How to stay warm and save energy this winter

There are many simple ways to stay warm during the winter months, without spiking your energy bill.

5 min read

Last updated 11 Jun, 2026

The average Australian household of four typically uses around 15-20kWh of electricity a day. Up to 50% of that comes from heating and cooling and a further 30% from major appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, fridges and dryers.*

During the chilly months, people tend to spend more time at home and use more energy. There are simple habits you can adopt to avoid the cold at home, without cranking up your heating devices.

If you use an air conditioner to heat your home, lowering the temperature by just 1°C can reduce energy use by up to 10%. Aim for 18–20°C in winter.

As the weather cools, if you cook with the oven more often, using the fan-forced setting helps keep the temperature constant, cook food quicker and use less energy.

If you're on a time of use tariff, shift your usage of major appliances like dishwashers, to off-peak times.

*Average usage can vary from household to household.

Here are 6 energy efficiency tips that may help you to stay warm and save more this winter.

1. Hot water bottle

A hot water bottle or warm wheat bag can warm your body and uses less energy than an electric blanket. They are also great for localised warmth which may help with aches, pains or cramps. You could even pop the hot water bottle between your feet to warm your extremities.

At night, you can stick it between the covers for a warm, cosy sleep. Make sure your hot water bottle isn’t too full and the top is tightly fastened.

2. Draught proofing

Insulated draught proofing acts as a barrier that prevents the unwanted movement of hot and cold air between inside your house and outside. It’s also essential for keeping your home warm in winter. Here a few simple tips to help you reduce heat loss in your home:

Do a thorough inspection of anywhere you might be losing heat. Places to check include gaps in skirting and floorboards, around windows and doors and under doors. There are many ways you can stop air from coming in or out of your home, which may help you reduce your energy use and bills.

Draught proofing solutions are one of the simplest ways to seal off unwanted air leakage and insulate your home. Apply weather strips around the inside of the door and window frames, consider filling any gaps in floorboards or skirting boards with silicone.You could also either fix a weather strip to the bottom of doors or use an old fashioned door snake – different colours can be used to jazz up your rooms.

Ask a professional to check your roof space and to make recommendations for ceiling insulation. Get more than one quote for installation – there are many different types and it can pay to shop around.

3. Find the right heating solution

Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re considering an alternative solution to insulation and warm clothing, you may find several different indoor heating options at your disposal. Some energy efficient heaters are cheaper than others. Some are particularly efficient in certain types of spaces, depending on factors like your thermostat. Where possible, try to choose the device with the highest energy efficiency stars and check the wattage. It may be more expensive to purchase, but a more energy efficient model could help you to reduce your consumption and energy bills.

As a general rule of thumb, only heat the room you’re using. Close the doors in the room you want to heat, and if you have central heating with a zone feature, switch that on too.

4. Let the sunshine in

A home that is set up for natural heating may reduce your energy heating consumption and help to lower your energy bills.

When the sun rises in the morning make sure to open your blinds or curtains so the natural light can flow in and naturally heat your home. Once it hits an object, sunlight becomes radiant heat. Don’t forget to close them when the sun sets to keep that warmth in.

5. Reverse your fan blades

Typically, our ceiling fans are used to create a breeze in the cooler months. But with the simple flick of the switch, you can spin the blades in the opposite direction, forcing the warm air near the ceiling down to the floor, making your room a little warmer.

Grab a step stool and safely locate the fan switch near the motor (this can vary between models). Flip it in the opposite direction and then turn the fan back on at a low speed to make sure the blades are moving in the opposite direction.

Changing the direction of ceiling fans in your home is an energy-efficient way to find comfort and warmth in the colder months.

6. Furry friends

A man’s best friend, or a man’s best heater? Our furry friends can be a great heating device to keep us warm during the winter months. They are great to cuddle up with and often provide us with a sense of unconditional love.

It’s also important to consider the safety of your pets in winter. Exposure to cooler temperatures can be detrimental for our furry friends too. Winter produces cold, dry air and in some areas, snow can cause chapped paws or itchy skin. Pay attention to your pets’ feet, especially in between the toes. If left outside for too long, pets can become cold, and disorientated so always check in on them.

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