From turning on the heater to settling down in front of the television when the cold weather hits, energy costs generally tend to rise.

If you’re keen to save money – and who isn’t, here are our top tips for staying warm without breaking the bank! Some suggestions cost nothing, and some are more expensive, but might be something to think about for next year, especially if you intend to stay in your home for a long time.

Energy-efficient home assessments.

While energy bills have risen significantly in recent years, you can still get on the front foot by understanding where your home is using the most energy and learning how to be more efficient. To help you, it’s worth booking in a professional energy efficiency assessment of your home. Covering everything from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and improving insulation, to exploring renewable energy options such as solar panels, this will show you where to stop wasting energy and ways to make your home more efficient.

For more information on how to choose energy efficient appliances for your home, view our post here.

Energy Efficient Heating.

Investing in energy-efficient heating is another no-brainer. Stand alone or ducted heat pump systems are a great option. If you live in an extremely cold part of the country they won’t be as effective, but for most places they work really well and are cheap to run.

Service your heating systems.

Just as importantly, regular maintenance of your heaters – whether a reverse-cycle system or wood-fire variety – will ensure they operate efficiently and reduces energy consumption. Make sure any vents are clear of dust and other obstructions, and any filters are cleaned.

Use power wisely.

When you do run your heater to warm up the house, be mindful of how you do it. Close the doors to any unused rooms to ensure the hot air stays where it’s needed and turn off portable heaters when leaving a room. If you have a heating system with a thermostat, keep the room temperature between 18 and 20°C for optimal efficiency.

If it has a programmable function, set the temperature for certain times and zones to heat the home when you need it most.

Seal gaps and cracks.

Not only can seasonal repairs prevent damage to your property, they can also keep out those icy draughts. Prioritise preventative maintenance, like sealing gaps and cracks, to keep the cold out, and make sure to check around windows, doors and electrical outlets for any gaps where air is coming through. Filling the gaps with an appropriate sealant or weather strip, and using a draught stopper, can help make your heating more efficient.

Double-glazing your windows to avoid condensation and keep the heat in more effectively. Similarly, thermally backed curtains will hold in heat better than thinner versions.

Rug up.

Sometimes the simplest and cheapest solution is also the best. Before turning on the heater, grab a blanket and throw on a few layers of fluffy jumpers, thick socks and a pair of cosy slippers.

Make the most of natural light.

Move your furniture to any north-facing windows that get the sunlight during the day, then close your curtains in the evening when the sun is setting, to retain the heat.

Improve your home’s insulation.

Invest in upgrading your home’s insulation. While it might be an initial outlay, it can be a smart strategy to reduce overall costs and can add value to your home. According to Sustainability Victoria, a fully insulated home (compared to a non-insulated home) can reduce heating and cooling costs by 40% –50%. Or, if you haven’t checked your insulation in several years, it might pay to do this, as insulation can compress over time and become a lot less effective.