Temperatures can dip as low as 6.5°C in cities like Melbourne during the winter season of June to August, which makes it difficult for homeowners to keep their electricity bill low in this period due to the heavy use of home heating systems and appliances to maintain a cozy ambient temperature at home. This can prove challenging for environmentally-conscious homeowners to minimise their energy usage as well.
Luckily, there are a lot of eco-friendly ways or you to keep your house warm and minimise your impact to Mother Nature, while also reducing your usual winter electricity bill:
#1 Window Covers
A lot of heat is lost when your window’s not covered; it would take your home heating system to work harder (and use up more energy) to keep your house at a comfortable temperature if you fail to do the simple task of making sure that your windows are closed. Window coverings such as heavy drapes or curtains are a cheap and effective way of home insulation by keeping the warm air inside while also blocking the cold air from entering your home through your window. You should also be mindful about opening your window covers in the morning to let as much sunlight in which can help warm your home, then closing them when the sun’s out.
#2 Eco-Friendly Home Heating Systems
Consider shopping around for sustainable home heating systems that use up relatively less energy (or rely mostly on renewable energy) to keep your house warm all year long. These options depend heavily on where your home is situated, and also your home’s current architecture (i.e. which one would be the easiest to install without having to remodel your entire home). A few alternative heating systems available in the market use geothermal energy, solar energy, and even wind power.
#3 HVAC Tuneup
Another way you can reduce your home’s impact on the environment (in terms of energy consumption) is by making sure that your current heating/cooling system is well-maintained and cleaned. It stands to reason that an HVAC system that’s regularly maintained functions more efficiently and uses up less energy to achieve the desired temperature.
#4 Seal the Gaps
Cold draft seeping through cracks in your windows or under your door may seem irrelevant, but they can do a number on your home’s energy consumption. As such, make sure that you inspect your windows for drafts and seal any cracks, and to install/replace the weather-stripping on your doors and windows.
#5 Better Insulation through Cladding
If you’re looking to spruce up your home’s exterior and also improve its weather resistance and insulation, cladding can be the perfect option. However, not all cladding materials are eco-friendly, so you may want to consider looking for sustainable timber cladding options for your Melbourne home during your next DIY home improvement project when prepping your home for winter.
#6 Cover Your Floors
Make use of old blankets and towels by covering the floor with them. These can add a level of insulation for your floor and prevent heat loss from hot air coming into contact with your cold flooring (and it’s comfortable, too). Just make sure that they’re secured properly to avoid slipping or tripping accidents.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to balance electricity usage, being eco-friendly, and keeping your house warm during winter, but with these simple tips, you can keep your house warm and green in the cold months of the year.
