Winter in Australia varies significantly depending on location. While some regions experience mild winters, others face bitterly cold temperatures. In places like Melbourne, Canberra, and Tasmania, sub-zero nights are common, making efficient home heating essential. Even in warmer states like Queensland, cooler nights can still make homes feel uncomfortably cold.
Keeping your home warm, energy-efficient, and comfortable in winter doesn’t have to be expensive. By implementing smart heating strategies, sealing drafts, and using energy-efficient appliances, you can stay warm without sending your electricity or gas bill skyrocketing.
This guide covers 10 practical ways to maximise warmth and create a cosy indoor environment while keeping heating costs under control.
The Importance of Keeping Your Home Warm in Winter
Ensuring your home stays warm during winter offers numerous benefits:
✅ Health and Well-being – Exposure to cold indoor temperatures can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, joint pain, and weakened immunity. Keeping warm is especially crucial for children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or arthritis.
✅ Energy Efficiency – In winter, Australians often see higher power bills due to heating usage. Using efficient heating solutions and insulation reduces energy consumption while keeping your home warm.
✅ Comfort & Productivity – A cosy home environment promotes better sleep, relaxation, and productivity, reducing stress during the colder months.
✅ Preventing Mould and Dampness – Cold, damp conditions encourage mould growth, leading to musty odours, damaged walls, and potential health issues. Proper heating and ventilation prevent moisture buildup.
Now, let’s dive into 10 effective ways to keep your home warm and comfortable this winter.
10 Ways to Keep Your Home Warm and Cosy During Winter
1. Install a Fireplace for Warmth and Aesthetic Appeal
A fireplace is one of the most effective and visually appealing ways to heat a home. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of a wood-burning fireplace or the convenience of a gas or electric model, installing a fireplace can transform your living space.
Types of Fireplaces to Consider:
🔥 Wood-burning fireplaces – Classic and cosy, but require maintenance and proper ventilation.
🔥 Gas fireplaces – Provide instant heat and are more energy-efficient than wood-burning options.
🔥 Electric fireplaces – Easy to install and perfect for renters or apartments.
🔥 Ethanol fireplaces – Modern and ventless, offering real flames without requiring a chimney.
Maximising Fireplace Efficiency:
✔ Use fireplace inserts to improve heat output.
✔ Install a chimney damper to reduce heat loss.
✔ Burn high-quality hardwood for better efficiency.
2. Seal Windows and Doors to Prevent Drafts
Even the smallest gaps in windows and doors can let in cold air and allow warm air to escape, making your heating system work harder.
How to Prevent Heat Loss:
🔹 Apply weather stripping around windows and doors.
🔹 Use draught excluders at the bottom of doors.
🔹 Seal cracks with caulking or silicone.
🔹 Install double-glazed windows for better insulation.
🔹 Add door snakes to block under-door gaps.
Sealing drafts is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to keep your home warm.
3. Use Thick Curtains and Rugs for Extra Insulation
Using thicker fabrics in winter helps trap heat indoors.
How to Use Textiles for Warmth:
🛋 Heavy curtains – Replace light summer curtains with thermal or lined curtains to prevent heat loss.
🛏 Rugs – Cover cold tile, timber, or concrete floors with plush rugs to add insulation.
🛋 Throws and blankets – Layer soft wool or fleece blankets on sofas for extra comfort.
4. Use a Smart Thermostat for Efficient Heating
A smart thermostat allows you to schedule heating, ensuring warmth when needed without wasting energy.
Why a Smart Thermostat is Worth It:
✔ Saves up to 30% on heating costs.
✔ Learns your habits and adjusts automatically.
✔ Allows remote control via smartphone apps.
Popular brands in Australia include Google Nest, Ecobee, and tado°.
5. Reverse Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer! Reversing the fan’s direction (clockwise rotation) pushes warm air down, preventing heat from rising and being wasted.
6. Insulate Walls, Roofs, and Floors
Without proper insulation, 25-35% of heat can escape through your home’s roof, walls, and floors. Investing in insulation helps maintain indoor temperatures while lowering energy costs.
Best Insulation for Australian Homes:
🏡 Roof Insulation – Prevents heat from escaping through the ceiling.
🏡 Wall Insulation – Keeps indoor temperatures stable.
🏡 Underfloor Insulation – Ideal for homes with wooden or raised floors.
7. Maximise Natural Sunlight
Take advantage of free solar heat by letting in sunlight during the day.
How to Harness Solar Warmth:
☀ Keep north-facing windows open to let sunlight in.
☀ Use reflective window films to trap heat.
☀ Close curtains at night to prevent heat loss.
