04 May Winter hacks for a warmer house without increasing your power bill
As temperatures drop during the colder months, it’s natural to want to turn up the heat pump to stay warm and cosy indoors. However, with the rising cost of living in New Zealand, it’s safe to say we all want to try keep costs down. We have put together tips and advice to help you reduce your power costs and save money, especially with the winter months approaching. In this blog, we’ll explore some of these methods.
Seal up drafts
One of the main culprits behind a cold house is drafts. These are often found around doors, windows, and other openings in your home. To combat drafts, start by inspecting your home for gaps and cracks. Tighten window latches and lay tightly rolled up towels at the base of doors. This will help keep warm air inside and cold air outside.
Use your heat pump efficiently
Set your heat pumps and heaters to a timer and with a healthy room temperature. The recommended minimum temperature in the living room is 18°C and this allows you to stay warm without a huge power bill. Setting the temperature higher makes it work harder and it will cost you more in power bills. Running a heat pump at 26°C will use 50% more power than at 21°C.
Let the sunshine in
Sunlight is a free and natural source of heat. Before you leave for the day, check the weather. If the sun will be out, open the blinds and curtains around the house to let nature heat your home for free. Be sure to close them at night to keep the heat from escaping.
Use rugs and carpets
Bare floors can be a significant source of heat loss in your home. Cover them up with rugs and carpets to help insulate your floors and keep your home warmer.
Use your oven and stovetop
When you’re cooking, take advantage of the heat produced by your oven and stovetop. Leave the oven door open after you’re finished cooking to let the warm air escape into your home. Just be sure to take safety precautions and don’t leave the oven unattended.
Reverse ceiling fan direction
Your ceiling fan runs clockwise during the summer to pull warm air up and keep you cool. If you have ceiling fans in your home, switch the direction they rotate in the winter. This will push warm air down from the ceiling, which can help heat your home.
Ventilate
Open your windows for at least half an hour daily, as this will encourage fresh air circulation and dry out your home. This can result in less usage of a dehumidifier, and, due to the dryer nature of the home it’s easier and cheaper to heat.
Dress warmly
Finally, one of the simplest ways to keep warm without cranking up the heat is to dress warmly. Wear layers of clothing, socks, and slippers to keep your body warm. You can also use blankets and throws.
In conclusion, getting a warmer house without increasing your power bill is possible. By changing and fixing certain things in your home you can stay warm and comfortable without breaking the bank.