Tasmanian winters can drop temperatures below zero, so keeping your house warm is essential for comfort. Most people think that’s just a matter of turning on the heater, but the heat pump is just a part of the solution.
You can turn the heater up to warm the house, but if you don’t have other solutions in place, it often just means higher energy costs. So, what if you could stay warm while keeping energy use under control? As the Tasmanian chill sets in, these 10 winter warmer tips will help you stay warm while managing energy use all season long.
Simple Tips to Warm Your Home During Winter in Tasmania
1. Seal Draughts Around Doors Or Windows
Draught-proofing is a simple way to stop cold air from slipping into your home during the winter. As we know, properties in Tasmania can be quite old. By sealing these areas, you can hold more warm air inside your home. As a consequence, it also reduces the energy required to heat your home. Weather strips or door seals can be used to seal gaps around doors. For smaller cracks, use caulk or draught tape.
Bonus tip: On a windy day, run your hand around windows or doors to find where cold air is coming through.
2. Use Curtains To Hold Warmth In
Curtains are often an underrated accessory when people think of heating their home. However, they are useful in every season because they can hold warmth in during winter. At the same time, they reduce heat coming through in summer. During colder Tasmanian nights, pull them closed to hold more warmth inside. For added insulation, you can also use a pelmet to prevent warm air from escaping above the window.
Bonus tip: Double glazing can take this even further. It is not the cheapest option, but it minimises heat loss through conduction and convection.
3. Let The Sun Help Warm Your Home
Natural sunlight is free. If you leave your curtains closed all day, you could be missing out on free natural warmth. Even during a Tasmanian winter, there is still enough daylight to bring the sun into your home. Letting the sunshine in during the day is a simple way to do so.
Bonus tip: Focus on the windows that get the most sun first. This gives the sunlight more time to warm the space naturally.
4. Use Portable Heaters Wisely
Portable electric heaters can be a handy source of extra warmth during cold weather. This is especially true if you only need to heat one room. The room size must at least match the portable heater capacity. This is because if the room is too large, the heater may run at full output. You’ll probably just end up wasting energy without reaching the desired temperature.
Bonus tip: They need to be used properly, as they can cause fires if placed too close to combustible materials. As such, place them on a flat surface with enough clear space around it.
5. Move Furniture Away From Heating Vents
When setting up or rearranging furniture, make sure it is not blocking any part of the heating vent. It sounds simple, but large pieces of furniture can easily block the areas where warm air enters. This allows air to move freely through the room without being blocked. Ultimately, it may also reduce pressure on your heating system.
Bonus tip: Before thinking there is a larger heating issue, check the vent first when a room is not warming properly.
6. Adjust Your Heating Schedule For Winter
The right temperature for your home depends on where you live. As a general guide, 20°C is a comfortable temperature at home. Around 15°C to 18°C is recommended when you are out or asleep. Programmable thermostats remove the need for manual temperature adjustments each time.
Bonus tip: Small temperature changes matter. It usually will not heat the space more quickly, but it can use more energy.
7. Consider Switching to a Heat Pump
If your current heating system is old or struggling to keep up, it may be time to look at a heat pump upgrade. In that case, upgrading to one may improve warmth and reduce energy waste. More importantly, it can give your home more reliable heating through Tasmania’s colder months. Reach out to Sackett Services to upgrade your heat pump system.
Bonus tip: If your current system needs frequent repairs, compare the repair cost with the long-term value of upgrading.
8. Don’t Neglect Your HVAC Filters
Not changing your HVAC filter does more than waste energy or increase your power bills. When airflow is restricted, the system has to work harder. As such, it can strain important components such as the blower motor or heat exchanger. Over time, trapped heat can cause components to overheat or wear down. Therefore, it’s important to clean your HVAC filters regularly.
Bonus tip: If you have pets or allergies, your filter may need to be changed more often. The same applies if you live in a dusty area.
9. Consider ducted heating options
Most houses in Tasmania have just a heat pump in the living room, and the unit has to do all the work to warm the entire house. That puts a lot of pressure on your heat pump, and although it does the job, if you’re looking for more comfort, then the ducted heating system is probably the best solution for you.
The ducted heating system uses a central electric heat pump to heat the air and distribute it evenly throughout the house. It’s modern, minimalistic and a great solution to keep your home warm during the Tasmanian winter.
10. Service Your Heating System
Now is a good time to take small steps that support your heating system for the rest of the Tasmanian winter. Professional heating maintenance service is important during winter because your system is under more pressure than usual. As such, this may cause wear or damage to internal components of the system. After all, winter is already difficult enough without your heater deciding to have a personality.
Schedule your winter HVAC service with Sackett Services today to enjoy peace of mind all winter long.