HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
Subscribe
Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

Throwback Thursday: Electric blankets

Throwback Thursday: Electric blankets

This will save you money on your winter heating bills

This will save you money on your winter heating bills

The cheapest way to stay warm this winter

The cheapest way to stay warm this winter

How to keep your home warm in winter

How to keep your home warm in winter

{headline}

{headline}

Installing this one product can reduce your energy bill

Installing this one product can reduce your energy bill

How to hack your home office for winter

How to hack your home office for winter

5 key rules for maintaining a winter garden

5 key rules for maintaining a winter garden

{headline}

{headline}

Decorating tricks and trends you need to know about for winter 2019

Decorating tricks and trends you need to know about for winter 2019

5 tips on how to hibernate in a healthy way this winter

5 tips on how to hibernate in a healthy way this winter

6 Instagram accounts to change your mind about Winter decorating

6 Instagram accounts to change your mind about Winter decorating

Easy winter entertaining

Easy winter entertaining

What we're loving this winter

What we're loving this winter

These are the only 7 things worth investing in this winter

These are the only 7 things worth investing in this winter

You can watch the Northern Lights in bed from a glass igloo

You can watch the Northern Lights in bed from a glass igloo

  1. Home
  2. Renovate

How to make your home more energy efficient

Save on heating and cooling with our tips to make your home more energy efficient - by Home Beautiful
  • 16 Jun 2017
How to make your home more energy efficient
Anna Robinson

As the winter chill sets in, feeling warm and cosy is key to an inviting home. It isn’t about turning up the heat – it’s about retaining that warmth by increasing your thermal efficiency. 

While our first choice of heating is plumbed-in gas – think toasty gas fireplace, instant hot water and all their associated lifestyle benefits, all conveniently connected to your home – to keep things temperate, there are a few other important things to consider.

1. Rug up

If you have hard flooring like timber or concrete in your home, choose a soft flooring cover with natural insulating properties, such as wool, to add a layer of protective warmth to flooring and prevent heat loss through the floor. Not only will this increase your home’s thermal capability, it feels great underfoot and will protect those feet from chilly surfaces. “The right rug not only will keep your room warmer, it acts like art for your floor, bringing visual warmth as well as comfort underfoot,” says Home Beautiful editor Sarah Burman. “And do consider installing a good quality carpet.”

2. Blind beauty

According to Sustainability Victoria, a single pane of glass can lose almost 10 times the heat as the same area of insulated wall. That means it’s essential to cover windows and doorways with blinds or screens. During the day, allow the sun to shine in and warm up those interiors, and as the temperature drops, lower them to trap heat inside. For a dash of extra beauty, choose a subtle print on a Roman blind, or keep it simple with a basic roller – either will instantly increase your thermal efficiency.

How to make your home more energy efficient

While proper heating is key, retaining warmth is essential for winter cosiness

Chris Warnes

3. External protection

The same rule above applies to the outside – think of an exterior blind or awning like adding a jumper to your home. If your living area extends to an outdoor entertaining area, an awning can also make a big difference during summer by adding extra shade. This is a good option if you don't want to use heavy window coverings indoors, as the awning can provide the same function, albeit at a distance, but a combination of indoor and external blinds will maximise efficiency.

4. Install shutters

Much thicker and stronger than blinds, external shutters can make a notable difference to the heat level indoors. Smart home automation is making this a more attractive proposition, as the obvious drawback is having to head outside at dusk and dawn to open and close them. According to Somfy, automatic closure of your shutters at dusk can save up to 10 percent on heating bills – which means there are two benefits. A sun sensor is another option, which tells your shutters when to roll up or down.

5. Garden guide

“Regular maintenance of hedges and climbers that grow close to your home is essential to maintain your views and the maximum amount of sunlight,” advises Home Beautiful editor Sarah Burman. That sunshine is key to a happy winter home – every degree helps – and your garden will look prettier, too.

For more ways to use natural gas to make your home more comfortable, click here

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

Recommended to you

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

Throwback Thursday: Electric blankets

Throwback Thursday: Electric blankets

This will save you money on your winter heating bills

This will save you money on your winter heating bills

The cheapest way to stay warm this winter

The cheapest way to stay warm this winter

How to keep your home warm in winter

How to keep your home warm in winter

{headline}

{headline}

Installing this one product can reduce your energy bill

Installing this one product can reduce your energy bill

How to hack your home office for winter

How to hack your home office for winter

5 key rules for maintaining a winter garden

5 key rules for maintaining a winter garden

{headline}

{headline}

Decorating tricks and trends you need to know about for winter 2019

Decorating tricks and trends you need to know about for winter 2019

5 tips on how to hibernate in a healthy way this winter

5 tips on how to hibernate in a healthy way this winter

6 Instagram accounts to change your mind about Winter decorating

6 Instagram accounts to change your mind about Winter decorating

Easy winter entertaining

Easy winter entertaining

What we're loving this winter

What we're loving this winter

These are the only 7 things worth investing in this winter

These are the only 7 things worth investing in this winter

You can watch the Northern Lights in bed from a glass igloo

You can watch the Northern Lights in bed from a glass igloo

HomeBeautiful
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
HomeBeautiful Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • marie claire
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

Shop This Offer
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug