Heating and cooling

Stay warm in winter and cool in summer

Much of the energy used for heating and cooling in the home isn't used efficiently. These tips will ensure you make the most of your energy.

Heating

• Don't overheat your home. The temperature of a heated room in winter should be 18-21 degrees.
• Your gas heater will work more efficiently if you stick to the manufacturer's recommended clearance spaces.
• Gas heaters are cheaper to run and use lower greenhouse gas emissions than electric heaters.
• Choose the right size gas heater for the area you want to heat.
• Zone off unoccupied rooms by closing doors and only heat the main living areas.
• If it's cold, consider warming up with a jumper or rug instead of turning up your heater.
• Fit window coverings like curtains to halve winter heat loss.
• Put draft stoppers - such as a rolled up towel - at the bottom of outside doorways to keep out cold air.
• If the unit has adjustable louvres, adjust them towards the floor when heating (as hot air rises).

• The temperature of a cooled room in summer should be about 23-26 degrees (note: humidity indoors will be low, so it will actually feel cooler). Frequent changes in thermostat settings will increase operating costs.
• For maximum efficiency, set the air-conditioning unit to recirculate cool air instead of pulling warmer air in from outside.
• Clean the filter on your air-conditioning unit every three months so that it runs efficiently.
• If the unit has adjustable louvres, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling (as cool air falls).
• Choose an air-conditioner with an inverter drive if possible as these systems are more energy efficient and will keep costs to a minimum.
• Ceiling fans are the most energy efficient form of cooling. They are the cheapest to purchase, cheapest to run, operate quietly and are suitable for rooms of all sizes.
• Close curtains over large glass areas. When closed, window coverings also protect you from the sun's glare in summer.
• External shading is the best way to prevent summer heat gain through windows.
• Fit window coverings like curtains to protect you from the suns glare and heat in the summer.

• Keep the heat in and the cold out by installing wall and ceiling insulation. A well insulated home can be up to seven degrees celsius warmer in winter and ten degrees celsius cooler in summer.
• Draughts and unwanted air leakage can increase heating by up to 25% and make your home uncomfortable. Minimise heat loss in winter and help trap cool air in summer, by repairing faulty door seals, hanging heavy curtains that fit close to the window frames and laying rugs on bare floors.