Staying Warm
For many Victorian households, heating makes up the largest part of their annual energy bill. But you can use less energy and still stay warm in winter.
You can help to keep your house warm with good insulation, sealing up gaps and cracks and keeping doors, windows and blinds closed.
When you do need to use a heating system, set the thermostat between 18-20°C. Being energy smart can save you money and help our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
There are a number of ways that you can keep the temperature in your home comfortable while saving energy.
Action:
Seal the gaps
Air leaks can account for 15 to 25 percent of heat loss from an uninsulated home and create uncomfortable draughts.
Gaps around external doors and windows can be sealed using a kit from a hardware store. If your home has wooden floors, you can fill gaps in floorboards and skirting with newspaper, beading or sealant.
Put draught stoppers on all your doors and windows and save up to 800 balloons.
What you can do now:
What you can do this year:
Further information
For more information on how to maximise the energy saving potential of your house in winter:
- read about choosing a heating system in more depth
- use the Australian Consumers' Association's online calculator to make size estimates for your system
- get a house energy rating to help identify energy saving opportunities
- contact Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744.
My Actions
Select an action and see how much green house gas you will save this year.
YOU SAVED:
