free heated throw rug for a limited time and other energy saving items as part of the Renters Home Energy program.

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.

Homeowners may be eligible for a zero-interest loan to help with the up-front cost of insulation through the Sustainable Household Scheme.

Not-for-profit community housing providers and rental providers registered under the Community Land Tax Exemption Scheme and eligible homeowners may be eligible for rebates of up to $2,500 when installing insulation through the Home Energy Support Program.

Efficient electric reverse-cycle air conditioners are up to six times more efficient at heating than a gas system. They are much cheaper to run.

• Create a plan to transition from gas to electric appliances with our free and easy tool. You’ll get advice on choosing efficient all-electric appliances and find support to switch off gas.
• You can access a no interest loan to install an energy efficient reverse cycle heater as part of the Sustainable Household Scheme.
• If you have a wood heater you can access a rebate to replace with an energy efficient reverse cycle heater through the Wood Heater Replacement Program.
• No matter what system you choose, remember to purchase a system with a high energy efficiency rating.

Homeowners who are Pensioner Concession Card, Healthcare Card or DVA Gold Card holders may be eligible for rebates of up to $2,500 through the Home Energy Support Program.

Switching to a different energy plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year. Phone around or use the Australian Government’s comparison service, Energy Made Easy.

Your existing energy provider may be able to offer you a better deal to suit your lifestyle and energy use. They can also help you access financial support. Available supports include hardship payments, concessions, payment extensions and flexible payment options.

• In the ACT electricity retailers have to say whether their advertised annual price is higher or lower than the industry benchmark price available to you.
• When you call your energy retailer, they must give you clear, timely and reliable information that will help you choose the best plan for you.
• Did you know there are about 14 residential energy retailers in the ACT? Shop around for a better deal.

Get information and advice on how to check if you’re on the best energy plan for your needs.