Does your doona need an upgrade?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who doesn\u2019t love a \u2018doona day\u2019 when the weather is cold and bleak. Depending on how your house is kitted out \u2013 floorboards, tiles, carpet \u2013 it may be worth investing in a seasonal doona to snuggle up with. Many bedding stores offer winter-specific doonas, alternatively, opt for a wool or feather version for maximum warmth. If your home has carpet, cotton or microfibre quilts (which provide lighter insulation) may be toasty enough to get you through the season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clean your split system and have it serviced<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you have a reverse-cycle air conditioner<\/a>, make time to have it serviced before the chill kicks in and give your filters a good clean. Not only will this ensure dust and particles aren\u2019t being recycled within your house, but it also means your air conditioner (heater) will work more efficiently. And, if there are any issues with your system, it gives you plenty of time to arrange repairs. While you\u2019re at it, if you have ceiling fans, switch them over to \u2018winter mode\u2019 (they should rotate clockwise) so they push the hot air down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re fortunate enough to have a fireplace \u2013 the ultimate cosy spot during winter \u2013 you’ll want to make sure you have a few things sorted before the big chill hits. Now is a great time to have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected, and to stock up on plenty of kindling and firewood. It\u2019s also a good idea to make sure you have dry storage for the wood, so that you\u2019re not caught without heating due to morning dew or rainy days.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any gas heater can spill carbon monoxide<\/a> (CO) \u2014 including old and new heaters, central heating units, space heaters, wall furnaces and even decorative log fires. Carbon monoxide can make you and your family sick, and it can be fatal. To avoid the risk of CO poisoning, it\u2019s important to have your gas heaters serviced at least every two years by a qualified gasfitter, who will inspect your heater, ensure it\u2019s running properly and test for any CO leaks. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chances are you\u2019re going to be using heating appliances \u2013 or your fireplace \u2013 more during winter, raising the risk of house fires. Make sure you change the batteries in your smoke alarms, give them a good dust and check they\u2019re in working order. It\u2019s also important to ensure your smoke alarms are positioned properly throughout your home. The Country Fire Authority<\/a> recommends that smoke alarms are installed in every living area and bedroom, and are positioned in the middle of the ceiling<\/a>. Check your state’s fire and emergency services website for more detailed information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your home uses LPG cylinders for cooking, heating or hot water, check that you\u2019re topped up, or organise a delivery, so you\u2019re ready for winter. The colder months can often mean longer showers (or baths), putting the heater on to get nice and cosy and favouring hearty home-cooked dishes over lower-energy options (like salads) \u2013 resulting in using more gas. If you\u2019re an Origin LPG<\/a> customer, you can order online via My Account<\/a> in just a few minutes. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, not you. Well, yes you, but we\u2019re not talking about clothes, we\u2019re talking about rugs. If you\u2019ve got hardwood floors, concrete or tiles, now\u2019s the time to invest in some rugs. Not only is it jarring to wake up and pop your feet on the freezing cold floor, it\u2019s not particularly energy-friendly \u2013 as these types of flooring don\u2019t retain the heat (unless you\u2019re lucky enough to have underfloor heating). By adding some rugs to your space, you\u2019ll be adding an extra layer of insulation, meaning your heater won\u2019t have to work as hard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few things to look for when purchasing a rug:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be honest, motivation is often hard to come by when the days get colder. And who wants to have to think about cooking dinner after a long day? Slow cookers are the perfect life hack during winter. They\u2019re beginner chef friendly, there’s loads of recipes online and they\u2019re energy efficient. In fact, they use a little more energy than a traditional light bulb<\/a>. So, you can have something slow cooking all day while you work \u2013 saving your energy and energy at home. Win-win! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Give all your outdoor furniture a good clean and tuck it away in the shed or garage \u2013 especially outdoor sets with cushions \u2013 so it doesn\u2019t get dirty or end up with mildew or rust due to morning dew. If you don\u2019t have a spot to store them, a tarp and some rope will do the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now\u2019s also a good time to give your gutters a clean out, getting rid of any autumn leaves and dirt that may have accumulated. Clogged gutters can be a real nuisance, causing all kinds of problems from drainage issues to water leaks inside the house \u2013 things you don\u2019t want to have to deal with when it\u2019s chilly outside!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give unruly trees and branches a good snip (or enlist a professional) to ensure they\u2019re not hanging over your roof. If they\u2019re getting a little too close to your power lines, reach out to your local distributor<\/a> and let them know. Not only will this help keep your gutters clean, but it can also help prevent your power from getting knocked out in a storm. And if you have solar panels<\/a>, it will ensure you\u2019re getting the most out of them<\/a>. With the days getting shorter, and more cloudy days for some of the country, it\u2019s important to ensure that there\u2019s nothing else\u00a0contributing to additional shade on your solar panels<\/a> \u2013 it will also help you maximise winter sun in the house. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Draughts can steal up to 25% of your heat in winter<\/a>. Check your skirting boards for any gaps and seal them up with a sealant gun. And for the more obvious ones, those that come in beneath external and internal doors, invest in a few door snakes from your local hardware store and sling them along the bottom of the door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever the season, the best way to save on your energy bills <\/a>is to create good energy habits, make sure you\u2019re on the right energy plan<\/a> for your household\u2019s needs and ensure any concessions you may be entitled to<\/a> have been added to your account.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrep your fireplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get your gas heater serviced<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check your smoke alarms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you have enough LPG<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/52\/How-to-prepare-your-home-for-winter-rugs-1024x683.jpg\")
Rug up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dig out your favourite slow cooker recipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don’t forget about your outdoor space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Store outdoor furniture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give your gutters a good clean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trim back trees and branches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Draught proof your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n