With plenty of tenants working from home due to COVID-19, it is a fair bet electricity usage demand will be higher this winter.

If you’re running a home office, you’ll use more electricity on computers, printers and other equipment. But when the mercury starts to plummet, you’ll need to fire up the air conditioner to keep your fingers warm to work the keyboards. Don’t forget your boss foots the heating bill for eight hours or more when you’re in an office. Now, remote working means you’ll need to cover these heating costs yourself.

The quickest way to save on energy bills this winter is to turn off any office equipment such as a computer and other appliances when you’re not using them. The next easiest energy-saving hack involves switching to a better deal. Rather than phoning the numerous energy companies yourself, take advantage of the online comparison sites such as iSelect.com.au to do the work for you. 

But before you switch providers give your current provider a chance to keep your business. Before you approach the energy company, be clear about what you want, and be willing to push hard for for a significant saving. If you’ve seen a 20% discount from another energy provider in your area, tell them that’s what you want, and don’t back down.

Also, before you switch on the electric heating, consider Ausgrid’s advice that a heated room should sit between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. The energy provider also advises that every degree programmed into an air conditioner above 21 degrees will add roughly 10% to our energy bills. If the room is 21 degrees, and you’re still chilly, the consensus is that an extra jumper or beanie is a sensible way to save on energy costs[i].

If the kids are home-schooled, encourage them to do their homework in the living room or your office rather than their bedrooms – this will clip the expense of heating extra rooms. 

Shutting doors to rooms, you’re not using will save money. Likewise, close the doors to bathrooms with exhaust fans, as these can let cold air into a heated home and make heaters or air conditioners work much harder, which will ultimately cost you money. 

Another savvy strategy involves opening curtains during the day to let in the sun and then closing the drapes at night to keep the heat in the house. Also sealing any draughts around windows or doors can help you fight the cold this winter cost-effectively. 

For more tips on keeping your rental home warm this winter without breaking the budget, contact your Raine & Horne Property Manager today.