Staying warm through winter does not need to mean shock bills if you make a few focused changes.
Small Changes Cut Winter Heating Costs.
Winter heating can quietly drain your wallet if you let it run unchecked. In cool temperate homes like those across Greater Hobart, space heating usually dominates energy bills, with heating and cooling accounting for 20% to 50% of household energy use depending on your climate and home setup.
The good news is that modest tweaks compound quickly. Lowering your thermostat a couple of degrees, sealing obvious leaks, and using thick curtains can noticeably reduce how often your heater kicks in. This guide prioritises the quickest, lowest cost actions first, then covers smart upgrades that deliver real savings through Tasmanian winters.
Know Your Home To Fix Heat Loss.
Understanding your home's weak spots is the first step toward smarter heating. Hobart and much of Tasmania sit in National Construction Code (NCC) climate zone 7, which means cold winters where capturing sun and minimising heat loss really matters.
Start with a quick walk through. Note which rooms feel coldest, which windows get winter sun, and where you feel draughts along skirtings and door frames. Check what insulation exists in your roof and under floors, because older homes frequently lack underfloor insulation entirely.
Idea 1: Set Sensible Temps And Zones.
Every degree you raise your thermostat setting, or setpoint, can increase heating energy use by 5% to 10%. Aim for 18 to 20 degrees in living areas and use warm clothing to stay comfortable. Heat only the rooms you actually use by closing doors to spare bedrooms and studies.
Action Steps
- Set a default target of about 19 degrees for shared living spaces
- Create a weekday schedule that matches when people are home and active
- Zone by usage: living areas active in the evening, bedrooms active at night only
Idea 2: Seal Gaps To Stop Draughts.
Air leakage accounts for roughly 15% to 25% of winter heat loss in typical buildings. Draught proofing can cut your heating bill by up to 25% by stopping warmed air from escaping. Target door bottoms, window sashes, and penetrations for plumbing and cabling first.
Materials And Tips
- Use door seals for tops and sides, plus a durable brush sweep for bottoms
- Apply compressible foam or backer rod for larger gaps before sealing
- Safety note: unflued gas heaters require fixed ventilation, so consult a professional before tightening the room envelope
Idea 3: Insulate Big Surfaces First.
Installing appropriate insulation in your roof, walls, and floors can save well over 50% on heating costs in older homes. The roof can lose 25% to 35% of heat, walls 15% to 25%, and floors 10% to 20%. Address the highest loss paths first for maximum impact.
Quick Priorities
- Ceiling: top up to at least R5.0, fill gaps, and avoid compressing batts
- Floors: add underfloor insulation and use rugs for immediate comfort
- Walls: bundle wall insulation with renovations to keep costs manageable
Idea 4: Choose Efficient Reverse Cycle Heating.
Reverse cycle air conditioners, also called heat pumps, deliver about 3 to 5 units of heat per unit of electricity consumed, which makes them the most efficient mainstream option. Use the Zoned Energy Rating Label to compare cold climate performance when you shop.
Idea 5: Service Systems So They Run Well.
A clean, well tuned unit heats faster and runs more quietly. Dirty filters and coils reduce airflow and force longer run times, which costs you more. Do simple checks monthly by vacuuming filters and keeping at least 1 metre clear around the outdoor unit.
Regular professional servicing keeps your reverse cycle unit operating efficiently through winter and can extend its overall lifespan by catching issues early while maintaining quieter, more consistent comfort for your household. Professionally, have coils cleaned, refrigerant checked, and sensors tested before winter. If you are in Greater Hobart, book a heat pump service Hobart with a qualified local technician so coils, sensors, and refrigerant can be checked before winter, restoring quiet operation and keeping bills in check.
Idea 6: Use Smart Timers And Tariffs.
Smart scheduling lets you pre heat the house before you wake or arrive home without wasting energy all day. From July 2024, new Tasmanian residential connections default to time of use network tariffs, which reward shifting high load appliances to cheaper periods late at night or during the day.
Idea 7: Treat Windows As Thermal Tools.
Up to 40% of heating energy can escape through windows. Install insulation curtains that reach the floor, ideally with pelmets, and close them at dusk. Open north facing windows during sunny winter days so free solar heat can spill into your living areas.
Idea 8: Spin Ceiling Fans In Winter Mode.
Set ceiling fans to clockwise winter mode at low speed so they gently push warm air down from the ceiling. This helps your heater reach its setpoint faster and cycle less, saving energy without creating uncomfortable draughts.
Idea 9: Switch Hot Water To Heat Pumps.
Hot water is usually your second largest energy use after space heating. Heat pump water heaters can use about 30% of the electricity of conventional electric storage systems. Schedule the tank to heat during off peak times or sunny hours if you have solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Idea 10: Use Sun And Shading Wisely.
Maximise winter gains by keeping north facing glazing clear during the day. External shading like eaves and deciduous planting blocks high summer sun while allowing low winter sun, which improves year round comfort naturally.
Follow Safety Basics To Protect Your Home.
Maintain safe clearances around all heaters and keep return air paths clear of dust and clutter. If you have gas appliances, arrange regular servicing and maintain required ventilation to manage carbon monoxide risks. Always use licensed electricians for fixed wiring and refrigerant work.
Turn These Ideas Into A Simple Plan.
Do three things this week: seal your worst gaps, set your main living area to about 19 degrees with unused rooms shut off, and clean your heat pump filters. These simple moves cost little but deliver immediate comfort gains.
Then plan your next two upgrades for long term savings: top up insulation where it is lacking and install a high efficiency split system for your main living zone. Lock in the habits that keep paying back by using tariff aware schedules and closing curtains at dusk to hold onto warmth you have already paid for.
Get Quick Answers To Common Questions.
What Temperature Should I Set In Winter?
Aim for 18 to 20 degrees in living spaces. Each degree higher can add roughly 5% to 10% to your heating energy use.
What Is The Cheapest Room Heater To Run?
A well sized reverse cycle split system is generally cheapest to run in typical rooms compared with electric panels or gas heaters.
Are Heat Pumps Efficient In Cold Weather?
Yes, provided you choose models with strong cold climate ratings on the Zoned Energy Rating Label and make sure the unit is sized correctly.
Do I Need Double Glazing Or Will Thick Curtains Work?
Start with thick, lined curtains and pelmets. Add secondary glazing or double glazing later for bigger gains and long term comfort.
