Heating tips for your home

Every year, as winter creeps in, energy bills rise. We’re here to help Australians save energy, and in doing so, reduce their bills.

A woman bakes in a kitchen, leaving the oven door open to let heat out

That’s why we partnered with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to launch Green Specs. It’s an online tool to help you make energy efficient choices around the home, based on the GBCA’s Sustainable Home Renovations Guide (PDF, 15MB)¹.

“Green Specs aims to bridge a knowledge gap,” explains Sema Whittle, Allianz’s General Manager of Corporate Governance and Sustainability. “It provides a wealth of information about everything from using sustainable building materials, to choosing greener appliances.”

On Green Specs, you can discover a whole range of tips on how to more efficiently heat your home during the winter months.

We’ve also partnered with interior design duo, Josh & Jenna to uncover their additional tips for simple changes you can make around the house to stay warm while saving energy.

Green Specs heating tips for your home

A man checks the settings on a heat pump outside his home

There’s another benefit to these tips.

“Changes that are good for the planet, can also be good for your health and your pocket,” points out Davina Rooney, CEO of GBCA. That’s definitely a win-win.

These heating related tips can help solve some of your winter woes.

Vent sealing

As the weather cools down, look for any unused vents in your ceilings or walls. Seal those that are not needed for ventilation to prevent moisture or un-flued gas heaters. Seal up any gaps around your doors or windows. It’s a quick and easy way to lower heat loss without turning on the heaters.

Internal shading

Installing blinds and curtains are an easy and inexpensive way to help save on your energy bills. Curtains reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room. They keep heat inside, particularly if they are floor length, close to the window and are made of heavy or thick fabric. Best to close the curtains before it gets dark in the evening.

Multi-directional fans

Multi-directional ceiling fans can spin clockwise or anticlockwise to cool you down in summer and warm you up in winter. In winter the fan pulls cool air up, and pushes warm air that has naturally risen, back down.

Heater seals and flues

If you have an existing gas heater, retrofit it with seals and flues. This will help make sure your indoor air quality is healthy. There are other affordable options to gas that are also efficient to run. Where possible, go gas free and choose electric heaters.

Hot water thermostat

Simply turning down the thermostat on your instantaneous hot water system to 50°C can help save you money on your energy bills.

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Josh and Jenna’s tips for keeping warm

Rug up

Wooden floors and tiles can feel pleasantly cool in summer but become cold in winter. Gaps between floorboards can also cause drafts. Rugs are the solution. They not only provide warmth but a soft surface to walk on. Larger rugs can cover more floor space and will improve the insulation of the room.

Want a smarter shopping option? Be more sustainable and boost your savings by browsing op shops or online marketplaces.

Bake strategically

Bake delicious goods and create a warmer home. Trap heat in your kitchen after using the oven. Simply close internal doors and open the oven door to release the warm air. Make sure you double check that the oven has been turned off.

Stop drafts

Sealing the gaps around your doors and windows can save energy and money. It keeps hot or cold air from getting into your home. If you don’t have a door stopper, a rolled-up towel does the trick.

You can also close and seal the doors leading to empty rooms. Only heating the spaces you’re using can avoid wasting energy.

Heat yourself

Put on a jumper or dressing gown instead of turning on the heaters when you’re feeling chilly. You can keep your feet warm with thick socks or slippers. You can even snuggle up under a throw or blanket.

Warm the soul with a delicious beverage of your choice. This may be a milky morning coffee, a moment of serenity with a tea, or a thermos of hearty soup. It’s a great way to enjoy a moment of warmth.

¹As the Sustainable Home Renovations Guide (the "Guide") is prepared by GBCA, the microsite Green Specs incorporates and is based on information in the Guide. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy, nor accept or assume any responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in connection with or arising out of Green Specs (including all tips and descriptions), nor in respect of anything contained in Green Specs, including any error, omission or misrepresentation.

The microsite Green Specs (including all tips and descriptions) is for general information only. You should seek independent advice and carry out further investigation rather than to rely on any information that is contained in the microsite. Information in Green Specs is accurate as at 14/7/2023 and may be subject to change. In some cases, information has been provided by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute the views at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.

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Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

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A cosy winter doesn’t have to be costly: heating tips to help you save