Winter power bills have become one of the biggest budget shocks for Australian families.
One minute you’re putting the heater on “just for an hour”, and the next you’re staring at an electricity bill that makes your eyes water.
Most people assume they need a bigger heater to stay warm. But that’s often not the real problem.
In many homes, the biggest energy wasters are things we barely notice — heat escaping through windows, draughty doors, heating empty rooms, and relying on expensive appliances every day.
The good news? A few simple changes can make a surprisingly big difference.
Before you spend another winter dreading your next power bill, here are 10 common winter energy mistakes that could be costing your family hundreds.
1. Letting Warm Air Escape Through Your Windows
You could have the best heater in Australia, but if warm air is escaping through your windows, you’re essentially paying to heat the outdoors.
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in Australian homes, especially older homes with poor insulation.
Before spending more money on heating, it’s worth stopping the warmth you’ve already paid for from escaping.
Curtains Worth Considering
- Ticking Stripe Thermal Curtain Fabric Chambray 120cm
- Plain Dyed 120 cm Cotton Thermal Curtain Fabric Oat
Both are designed to help reduce heat loss through windows while making your home feel warmer and more comfortable.
2. Heating Your Entire House Instead of the Rooms You Actually Use
One of the most expensive mistakes families make is heating rooms nobody is using.
If everyone is gathered in the lounge room, there is little point warming spare bedrooms, hallways and unused areas.
Targeted heating is often the smartest approach during winter. Instead of trying to warm the entire house, focus on the rooms your family actually uses.
If you’re looking for a heater that’s designed to deliver warmth without wasting energy, our guide to the Best Energy-Efficient Heaters in Australia compares some of the most popular options for bedrooms, living rooms and family homes.
Products Worth Considering
DeLonghi Radia S Oil Column Heater with Timer 1000W
Ideal for bedrooms, studies and smaller rooms where you want steady warmth without heating the whole house.
DeLonghi Thermo Oil Column Heater with Timer 1500W
A reliable option for medium-sized rooms, providing consistent warmth during colder months.
DeLonghi Radia S EasyTronic 1500W Oil Column Heater With Electronic Controls
Features an electronic thermostat and timer to help maintain comfortable temperatures while avoiding unnecessary heating.
3. Running Your Heater Overnight
Many families leave heaters running all night because they don’t want to wake up freezing.
Unfortunately, this can become expensive very quickly.
A cheaper solution is often warming the bed rather than heating the entire room.
Electric blankets warm your bed before you get in, helping you stay cosy without heating the entire room all night.
4. Heating Rooms Instead of People
Speaking of rooms, one of the most common winter energy-saving tips is simple: Heat the person, not the room.
If you’re working from home, watching television or reading on the couch, targeted warmth can often be more cost-effective than running a heater for hours.
Products Worth Considering
Elysian Reversible Heated Throw
Perfect for keeping warm on the couch without heating an entire living room.
Jason Fully Fitted Electric Blanket
Sash & Bloom Heated Blanket
Offers adjustable warmth settings for comfortable, energy-conscious winter lounging.
WinterWarm Heated Scarf
A wearable heating solution that keeps your neck and shoulders warm while working, relaxing or heading outdoors.
5. Heating Rooms Nobody Is Using
It sounds obvious, but many families do it without realising.
Guest rooms, spare bedrooms and home offices don’t need heating if nobody is using them.
Closing doors and concentrating warmth where your family actually spends time can make a noticeable difference to energy usage.
6. Ignoring Draughts Around Doors and Windows
A tiny gap under a door may not seem like much.
But add up every small gap around your home and you could be losing a surprising amount of warm air every day.
Draught-proofing is often one of the cheapest winter upgrades you can make.
Products Worth Considering
Universal Window Seal Kit
This affordable insulation kit helps block cold draughts and improve temperature retention throughout winter.
Garage Door Weather Strip Seal
A surprisingly effective way to stop cold air, moisture and dust entering through garage doors.
Both products help block cold air and reduce the amount of heating required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
7. Leaving Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans Running Too Long
Exhaust fans are excellent for removing moisture and cooking smells.
Unfortunately, they’re also very good at removing warm air you’ve already paid to heat.
Use them when needed, but don’t leave them running longer than necessary.
8. Forgetting Your Ceiling Fan Has a Winter Mode
Many Australians don’t realise their ceiling fan can help during winter.