8. Increase Indoor Humidity for a Warmer Feel
Dry air makes a home feel colder. Adding moisture improves warmth and reduces the need for excessive heating.
How to Increase Indoor Humidity:
✔ Use a humidifier.
✔ Place bowls of water near radiators or vents.
✔ Keep indoor plants that release moisture into the air.
9. Close Off Unused Rooms to Retain Heat
Heating an entire home is inefficient. Instead, focus on warming frequently used spaces.
How to Trap Heat in Key Areas:
✔ Close doors to unused rooms to prevent heat loss.
✔ Use room dividers or curtains to block off large open spaces.
✔ Heat only occupied rooms with space heaters or reverse-cycle air conditioners.
10. Maintain Your Heating System for Peak Performance
Heating systems lose efficiency over time if not properly maintained. Regular servicing ensures your heater runs efficiently and safely.
Essential Heating System Maintenance Tasks:
✔ Clean or replace filters in heaters and air conditioners.
✔ Check for leaks or blockages in ducted heating systems.
✔ Service your heating unit before winter starts.
Final Thoughts: Stay Warm & Energy-Efficient This Winter
Implementing these 10 smart strategies will help keep your home warm, cosy, and cost-effective throughout winter.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Seal drafts and insulate properly to retain heat.
✔ Use smart thermostats, fireplaces, and heating solutions efficiently.
✔ Incorporate textiles like rugs and curtains to trap warmth.
✔ Take advantage of natural sunlight and close off unused rooms to conserve heat.
By making small energy-efficient changes, you can stay warm and comfortable without overspending on electricity or gas bills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most energy-efficient way to heat a home in Australia?
The most energy-efficient way to heat your home is by using reverse-cycle air conditioners, which offer both heating and cooling capabilities. These systems use less energy compared to traditional heaters and can significantly reduce electricity costs. Gas heaters and well-insulated fireplaces are also efficient options, especially in colder regions.
2. How can I keep my home warm without increasing my electricity bill?
To stay warm while keeping energy costs low, consider the following:
✅ Seal gaps and drafts around windows and doors.
✅ Use thick curtains and rugs to prevent heat loss.
✅ Close off unused rooms to focus heating where needed.
✅ Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down.
✅ Use a smart thermostat to optimise heating schedules.
✅ Layer up with warm clothing and blankets to reduce reliance on heating.
3. Is a gas heater or electric heater better for winter?
It depends on your budget and heating needs:
- Gas heaters are more cost-effective for longer use and larger spaces.
- Electric heaters are ideal for small rooms or occasional heating but may lead to higher electricity costs if used extensively.
- Reverse-cycle air conditioners are the most efficient overall, as they provide both heating and cooling with low energy consumption.
4. What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter to save money?
Setting your thermostat to 18–20°C is considered the most energy-efficient range in winter. For every degree higher, your energy use increases by 10% or more.
5. How do I prevent heat loss from windows?
Windows can be a major source of heat loss in winter. To prevent this:
✅ Install double-glazed windows for better insulation.
✅ Use heavy, thermal-lined curtains and close them at night.
✅ Apply window films or bubble wrap to insulate glass.
✅ Seal gaps with weather stripping or caulking.
6. Are portable space heaters worth it?
Portable space heaters are useful for heating small rooms quickly but can be expensive to run long-term. To use them efficiently:
✔ Choose energy-efficient models with thermostats and timers.
✔ Use only in occupied rooms and turn them off when leaving.
✔ Position them safely, away from flammable materials.
7. Why is my home still cold even with heating?
If your home remains cold despite using heaters, it could be due to:
🔹 Poor insulation – Heat escapes through walls, ceilings, and floors.
🔹 Drafts – Cold air is entering through gaps in windows, doors, or vents.
🔹 Inefficient heating – Your heater may not be powerful enough for the space.
🔹 Blocked vents or filters – Cleaning filters in heating units improves efficiency.
8. How often should I service my heating system?
For optimal performance, heaters should be serviced annually, ideally before winter. This ensures efficient heating, lower energy costs, and safe operation.
9. Does using a humidifier help keep a home warmer in winter?
Yes! Dry air feels colder, so increasing indoor humidity makes rooms feel warmer without turning up the heat. A humidifier or placing bowls of water near heat sources can help maintain comfortable humidity levels.
10. What’s the best way to warm up a house quickly?
To warm up your home efficiently:
🔥 Close all windows and doors to trap heat.
🔥 Turn on heating in frequently used rooms first.
🔥 Use a ceiling fan in reverse to push warm air down.
🔥 Layer up with blankets and warm clothes while heating takes effect.