How to Stay Warm at Home in Winter and Keep Your Heating Bill Down

Quick answer: Set the heater to 18–20°C, close curtains at night, block draughts, heat only the rooms you use and wear warm layers. The Australian Government's Energy Made Easy service says each degree lower on the thermostat can save up to 10% on heating energy.

Key takeaways

  • Set the thermostat to 18–20°C — each degree lower can save up to 10% (Energy Made Easy).
  • Over a third of winter heat can escape through windows, so shut curtains and blinds.
  • Door seals and draught-stoppers can cut heating costs by up to a quarter.
  • Close doors and heat only the rooms you use; a warm wearable layer helps you stay comfortable at a lower setting.

What temperature should I set my heater to in winter?

Energy Made Easy, the Australian Government's energy comparison service (run by the Australian Energy Regulator), recommends setting the thermostat to 18–20°C. Each one-degree reduction can save up to 10% on energy use. No thermostat? A cheap room thermometer helps you check.

How can I keep heat inside?

  • Shut the curtains: over a third of winter heat can escape through windows, so close curtains or blinds, especially at night.
  • Stop draughts: door seals, draught-proofing strips and door snakes can reduce heating costs by up to a quarter.
  • Heat only the rooms you use: close doors to unused rooms such as laundries and bathrooms.

How do warm layers help?

The warmer you dress, the lower you can comfortably set the heater. A long, sherpa-lined hoodie blanket covers you from the hood to around the knee, so it keeps your core and legs warm on the couch or at your desk. A Pufloo cloak zips on and off like a coat, so you can wear it around the house without a blanket sliding off.

Is it safe to use a heater while wearing a hoodie blanket?

Yes, with distance. Fire and Rescue NSW advises keeping everything, including clothing and blankets, a metre from the heater. Read our heater safety guide.

Which Pufloo should I choose?

Every print comes in sizes XS–5XL — pick by height using the size guide. Start with bestsellers or the cosy critters collection. Shipping is free on every order.

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