Most ceiling fans include a reverse setting that pushes warm air trapped near the ceiling back down into the room.
It’s one of the easiest winter energy-saving tricks available and costs absolutely nothing.
9. Using Your Tumble Dryer Every Day
Winter laundry is one of those hidden household expenses most families don’t think about until the power bill arrives.
When clothes won’t dry outside, it’s easy to fall into the habit of running the tumble dryer every day. Between school uniforms, sports gear, towels and bedding, those drying costs can add up surprisingly quickly over winter.
Products Worth Considering
Maxkon Electric Airer 3 Tier Heated Clothes Dryer
This heated drying rack helps dry clothes indoors while using considerably less energy than many tumble dryers.
Spring & Spruce Dry Master
A practical indoor drying solution designed to help clothes dry faster during wet winter weather.
10. Waiting Until Your Power Bill Arrives Before Taking Action
By the time your winter power bill arrives, the money has already been spent.
The best time to reduce winter energy costs is before the coldest weather arrives.
Small upgrades can add comfort while helping reduce unnecessary energy use throughout the season.
Products Worth Considering
Devanti Heated Towel Rail Electric Warmer Wall Mounted
Keeps towels dry and warm while doubling as a convenient indoor drying solution.
Devanti Electric Heated Towel Rail Aluminium 6 Bars
Helps reduce moisture build-up in bathrooms while adding a little everyday winter luxury.
More Ways To Stay Warm This Winter
Lowering your winter power bill isn’t just about heaters. It’s about creating a warmer, cosier home so you’re not constantly reaching for the thermostat.
Warm Up From The Inside
Nothing beats a hearty meal on a cold evening. If you’re looking for affordable winter comfort food, these family favourites are worth adding to your meal plan:
- Creamy Pumpkin Soup
- Homemade Chicken Bone Broth
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Pasta and Lamb Shank Soup
- Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup
- Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Slow Cooker Braised Lamb Chops
Keep The Kids Active During Winter
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean cabin fever.
Our guide to Amazing Outdoor Activities for Your Family This Winter is packed with family-friendly ways to get outside, burn energy and make the most of those sunny winter days.
Don’t Forget The Family Dog
If your furry family member feels the cold as much as you do, check out our guide to Winter Outfits and Warm Clothing for Dogs for practical ways to keep them comfortable during the colder months.
The Bottom Line
If your winter power bill feels out of control, the solution usually isn’t buying a bigger heater.
It’s making sure the warmth you’re already paying for stays inside your home.
Simple changes like sealing draughts, using thermal curtains, heating occupied rooms, warming people instead of entire spaces, and reducing tumble dryer use can all help lower unnecessary energy costs.
The goal isn’t to spend winter shivering under three blankets.
It’s to stay warm smarter.
A few practical upgrades now could help keep your family more comfortable and your power bills a little less frightening this winter.
Responses to “10 Winter Energy Mistakes That Could Be Costing Australian Families Hundreds”
Be careful changing temperature on your water heater! Lower temps don’t kill all the bacteria etc and are linked to outbreaks of diseases such as legionnaires. (This advice was passed on to me by a health professional)
That’s an interesting point from Stacey – and I also have doubts about washing up the dishes in water that isn’t as hot. My mother got a new water heater and the temperature was set at a low temperature, and it’s awful for washing up!
Wearing appropriate clothing (such as jumpers, socks, ugg boots etc) saves on heating as you don’t need to turn heating on/up as high in order to stay warm. When just watching tv of an evening we opt for snuggling under a blanket over turning the heater on/up.
Absolutely Sarah! 🙂
Omg! Thanks for the hot tip re:ceiling fans – I’ve lived in my current house for nearly 5 years and never knew what the W/S switch was for :-0 can’t wait to try it
Glad these tips helped! 🙂
We are having a ‘heater-free’ winter this year to see how we go. So far so good – we wear appropriate clothing and footwear (socks!), harvest the sunlight during the day to warm the house, close the blinds when the sun has moved, leave the oven door open after cooking to warm the house, and warm the children’s beds with hot water bottles at night (which we then take to our bed when the kids are asleep). This has been a fun experiment! A bonus has been that despite the cold we haven’t had as many asthma problems this year. This has confirmed to me that the ash and smoke from our fire was probably setting it off.