How to beat power and electricity bill shock during Australia’s record breaking cold spell

Free and incidental heating is always the best kind and it’s available in almost all of our homes, you just have to know how to take advantage.

Most of us like to stay indoors in the chilly season, presenting the perfect opportunity to sit around and spend quality time with family over baked treats or a roast dinner.

While dinner is in the oven, trap the heat (and gorgeous smells) wafting through the kitchen by closing windows and doors. The room will, over the course of cooking, rise in temperature creating a cosy space to enjoy a meal.

Free and incidental heating is always the best kind.

Inviting a group of friends over to share a laugh will not only raise the temperature of a room as body warmth is trapped in a closed space, but can also help beat the winter blues.

Stay warm together.

“Research shows that those who are socially connected and have numerous respectful

relationships in their lives, have better mental health and wellbeing outcomes, and that

those people are generally more resilient against the ill effects of loneliness,” says Nick Tebbey, national executive officer, Relationships Australia.

“One thing is clear across the nation, there is immense value in getting connected and staying connected.”

INSULATION KEY TO KEEPING POWER BILLS DOWN

You could jog on the spot for hours on end to stay warm, but surely there are easier ways to beat the chill this winter – though, turning up the heat on the airconditioning system should not automatically be one of them.

Modern conveniences can be wonderful, but there are other ways to get through frigid weather without putting a major dent in your savings.

The cost of living is a major source of stress for many of us, and as the Australian Energy Market Operator reported last month, wholesale energy prices are predicted to rise by a whopping 141 per cent, and we will all be paying premium energy costs for the foreseeable future.

LG Electronics Australia marketing manager B2B, Brad Reed, says consumer concerns are being heard loud and clear.

He says while choosing an airconditioning unit that is four to five-star rating will help to keep your energy bill in check this winter, there are other options.

Draught-proof your home to save on power bills.

“Use your curtains and blinds to your advantage”, he says.

“During the day, open your blinds and curtains to get that free solar heat bringing warmth into your home. And then close the curtains just before sunset to help trap the heat in your home. In fact, heavier curtains are more effective insulators, preventing heat from escaping the room and letting cold air inside.”

Instead of reaching for the power switch to fire up a heater, insulate your home with rugs underfloor and keep the blankets handy when watching TV.

“Rugs and blankets have multiple uses during the winter season, from covering bare floorboards to keeping our feet warm,” says Brad.

“Blankets act as an insulator helping us to retain the body heat we let off. But they can also be used around the house as a barrier for any drafts that let cold air in.”

Using a blanket to cover an animal door, or a towel to close up a mail slot is a commonsense way to keep in heat that is already circulating in the home.

WOOD FIRES ARE MORE ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY

The obvious benefit of a wood-burning heater is its timelessness, according to Sydney Heaters. While older models had produced a lot of smoke and had little efficiency, modern versions are gaining traction in the marketplace.

Carbon neutral.

Wood is friendlier to the environment than other fossil fuels, such as coal, propane and natural gas because it’s carbon-neutral – meaning it doesn’t add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when it burns.

Also, and this is important to remember, wood is cheaper than both gas and electricity.

DRAUGHT-PROOF YOUR HOME

A well-insulated home is less expensive to run, according to gas and electricity company AGL, which reports an uninsulated house can lose up to 50 per cent of its heat through the ceiling in winter.

Architect Angus Kell says draught proofing your home with window and door seals should be on your must-do list to avoid cold air sneaking through.

“Another thing that is really important is to close off any area of the home you’re not using so you only have to heat a smaller volume of air in the house,” he said.

“Also close the bathroom door so the cold air from that room doesn’t penetrate into the house.”

Originally published as How to beat power and electricity bill shock during Australia’s record breaking cold spell