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Cost-effective ways to keep your home warm over winter

By 9Honey Living|

Winter is here and so is the cold, which means the heater is getting a good workout.

But with electricity prices being raised from July 1, the fear of a big power bill at the end of the season is very real.

Thankfully there are plenty of simple things we can do to keep our electricity costs down and make more efficient use of our heaters, including a $46 budget buy that could end up being your best winter investment.

Although double glazing, good insulation and a top-notch heating system will do the trick, with many of us already struggling with the cost of living there's not a lot leftover to invest in these things for winter.

However there are some easy and economical ways to keep your home warm.?

Cost-effective ways to keep your home warm over winter
Oil-filled electrical mobile radiator heater for home heating and comfort control in the room. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Close off unused rooms

Rather than trying to contain heat throughout your entire home, shut the doors to rooms you won't be using. This will keep heat in the rooms which are most in use, like the kitchen and living rooms. It will also prevent cold air from moving into the rest of the house. Use a draft snake or plastic draft stopper to ensure cold air doesnกฏt seep into the rooms you're trying to keep warm too.

Invest in a rug (and liner)

Although you can't replicate the lush feeling of under-floor heating for tiles and floorboards, a rug will add comfort for your feet on a chilly day. Floors account for approximately 10-20 per cent of heat loss when they aren't insulated so a plush rug will make your room feel and look cosier, and will also help alleviate any cold air which might come through the gaps in your floorboards.?The beautiful rug below is available at The Block Shop.

The Block Shop rug
A rug is a stylish way to help keep the heat in. (The Block Shop)

Switch up your sheets

Flannelette sheets have come a long way in the style stakes since the days of nan's checked numbers, with a variety of good-looking shades to choose from. But that's not the only option you've got for snuggly winter bedding.

Linen, fleece, silk and cotton are other options for winter that will keep you warm on the coldest nights. On top of that you can also try options such as down comforters, pillow toppers and extra blankets and throws to create a winter-ready bed.

Buy thick curtains

Switching to heavy curtains will help protect your interiors from losing heat through your windows. The rule is the thicker the better so, if you don't want to splash out on new curtains take your insulation to the next level by lining your existing window dressing with thermal fabric or cheap fleece.

Let the light in

During the day open up your curtains and let sunlight in to use as much natural กช and free กช heat from outside. Close your curtains as soon as the sun begins to set to retain the heat you've brought in during the day.

Comfortable bed has been slept in.
Adding layers to your bed will keep you cosy and warm. (Getty)

Turn off your bathroom fan

Exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen pull the rising hot air from the ceiling of these rooms sucking out the heat. During winter use them frugally and make sure to switch them off when you're done.

Budget-friendly double glazing

Double-glazed windows are super energy efficient however relatively expensive. A budget alternative is to install a double-glazing film to put across your single-glazed windows. Aussie companies offer this service for around $7000, which in comparison to double-glazing at around $25,000, it's a bargain.

Alternatively you can buy temporary glazing kits?which can be attached using a hairdryer for around $46 กช they're totally removable so it's an option for renters, although you won't be able to open the window again without breaking the seal.

Block chimney drafts?

Many federation or Victorian-style terrace homes around Australia have decorative fireplaces, which look beautiful but are a source of heat loss in winter. A chimney balloon, which is made from a special plastic laminate, is a great way to counter this heat loss. They work by being placed inside the chimney and inflated to shut off the air flow.

Winter heating heater
Simple tweaks can help you stay warm without getting a big power bill. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Re-arrange furniture?

If your lounge is under a window it might be time to consider moving it towards the middle of the room or against a wall as being near the glass can cause radiant heat loss from your body, which will make you feel cold. Also try avoid placing your sofa in front of a radiator or heater as it will absorb the heat and stop it from circulating around the room.

Worry about you, not the house?

It may be an obvious tip but wearing socks, sweaters, using hot water bottles and drinking warm beverages at home will help you stay warm throughout winter and will help avoid panic-inducing heating bills. Anything you can to do layer up will make a difference to how warm you're feeling.

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