It can be hard to stay warm in winter, especially because Aussie households end up paying more than they should for less-than-comfy results. It’s not just about the reverse cycle aircon heater you use. It can be other issues in your environment.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, winters are short but surprisingly chilly. And because heating isn’t always front-of-mind, a lot of homes fall into the same traps.
Here are the top five winter heating mistakes we see, and what you can do to avoid them this year.
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Cranking the Thermostat Too High: Winter Heating Mistakes Sunshine Coast
It’s tempting to blast the heat as soon as the mercury drops. But every degree over 20°C can increase your energy usage by up to 10%. Not to mention, it dries out the air and often leaves the room stuffy.
What to do instead:
Set your reverse-cycle air conditioner to anywhere from 18–20°C. It’s warm enough to stay comfortable while keeping energy use in check. Use layers and rugs to supplement not replace, smart heating.
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Using the Wrong Heater for the Space
Portable fan heaters or oil-filled radiators might work in small rooms, but they’re wildly inefficient for larger living areas. If you’re heating open-plan spaces with a plug-in heater, you’re burning money.
What to do instead:
Use a reverse-cycle split system (or maybe a ducted setup) designed for your space. These are much more efficient and better at maintaining consistent warmth.
Pro tip: Reverse cycle systems are far more efficient than ducted systems.
Not sure what you need? SWIFT Solar and Electrical can assess your space and recommend a solution that works year-round.
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Letting Warm Air Escape
You’d be surprised how many people heat their homes with open windows, drafty doors, or unsealed gaps around vents and fixtures.
What to do instead:
- Check for and seal any visible gaps
- Use door snakes or draft stoppers
- Close doors to rooms you’re not using
- Consider heavy curtains to reduce heat loss through windows. And hey, even light and sheer curtains do a good job.
You don’t need to “trap” yourself in. Just stop the warmth from leaking out as fast as it comes in.
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Running the System Inefficiently
Running your system 24/7 or constantly switching it on and off means you’re likely wasting energy. It also puts extra strain on your air con, and shortens its lifespan.
What to do instead:
- Use timers or smart thermostats to maintain a steady temperature
- Heat only when needed, and only the rooms in use
- Don’t forget to clean your filters before winter kicks in
A properly maintained system running efficiently will cost you less and keep you more comfortable.
Pro tips: Start your aircon before it gets super cold (or super hot) so you can lessen the strain on the system. Don’t heat too high. Keep the temperature even and comfortably lower.
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Ignoring Insulation (Even in QLD)
Many Sunshine Coast homes aren’t built for cold, and that includes insulation. Actually, most homes in the whole of Australia are badly insulated. They are sieves that leak heat. This is why I always suggest you spend some time and attention (and money) on plugging the holes (literally and figuratively) in your home. Without fixing the cheap and easy stuff, like gaps around windows, in floorboards or under and around doors and power points and switches etc and without insulating your ceiling (roof), all the heat you pump in just drifts straight out the ceiling, walls, or floor.
What to do instead:
- Check your roof insulation. Install even a basic layer to make a huge difference. The higher the “R value” the better the potential insulative effects
- Use rugs or carpets on bare floors
- Consider sealing internal wall vents if not in use
These simple fixes mean your system works less to do more. And your home stays warm longer.
Want Efficient Heating Without the Mistakes?
You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay warm this winter. Just avoid the traps, make a few smart upgrades, and your comfort (and power bill) will thank you.
SWIFT Solar and Electrical provides reverse-cycle air conditioning and solar solutions across the Sunshine Coast. We help you heat smarter, not harder.
Need help choosing the right system or improving your home’s efficiency? Please call us on 0422 251 734 for expert advice.
