How To Stay Warm And Save On Winter Heating At The Same Time

Heating your home during the winter months can see your electricity bill go through the roof…

There’s nothing better on a cold winter evening than coming home to a warm, cosy house but such a luxury often comes at a price. The cost of heating makes up a third of the average Australian’s electricity bill during winter, with some families forced to go without just to make ends meet. Thankfully, there are some super simple ways to still keep your home toasty without blowing your budget.

Little Changes

When it comes to reducing your heating bill during winter, it’s all about little changes. Start by checking your doors and windows – if they don’t close properly, heat could be escaping through the gaps making the lasting power of your heating less effective after it is turned off. Before you turn on the heating, pop on your dressing gown and a pair of socks to see if it’s really necessary, as many people find keeping their feet and upper body warm does the trick. Investing in cute dressing gowns for your kids and partner will only add to the fun – especially if they’re matching!

As the weather gets a little colder, you may find that you need no heating or electric blanket at night if you swap your summer sheets for flannelette ones and invest in a good quality blanket or duvet. If you have a ducted system installed in your home, sneakily switch the thermostat down by a few degrees – your family will never notice the difference and the savings are well worth it! Even though some of these changes may see obvious, they can reduce your need to rely on more expensive alternatives…

It’s always good to remind ourselves that heating is a luxury and not an essential in most parts of Australia. Having it running all day long will not only hurt the environment but your pocket as well, so try some of our easy tips and save it for when you really need it – those early school mornings when nobody wants to get out of bed!

What are your tips and tricks for staying warm on a budget during winter? Share them in the comments!

For exclusive stories, reviews, competitions, special offers & more, make sure you join our Secret MoM Business facebook group here. Don’t Miss Out!

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.

19 Comments

- - BellaB said
  - 31 May 2024
    12:03 pm
Definitely the right time of year to revisit this article… I’m a big fan of lap blankets while you’re watching TV or reading.

- - mom268263 said
  - 30 Sep 2021
    9:52 pm
Dressing for winter is a good saver, as we don’t generally have bitter cold days, it is easy to dress light and turn on the heater instead.

- - mom460689 said
  - 18 Oct 2020
    8:38 pm
I have a wheat bag that i heat up in the microwave. That totally warms me up.

- - BellaB said
  - 31 May 2020
    7:16 pm
Well, it’s essential here in Canberra, but I do agree there are ways to reduce your usage.

- - mom111059 said
  - 25 Nov 2019
    1:26 pm
I love a blanket on my lap to keep warm.

- - rachelvk said
  - 09 Jul 2019
    9:02 pm
My favourite was to stay warm is to go some where warm

- - serotonin said
  - 17 Jun 2019
    4:32 pm
Also, having a cat on my bed helps. He loves sucking up my warmth and makes the bed extra cosy. I bet a dog, especially a large one, would do wonders haha!

- - serotonin said
  - 02 Jun 2019
    11:30 am
Great tips! An extra doona on the bed can make a huge difference, as do extra layers of clothing. I do like winter in that regard over summer, as you can always add clothing until you’re warm, but you can’t undress until you’re cold, you’re still hot in your birthday suit.

- - mom93821 said
  - 31 May 2019
    5:15 pm
Flannelette sheets are must on all beds for being warm and cosy in Winter.
- mom93821 replied
  
  04 May 2020 , 5:19 am
  Layers for the bed, layers for the couch and layers for wearing clothes are all a must during the cooler months.
- - Blossom said
  - 30 May 2019
    10:30 pm
Curl up in a “throw” blanket or even just put one across your legs. It’s surprising how much difference it makes. A great alternative if you don’t want to put heating on. Great to use for children in the car in cold weather rather than too much heating as it is such a severe air temperature for them. especially if they go to sleep. Do not tuck it in if under the seat if using a baby seat or booster seat. It ca affect the safety use of the harness. Tuck it in safely in such a way that it cannot go over the child’s face at all.

- - Carly said
  - 30 May 2019
    11:21 am
I call our rental the FF house – Freeze in winter, Fry in summer. We try everything, blankets up on windows to help the heat not escape, draft stoppers at every door and about 6 heater going lol!!

- - Mum2archer said
  - 29 May 2019
    3:33 pm
Our house gets freezing through winter and the cooler nights. Our bill is always huge ut so be it to keep the family warm and comfortable

- - mom206279 said
  - 28 May 2019
    10:27 pm
We have a wood fire and I work on a farm with endless access to dry wood for free. Keep fit and warm. Win win.

- - becstalou said
  - 28 May 2019
    8:29 pm
Definitely rug up and eat and drink warm foods. During the day stay active and if you need to heat just do one room and everyone can congregate in that room for warmth as needed.

- - BellaB said
  - 28 May 2019
    7:07 pm
I hate flannelette sheets. The rest makes sense, though.

- - mom90758 said
  - 28 May 2019
    4:18 pm
My tip: start menopause! Everybody is cold and I have hot flashes. It comes perfect in winter.

- - mom81879 said
  - 28 May 2019
    12:46 pm
We have a wood fire. It can also be costly if you have to buy your own wood all the tine. Fortunately we head out bush and grab our own when we can. We go out or go to bed and just turn it down. House is all toastie when we return

- - AmbieBambi said
  - 28 May 2019
    12:08 pm
Go for a morning walk
Have a steaming hot shower after you get out of bed.
Drink lots of hot drinks through the day!