Now that natural gas prices are up, petrol prices are up, and electricity prices are up, it won’t be too long before you and I see these rises on our energy bills. What can we do to keep warm and where possible save a little money, some valuable resources and greenhouse gas emissions this winter?
Try these winter warming tips to keep warm and reduce your costs.
Use the Sun – Passive Heating
Passive solar heating can be utilised in most homes. Where you have north facing windows and it is a sunny day, open up the blinds or curtains and let the sun in. You will be amazed at the amount of warmth that the sun can deliver in winter. Just before the sun sets at night, close the curtains to keep the heat in your home. Think of it as free energy from a warm winter friend.
Layers – Like an Onion
It might seem simple to say but when you are in the house, layer up! Get a singlet on, then a t-shirt, then a cardigan or jumper. The temperature of your room does not need to be tropical and Hawaiian shirts are not an eco-fashion statement in winter. You can keep the heat in and close to your body by having layers, and as Shrek would say, like an onion!
Keep the draughts out
If your windows don’t quite fit the frames, cling wrap round the edges to keep the draughts from whipping in and close the gap. Or you could use bubble wrap and tape it around the window frame and make a temporary double glazed window. Same with the doors – get a draft excluder fitted to the bottom of the door or if you are being frugal to the nth degree then roll up an old towel tightly, duct tape in two or three places to keep it together and lay it at the foot of the door. Old school tech, but it works!
Price Compare, but be aware
Prices are zooming up. However, you might want to have a look at a few energy price comparison sites online. Try sites like www.goswitch.com.au, or www.switchwise.com.au. These simple steps could save you $100’s off of your energy bills. While you are at it, don’t forget to enquire about the GreenPower rate and see if you can get that thrown in as well. Also remember that the devil is in the detail, so look at what you are signing up for.
Eat well – eat warm
There is nothing that says staying warm like a lovely big bowl of thick soup or a “stick to the ribs” stew or casserole in the winter months. Cooking from scratch not only saves you money and helps you stay healthy; it keeps you in the lovely warm kitchen and eating hot food. Delicious minestrone, cooked in my pressure cooker warms the cockles for a big crowd of people at my home.
Your Energy Bills
So before you turn up the thermostat, have a think about the bill that you will receive in a few months time. It may help you remember and act upon these tips which will help you keep warm and save you money in the coming colder months of winter. Stay warm and wise!
