As the mercury in the thermometer starts to drop, it’s tempting to reach for the heating control and crank it up to high. But there are other ways you can keep warm without facing a huge bill at the end of the month.
A great trick to lock in heat is to invest in some thick curtains. Curtains with a thermal lining are a relatively cheap option and if you don’t want to splash out on new ones you can always line your originals with fleece or even PVC shower curtains. And why should only windows have all the fun? Create a curtain for your door to add another layer of protection.
Let in as much sunlight as possible during the day to make the most of natural (and free) heat. Window shades and curtains should be kept open during the day and shut tight as soon as dusk falls.
Leaving unused rooms’ doors wide open means cold air has more room to circulate. Keep them shut and conserve your heat! Lots of Aussie housing have floorboards which can account for as much as 10% of heat loss if they’re not insulated. Rugs and blankets can help reduce this and have the added bonus of keeping your tootsies toasty.