How to keep warm this winter and save money on heating

When it comes your heater's temperature setting, 18-20°C is the magic range. Every degree higher than this can increase your heating costs by 15 per cent, according to Sustainability Victoria. If you're dressed for the weather in cosy layers, this should be a comfortable temperature.

Heating your entire home can be expensive and inefficient, especially if you’re only using a few rooms. Zoning your heating can lead to major savings. Where possible, only heat the rooms you're using and close the doors to empty areas. Consider using portable heaters in smaller spaces rather than central heating

For ducted heating systems, close vents in unused rooms to focus warmth where it’s needed. With split system air conditioners, only turn it on when you plan to use the room.

Did you know that reversing your ceiling fans can make a room feel warmer in winter? That's because warm air from your heater rises to the ceiling level. A fan spinning clockwise on reverse or 'winter mode' will push down warm air that's drifted upwards.

Check your remote control for a reverse function button. If it's not there, or if you don't have a remote control, most fans have a switch on the side of their motor labelled forward/reverse or summer/winter. Just flick the switch to change the rotation.

Older heaters can guzzle energy, especially if they haven’t been serviced regularly. If your system is more than 10–15 years old, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient model.

Look for modern reverse-cycle air conditioners with high star ratings: they will be efficient for both heating in winter and cooling in summer. Check government rebates and incentives for upgrading to efficient systems – for example, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programs offers various discounts for households making the switch.

In fact, switching from gas to electricity can bring significant cost savings to your energy bills, especially when combined with a rooftop solar system.

More: Understanding energy star ratings on appliances

Just like your car, your heater works better when it’s well-maintained. A poorly performing heater can cost you more while delivering less warmth.

If your heating vents are obstructed by high-pile rugs or covered with couches, the heating system will have to work harder and use more energy to pump out warm air. Keep curtains and furniture clear of the vents so the air is free to flow.

Keeping air filters clean is also important. Dirty filters can greatly reduce the heating efficiency of a reverse-cycle air conditioner; therefore, regular heater maintenance is key to keeping heaters running optimally. If you have a gas heater, get it serviced by a licensed professional every two years.

More: Benefits of a regular heater service

Draughts let unwanted cold air into your house. If you can feel cold air in the home, investigate the source before turning up your heater. A possible draught source could be a poorly sealed window or door.

Consider a draught snake for a quick and effective fix, or seal up chilly leaks with adhesive weather seals from your local hardware store. For renters, these solutions are non-permanent and won’t damage property, making them an ideal fix.

Sustainability Victoria reports that a fully insulated home (compared to a non-insulated home) can reduce heating and cooling costs by 40 to 50 per cent.

Look into upgrading your windows to be double-glazed for better insulation. Your ceiling insulation should be 50mm thick or more - and note that some ceiling insulation can compact over time, limiting its effectiveness. Your home's walls and floor should also be insulated to envelop your home in warmth.

Hard floors like timber or tiles can sap warmth from a room. Adding rugs and carpets to your hallways, bedrooms and living rooms is a great way to insulate from the ground up and create a cosier atmosphere. Underlay can help trap further heat.

In addition, up to 40 per cent of a home’s heat can escape through uncovered windows, according to government website YourHome.

Double glazing and quality window coverings are two ways to help insulate your house, while heavy, lined curtains or thermal blinds that extend below the window frame are ideal. Keep window coverings open during sunny winter days to let natural light and warmth in, and close them as soon as the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside.

One of the easiest ways to get warm during winter is to get your blood pumping. Going for a brisk walk, run or bike ride, doing a virtual Pilates class or HIIT session, or even cleaning the house can help you warm up in no time. If you get sweaty, have a shower or at least towel yourself off immediately. Cooling sweat quickly lowers your body temperature.

During your downtime, instead of relying on energy-guzzling electric blankets, grab a hot water bottle or heat pack. Don't use boiling water in your hot water bottle or overheat the heat pack, as this can increase the risk of burns. Instead, put a soft cover over the hot water bottle to prevent it being in direct contact with your skin.

Warming yourself is cheaper and easier than heating your whole home, so instead of cranking up the heater, try putting on a pair of thick socks, slippers and a jumper. Opt for wool and fleece fibres to maintain warmth.

Better yet, wrap yourself up in a dressing gown or blanket and snuggle up on the couch.

For warmer nights in bed, swap out your cool summer bedding for flannelette sheets and a winter quilt. Flannelette and other 'fuzzy' fibres help to trap warm air near your body. A thick quilt made for cold temperatures will also help keep you warm, as will an extra blanket or coverlet.