IMPROVING YOUR HOME

Tips for saving electricity during winter


When it’s cold outside, electricity bills tend to soar.

You can’t be blamed for wanting to spend a chilly night with the telly on and the heating turned up. But you can still save electricity in your home with these 7 easy tips.

Improve insulation

Insulate targeted areas of your house. Cover bare floors with rugs or carpets. Drape winter-friendly blankets over furniture and opt for wool or fleece bedding. Pay extra attention to windows – up to 40% of your home's heat is lost here.* Thick curtains and blinds can help with that.

Keep your thermostat down

Setting your heater to 18-20 degrees Celsius is optimal for minimising electricity usage.

Before you put the thermostat up a notch, make sure you're wearing warm clothes. It seems counterintuitive to blast your heating while in a t-shirt. If you’re spending an evening on the couch, why not reach for a blanket before turning up the dial. 

While you’re saving money on your power bill, see if you can can save on your home insurance too. 

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Seal drafts

Search your home for drafts and seal them. The doors and windows are a good place to start. Place rubber seals, which you should be able to find at your local hardware store, on any 3-5mm gaps in the windows. Opt for a storm-proof seal on the front door to keep the elements out, and door snakes on internal doors, especially ones linked to cooler rooms like the bathroom.

Don’t forget to close all your internal doors when the heater is running. You’ll have a smaller area to heat.

Clean dusty AC filters

A dirty filter can lower an appliance’s efficiency, which can contribute to a higher power bill. Be diligent about keeping filters dust-free, especially if you have pets. If a thorough clean doesn’t improve your heater’s effectiveness, consider replacing the filters entirely.

Buy energy-efficient appliances

Energy-efficient appliances may be more expensive to buy, but they can help you save in the long run. They’re better for the environment too. Many appliances feature energy-efficiency rating stickers, so watch out for these. For added efficiency, run your washing machine on the cool setting.

Make your home energy efficient

If you’re building a new home or renovating, consider making it energy efficient where possible. Some methods are:

Solar-powered water systems

Solar energy is an initial investment, but it can pay itself off over time through savings on your hot water bill.

Insulated ceilings

Getting the ceiling professionally insulated will keep out the cool winter air, and the heat of summer, especially if you own an older home.

Consider getting cover for your home and contents. GIO Home Insurance can cover any permanently housed, connected, or wired electrical appliances, such as ducted heating. Permanently fixed outdoor items like solar panels and outdoor light fixtures will also be covered with GIO Home Insurance.

The ‘Contents’ part of Home and Contents Insurance (or Contents Insurance alone if that’s the type of policy you have) includes items which aren’t permanently attached to your home or insured address. That includes unfixed electrical goods and appliances that aren’t kept in a cabinet, like stand alone heaters.

So, to get cover for the environmentally friendly home, get a quote online today.

Get a quote

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Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance.  The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

*http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing