How To Keep Your House Warm Without Blasting The Heater 24/7

Heating your home all winter long can add up fast, and extra time at home at the moment will only add to the heater bill.

As the weather starts to cool down and the sun appears less and less, it’s a good time to take a look at ways you can decrease your heater usage.

To keep your heating bill in check while staying cozy and warm, look to these problem areas of the home.

Close up any cracks in your window frame

Even a tiny crack can allow a tonne of heat to escape and for chilly winds to come in, says home skills teacher from Work-Shop Melbourne Rachel Rothman. “I recommend using a torch to check for any drafts or crack,” she says.  “At night, just have someone stand on the other side of your light source and if you can see it, you should caulk the area to seal the crack.”

Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan

If you think your ceiling fan is just for hot, humid days, think again. “By reversing the motor in the winter, so it’s clockwise, the fan creates an updraft that actually pushes warm air near the ceiling back down,” says Rothman. This trick will help you feel warmer for longer, meaning you can lower your heating and save money.

Invest in the best blankets

This may be a no-brainer, but is there really a better feeling than getting toasty under a pile of thick, quality blankets on your bed? To stay warm while you sleep (but keep your heat down to save money), make sure your bedding is up to scratch. Head to the back of the linen cupboard and grab out the winter bedding, even if you don’t need it all straight away. Swapping over to a thicker duvet might be a good place to start. An electric blanket always does the trick too.

Make your curtains work harder

When the sun is out, keep your curtains open so the warmth can shine onto the glass and filter through to your home, but as soon as the sun goes down, close them right up to add an extra layer of insulation. For greater warmth, consider thicker curtains.

Use draft stoppers on your doors

“Don’t let cold air creep through the crack under your door like a stranger in the night,” says Rothman. “All you need to seal off the chilly breeze is a door stopper.” The best part? You can DIY your own with your extra isolation time.

Cover your floors with rugs

Did you know heat can escape through floorboards? To prevent this, use rugs made of fabric that offer insulation, like wool, to help trap the heat inside. Plus, rugs feel nice and cozy on your feet.

Close off rooms you don’t use often

For example, if the only people who spend time in your guest bedroom are, well, guests, it doesn’t look like you’ll be using that room anytime soon. Instead close the vents and door ASAP.  Sure, that room might be freezing when not in use, but at least you’re not wasting money heating it.