Warm Up Your Rental for Less This Winter
Your reverse cycle air conditioner is actually one of the most efficient ways to warm your home.
When winter rolls in and your toes start to feel like icicles, it’s not just the weather giving you the chills. Many Aussie homes (especially rentals!) just aren’t built for the cold. That’s exactly what we explored in a recent @ HOME online workshop, where we tackled the hot topic of
how to fix your freezing rental, without blowing your budget or the planet.
A Cosy Chat with a Cold-Weather Expert
We were joined by Home Energy Advisor Sebastian Crangle and one of our amazing community members, Carmen, who opened up about the challenges of warming up her chilly Sydney rental. Together, they shared practical and sustainable tips for creating a comfortable home environment, no renos or big spend required.
One surprising tip: Got a two-story home? Hanging a curtain across the opening of the stairs can prevent all the heat from your downstairs living area from escaping upstairs.
Why is my house so cold even with the heater on and The Energy Leak Nobody Talks About
Use Your Air Conditioner for Heating
Your reverse cycle air conditioner is actually one of the most efficient ways to warm your home. It delivers more heat per unit of energy compared to traditional heaters.
Quick Fix: Switch to heating mode (look for the sun symbol) and set it between 18–20°C for maximum efficiency.
Insulation is Your Best Friend
Think of insulation as your home’s winter coat. If warm air is escaping, your heater has to work overtime—costing you more.
Quick Fix: Check your roof insulation. Gaps or missing sections? Top it up for better heat retention.
Seal Up Draughts
Cold air sneaks in through tiny gaps around doors and windows. Plugging these leaks can help your home stay warmer for longer.
Quick Fix: Use draught stoppers, weather stripping, or even a rolled-up towel to block unwanted airflow.
Upgrade Your Hot Water System
Hot water heating is a hidden energy hog. If your system is outdated, switching to a heat pump hot water system can slash your energy use.
Quick Fix: Research rebates and options for upgrading to an energy-efficient hot water system.
Want More Details on Tips Like These?
Want to take action in your own home?
Residents can
match their postcode
to see if we have programs running in your area and start making simple, sustainable changes today. If you work in local government,
find out how our@ HOME Program
can support your community. And if you found this blog helpful, share it with friends or your council.
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