Let\u2019s cut to daytime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even then you can be getting your house warm for the night \u2014 naturally. By opening your curtains during the day to let the sun\u2019s rays in, you\u2019re heating the place with toasty, and free, sunshine. Then, simply close the curtains before it gets dark, and you trap that warmth in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve nixed draughts, here are some of my favourite tips for saving energy this winter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take energy bills on by timing how many minutes your showers take. You could count yourself, but like me, you might run out of fingers. So, try a shower karaoke session instead. Pick a song that lasts about 4 minutes<\/a>. The perfect shower length. A few verses and choruses later, you’ll have used less energy and smell delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After your shower, why not wander about in your robe and pretend you\u2019re the power point police and make a point of checking all your plugged-in appliances. If they\u2019re not needed, flick them off. Standby power<\/a> can cost you up to $100<\/a> on your energy bills each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking as a snake made from an actual sock, I know a thing or two about dressing for the cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dressing warmly in comfortable layers, like woollen jumpers, fleece track pants, thick fluffy socks, Ugg<\/a> boots or Oodies definitely won\u2019t win you a fashion award, but they might win you some big savings on your energy bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s bed-time, as you know, I like to lay down in a door gap and keep you cosy. But you can save again here by laying down on some good ol\u2019 flannelette sheets. They\u2019re warm and very affordable compared to those sheets the Egyptians say we should we buy. On top of them you just layer yourself, then a waffle blanket, which are cheap and riddled with tiny spaces to create warm air pockets. Throw a woollen blanket on top of that, and then a doona, and it\u2019s like you\u2019re in Ibiza. Just in jammies, without the dance music or a drink with a tiny umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s talk about the best and cheapest form of getting warm. Snuggling. Lions do it. Bears do it. Cats. Dogs. Socks in drawers. Grab your cat, dog or even guinea pig, get cosy on the couch and pop on your favourite TV series. Not only will they keep you toasty, you\u2019ll also be spending quality time together and get an added boost of serotonin too. If you need an added layer of cosy, try a heated throw<\/a> instead of cranking the heater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wheat bags are tiny bursts of warm if you need a cost-effective way to zap the cold from your hands or feet. 90 seconds in the microwave and wherever you put it is toasty for a good while. Make sure you don’t overheat the bag in the microwave and always follow the directions carefully<\/a>. Hot water bottles will also do the trick if you don’t have a wheat bag handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also make your \u2018hot things\u2019 work harder for you. Appliances like your oven, dishwasher and dryer heat up to get their business done, but once they\u2019re done, open their doors and let all that glorious, stored heat out into the room. This hack even doubles as a room diffuser \u2014 especially if you love the smell of fresh sheets or roast chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Got a ceiling fan? Did you know they have a winter switch? Flicking this switch puts your fan in reverse, pushing warm air back down into your room. Genius. Just remember to switch it back come summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMake your showers sing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Layer up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Snuggle up with a hot dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wheat bags to stay toasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make your appliances work for you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/ORI5610_WinterDraughts_R0a_Thumbnail-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>