As temperatures drop, it’s only natural to turn up the heating or spend more time indoors — but winter can also lead to rising power bills. The good news? With a few simple adjustments and upgrades, you can stay warm while using energy far more efficiently.
Below are some practical winter energy-saving tips that we regularly implement for homeowners looking to reduce energy use, lower costs, and improve year-round comfort.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
Smarter energy use isn’t just about saving money. A well-optimised home is also more comfortable, healthier, and better for the environment. By making small changes and installing the right systems, you can maintain a warm, dry, and efficient home throughout winter — without sacrificing comfort or lifestyle.
1. Focus Heating Where It’s Needed
Rather than heating your entire home, focus on the rooms you’re actively using. Close off unused spaces to avoid unnecessary energy consumption and make your heating system work more efficiently.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance is key. Cleaning heat pump filters monthly keeps systems running efficiently. We offer full heat pump servicing and seasonal maintenance to keep your units operating at peak performance.
2. Seal Draughts to Lock in Heat
Small gaps around doors, windows and trims allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Sealing these gaps is a simple yet highly effective way to improve your home’s thermal performance.
Draught-Sealing Checklist:
- Tighten door/window hinges
- Install weather stripping
- Use draught stoppers
- Seal trims around frames
3. Use Cold Water for Laundry
Heating water can make up a significant portion of your household energy use. Running your washing machine on cold water cycles reduces energy consumption while still delivering great wash results.
4. Turn Off Appliances When Not in Use
Many appliances continue to draw power even when idle. Unplug devices or use power strips and smart plugs to eliminate standby power usage.
Common standby items include:
- Second fridges/freezers
- Heated towel rails
- Portable heaters
- Computers, gaming consoles, and chargers
5. Smart Technology for Smarter Energy Use
Home automation makes managing energy use simple. Smart plugs, timers, and fully integrated home automation can help you run appliances only when needed, or during off-peak energy periods.
We offer tailored home automation solutions for blinds, lighting, underfloor heating, and more — speak with our experts today about optimising your home’s energy use.
6. Review Your Energy Plan
Energy needs change with the seasons. Reviewing your current energy plan can often result in better alignment with your household’s real-time energy use.
7. Shift Appliance Use to Off-Peak Periods
Running major appliances like dishwashers, dryers and washing machines during off-peak hours can help reduce your energy costs. Our smart automation packages allow you to schedule appliances for maximum efficiency.
8. Maintain Heat Pump Performance
Blocked filters can cause heat pumps to work harder than necessary. Monthly cleaning ensures optimal performance and energy savings. We provide heat pump servicing and can also assist with new heat pump installations suited to your home.
9. Insulation for Long-Term Comfort
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to stabilise indoor temperatures, reduce heating demand, and improve comfort. Ceiling, wall, and floor insulation all contribute to keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
10. Upgrade to LED Lighting
LED lights are far more energy-efficient and longer lasting than traditional bulbs. We offer full lighting upgrades, including design, supply, installation, and removal of old fittings.
11. Automate Curtains and Blinds
Windows can be a major source of heat loss overnight. Closing curtains or blinds at dusk helps retain warmth. With automation, you can set your blinds to close automatically — even if you’re not home — to keep your home warm and welcoming when you arrive.
12. Optimise Your Hot Water System
Keeping your hot water cylinder at an efficient temperature avoids unnecessary energy use. We now offer advanced water heating solutions including Rinnai HydraHeat® Split Hot Water Heat Pumps — an innovative retrofit or new install option that improves hot water delivery and energy efficiency.
Speak to our heat pump experts to learn more about how HydraHeat can help you save.
13. Eliminate Condensation with Smart Ventilation
Foggy windows and damp sills often indicate poor ventilation and excess moisture. Our Mitsubishi Electric Lossnay Ventilation System uses heat recovery technology to extract moisture while retaining warmth — keeping your home dry, fresh, and free from condensation and mold.
It’s ideal for protecting your home and improving air quality, particularly for asthma and allergy sufferers.
Winter Comfort Starts with Smarter Solutions
Winter doesn’t have to mean higher bills or sacrificing comfort. With a combination of simple changes and smart product upgrades, you can enjoy a warm, dry, and energy-efficient home all winter long.
Contact our team today to find out how we can help you winter-proof your home.