Get a second pair of socks on, take out your electric blanket and turn up the heat. As the winter gets harsher, a cold wave of bill shock might have already hit you last month and it’s not getting any better.
This definitely calls for you to find better ways to save on your winter heating bills and look for the most economical ways of keeping warm this season.
Choose the right heater for the right room
Electric heaters would cost you less to buy and work well in bedrooms. For direct and instant heating, such as after a shower, you can opt for bar heaters. If you have to heat a room with high ceiling, converter heaters might be the best choice. Reverse cycle air conditioning is the best option for larger spaces as it heats quickly and uses less power than electric heaters.
Buy a heater that has a thermostat and a timer
No matter which electric heater you choose, make sure it has a thermostat and a timer so you can adjust its temperature as per your needs and it automatically turns off after you have fallen asleep or when the room is warm enough, hence saving you on your energy bills. Setting the thermostat at 20 degrees and timing your heating to turn on 30 minutes before you reach home will add to the convenience and minus from the bill.
Trap the heat inside
A lot of energy is wasted through doors and windows, cracks and flooring. Not insulating the house properly can cost you unnecessarily in heating bills. This is the energy lost that you did not use and are still paying for it. Throw a rug on the floor. Close the curtains and blinds, temporarily glaze the windows, plug in the keyhole and tug in a door snake to seal your home.
Review your tariff
Electricity bills can be hard to understand with flat rates, that are same at all times, block tariff that includes stepped pricing that varies with the amount of use, flexible pricing based on time of use and control load that links to a specific appliance and only works off load.
When comparing which plan works best for you consider the rate per kWh, fixed supply charges, discounts, late fee, billing and length of contract so you can save the most on your heating bills.
Wrapping up
It’s true that heating bills spike as soon as winter season starts, but being conscious about your use and the appliances you install can all make a big difference.
If you want to learn more about saving on your electricity bill this winter, we are licensed electricians in Geelong so feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to help you out.