Compared to the rest of the world, Australia has a pretty comfortable winter. That’s not to say we don’t experience the cold. Depending on your location, the temperature on frosty nights can dip below freezing. But how do you keep warm throughout the chilly season without spending a fortune?

Ever walk into a room in your home and feel that it’s a lot cooler than the other rooms? You might be surprised to know how many homes across Australia aren’t airtight. Gaps in your home that let cool air in via skirting boards and door jambs aren’t obvious in warmer weather, but they make themselves known when the temperature drops.

Draught-proofing your home will make sure the warmth created in your home from heaters, or simply by letting the sunshine in, will stay in your home. According to Energy Australia draught-proofing is one of the least expensive ways to keep your home warm and can save you up to 25 per cent on your heating bills.

If you’ve identified some air leaks around your home, it’s a good idea to start blocking the gaps so you can enjoy a warmer home. Next time you visit your local hardware store, pick up supplies like adhesive foam strips, an old-fashioned door snake and some gap filler.

It’s your curtain call

According to Energy Australia draping your windows with curtains are an excellent way to help insulate your home. Invest in warmth-trapping window dressings and blinds – you might be surprised at the difference they can make to your home’s ability to retain heat. Look for curtains with thermal lining or honeycomb construction and for best results choose the best quality you can afford.

Keep an insulated roof over your head

It’s amazing to think how much a well-insulated roof can keep your home warm. According to the government site Your Home roofs and ceilings work in conjunction when it comes to keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. They say that while insulating directly under the roof is wise in order to reduce radiant heat gain (heat produced by the sun), it’s the insulation that you install just above your celling that balances out the heat and distributes it across your home for a more comfortable temperature all year round to help with both heat gain and loss.

Know your heating and cooling habits

Many homes in Australia have their air conditioning unit running all day, but at what cost? Ecosave.com.au says that if we spent some time understanding our living spaces a little more, we may find we won’t need to use air conditioners as much as we think we do.

Hiring a professional home energy auditor can help you identify areas of your home to better manage temperature control. An energy audit may help you identify simple, affordable adjustments like sealing gaps and cracks to not only improve the temperature comfort of your home naturally, but also your bank balance in the long term.

Why should I compare energy providers?

Just because you’ve been with the same provider for years, doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal around. But before making the switch, call your current provider and let them know that you’re interested in finding out if there are special rates on offer. You’ll also want to let them know that you’re interested in saving some money and are proactive in comparing the market. You’ll be surprised just how competitive the energy market really is, and what new rate your current provider offers you.

It’s a good habit to compare energy providers every six months or so anyway and it doesn’t take long to do, especially if you have a recent bill in front of you to compare information like kilowatt usage etc. A good place to start is with comparable site: Mozo.com.au or finder.com.au

This content is intended to be general in nature and is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances, before making any financial or commercial decisions.