How to stay warm this winter and save money on heating

It’s no wonder you’re feeling the chill in winter if you’re wandering around the house in a T-shirt and bare feet. Cotton, wool and fleecy fibres, along with layers, help retain warmth.

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.

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

When it comes to heat settings, 18-20° is the magic – not to mention most efficient – number. Every degree warmer than this can increase your heating costs by 15 per cent, according to Sustainability Victoria.

If you have zoned heating, only heat the rooms you're using and close the doors to empty areas. Putting rugs on uncarpeted floors can also help to retain heat.

Investing in updated reverse cycle air conditioning rather than relying on gas heaters can further reduce your heating costs. 

Most ceiling fans spin in an anti-clockwise direction to create a breeze in summer. In winter, you want to reverse your fans so they're turning clockwise at low speeds.

That's because warm air rises to the ceiling level. A fan spinning on reverse or 'winter mode' will push down warm air that's drifted upwards instead of creating a cooling effect.

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 the change the rotation.

Draughts let unwanted cold air into your house. If you can feel moving chill 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 caulk or weather-sealing rubber strips from your local hardware store.

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.

Windows are a common culprit of heat loss. Don’t fret if you don’t have double-glazed windows. Quality curtains or blinds with insulating fabrics can prevent much of the heat loss. Keep window coverings open during the day to allow maximum sunlight into your home, then close them at night to trap in the warm air. You could also add thermal film to existing windows.

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 or registered gasfitter every two years.

Instead of relying on energy-guzzling electric blankets to warm your bed, popping a hot water bottle or heat pack under the covers is one of the easiest ways to warm up when you’re winding down.

Don't use boiling water in your hot water bottle or overheat the heat pack, as both these things can increase the risk of burns. Product Safety Australia recommends putting a cover over a hot water bottle to prevent it being in direct contact with your skin. It also advises that you purchase a new hot water bottle every year to ensure it's safe to use.

A hot drink won't necessarily keep you warm, but it creates warm feelings. From the steam on your face to the warmth of the cup, your go-to drink, whether it's spiced chai, tea or coffee, usually makes you feel better. Research shows a hot beverage is more likely to make you sweat than change your core temperature, but the emotional impact can't be ignored.

As for alcohol, that's best avoided. Although you may feel like a glass of whisky or red wine warms you up, Victoria's Better Health Channel explains that the warmth is caused by the blood flowing towards the skin's surface, which can cause your core temperature to drop. Opt for a herbal tea instead or learn how to make a great coffee at home.

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.

One of the best ways to keep warm at night is to swap out your 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.