Cosy & clever: smart ways to keep warm this winter

Winter is here, and as many of us turn up heat pumps, dust off heaters, and use more hot water and lighting, energy bills start to climb. But staying warm doesn’t have to cost the earth – literally or financially. With a few simple tweaks, you can keep your home cosy, cut energy use, and reduce your impact. Here are some handy tips:

1. Let sunlight naturally warm your home by opening curtains or blinds during the day. Close them before sunset to keep the heat in.
2. Set your heat pump to around 21°C – there’s no need to max it out. Heat only the rooms you use, keep doors closed, and angle the airflow downward for better warmth.
3. Open windows and doors for 10–15 minutes each morning to avoid condensation and improve air quality. Airing out a room after turning off the heater also helps.
4. Use an extractor fan or open a window when cooking to clear out steam. Keep lids on pots to reduce moisture buildup.
5. Turn on the bathroom fan or open the window before a shower or bath; and keep the door shut. Let the fan run afterward until the moisture clears.
6. Leave wardrobe doors slightly open to encourage airflow and help prevent mould on clothes and fabrics.
7. Stop heat escaping by sealing gaps around doors and windows with draught stoppers, door snakes or weather stripping.
8. Switch off appliances like microwaves, TVs and washing machines at the wall when not in use – standby power adds up, even when they’re doing nothing. For example, a microwave can cost around $20 per year while on standby!
9. Snuggle up! Enjoy warm jerseys and knee rugs.