Aussies – we pretty much don’t believe that winter exists! Even those of us that live in cooler states go along with the belief that winter is a myth and we’re genuinely surprised when it’s cold.

In fact, most of us refuse to even set our houses up for the cold.

But, when that cold does creep up on us, we wish we’d thought about it sooner, even if it only lasts for one day (or 6 weeks… or whatever, it’ll be over soon). Is there anyone that wants to shiver through it?

Not me! But I also don’t want to be hit with a huge power bill come Spring …

So, I did some research and found out there are simple, cost effective ways you can help keep the cold OUT and your home nice and toasty during the winter.

Here are 10 tips to warm your home on a budget:

1. Seal up any drafts

Grab yourself a cute door snake – there are some gorgeous and cheap ones around. Just pop into your local bargain retailer (like we need another excuse to go to Kmart?!) and take a look around the homewares section. There is sure to be a cheap and on trend piece for you!

2. Change your fans to winter mode

Didn’t realise ceiling fans had this option? Me neither, but hey, we all know heat rises and I was very surprised to find there is a winter setting on your fan which pushes the heat BACK DOWN to keep you nice and warm.

3. Scent it up

Scents and smells impact you more than you think. Why not add in a Glade® Sense & Spray® fragrance – you could cosy up your home with warming scent of Sheer Vanilla Embrace wrapped with notes of sweet florals and white woods.

4. Invest in some gorgeous curtains

They’re not just for decoration, there is a super practical use for curtains… they both keep the warmth in AND out in the warmer months! Don’t forget to open up the curtains during the day to let in light and outside warmth, then close those bad boys up again at around 4pm.

5. Add a rug, or two

For any hard floors a rug will keep you and your tootsies that little bit warmer. Again, head into your local bargain retailer to snap up an on trend new rug for your floors.

6. Layer up

You know … socks, singlets, leggings under trackies. Yes, I know, this one is pretty obvious, but it’s simple and cheap and think of just how funny this can actually be.

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7. Keep the oven door open

Once you’ve finished baking your masterpiece that the kids will complain about, keep the door to your oven open and use that extra heat to warm up the room that extra little bit. WARNING be vigilant when it comes to kids and pets with this one.

8. Use timers or apps to control heating and appliances

These days it’s all about technology, so make sure you use it to your advantage. Set timers to come on early in the morning for things like air conditioners (reverse cycle of course), get them to heat up the house in off peak electricity times (say, 3am) and then turn off as you start to get moving in the morning. Set a timer on the dryer to start in off peak times – you’ll thank us for this tip when your next electricity bill arrives.

If you have older appliances it could be worth your while outlaying some funds to update. Yes it’s money out now, but the savings will add up with appliances becoming more energy efficient by the day.

9. Style it up

Give your home a boost of warmth by adding or changing a few of your soft furnishings. Think luxurious velvet pillows for the couch and gorgeous chunky throws for the end of the bed. Don’t forget that richer colours often give a feel of warmth (navy, deep greens etc.) – a few little clever design ideas could have you feeling nice and cosy.

10. Don’t go crazy on the temperature settings

If you’re using a heater or reverse cycle air conditioner it is tempting to turn it all the way up and give the house a blast, but unfortunately this will also give your power bill a blast. If you keep it at an average temperature, you’ll heat the house steadily (maybe encourage everyone to pop an extra jumper on while it warms up) and your energy bill will be a little kinder to you!

Do you have any tips and tricks to help warm your home on a budget? SHARE with us in the comments below!