The wind is crisp, toes are freezing, and we are experiencing the winter blues. Winter is here! Our energy bills are slowly starting to high, as we use heaters, dehumidifiers just to get a bit of comfort.  

We are going to look at a few things to help you make your winter a little more comfortable while keeping the bills lower. We will look at tips you can use to lower energy consumption, paying special attention to utilizing and maximising the power of your heat pumps. 

1. Choose your preferred heating method.

Finding the ideal heating system for your home requires balancing comfort, affordability, and environmental impact.  

Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent options in New Zealand, outlining their benefits and limitations. 

Top Choice: Heat Pumps 

Cost: Generally, the most affordable alternative, particularly for often utilized living rooms. 
Emissions are low, making them an environmentally responsible choice. 
Versatility: Can heat one or more rooms (ducted or multi-split systems). 
Ideal for general living areas and spaces that are often heated or cooled.

Electric heaters (plug-in): 

Cost: Can be an affordable solution for tiny spaces such as bedrooms or studies. 
Efficiency: They are a little inefficient compared to heat pumps, resulting in greater operating expenses. 
Suitable for: Supplemental warmth in smaller rooms. 

Wood Heaters:  

Cost: Lower than gas heating, but higher than heat pumps. 
Emissions: Low emissions from a renewable fuel source (wood). 
Restrictions: Building consent is necessary for installation/replacement, and air quality regulations may apply. 
Ideal for: Those looking for a renewable heating alternative that requires a grasp of rules. 

Gas heaters: 

Cost: though they may seem like the best option, come with a hefty price tag on them. Prices vary depending on the type of gas you use that is natural gas or liquid petroleum gas, with unflued gas being the most expensive.  

2. Turn off your Appliances!

Emissions: Fossil fuels cause increasing greenhouse gas emissions. 
Ideal for: Not suitable for new installations owing to environmental and safety considerations

With more people working from home and staying indoors during winter, bills are bound to go up. A simple yet effective way to keep the bills at bay, is to always turn off your appliances and lights that are not in use. That little red dot on your appliances? Is what is known as a phantom energy drain, though turned off, the devices are not fully shut down and are merely on standby mode.  

3. Close draughty windows

Drafty windows and doors can be heat draining outlets allowing valuable warm air to escape and requiring your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This results into greater energy costs. Take some time to seal leaks and drafts. This is a simple DIY job that can be completed with weather stripping or caulk, and the increased overall efficiency will result in substantial savings on your winter energy expenses. 

Now that we have tackled a few tips to overall reduce your energy consumption. Let us look at how to optimise your heat pump.  

Getting the most out of your heating system.  

1. Optimize Your Heating System:  

Embrace the Thermostat: contrary to popular belief, cranking up your heat pump does not make it work efficiently. If anything, it adds strain to your pump, aim for a temperature of around 20°C (68°F). This helps reduce the demand on the heat pump, making it handle the workload efficiently. You may need to consider investing in smart thermostats, they will allow you to schedule your heating. 

Schedule Smart: use programmable features on smart thermostat to schedule and turn off your heat pump for when you are away or sleeping. Lowering the temperature by even a few degrees, can have a huge impact on lowering your energy bill.  

Let the sunshine in: open your curtains and blinds on those rare sunny winter days to enjoy the sun’s natural light and warmth. This decreases the demand on your pump and cuts down on electricity. Consider putting in automated blinds to remotely open the curtains to have more control over natural heating.  

2.Leverage Smart Modes:  

Dehumidifier mode: Winter tends to be quite humid. If your heat pump has the dehumidifier function, use it to create a more comfortable atmosphere by reducing excess moisture and the need to increase your temperature. Dehumidifiers also help on mould prevention potentially saving you a few coins on repairs later.  

Explore Eco- friendly modes: Eco/ Energy -saving modes are created to maximise on efficiency while, lowering the energy consumption without compromising on comfort.  

3.Maintain Your Heat Pump Unit:  

Clean Regularly: cleaning of air filters ensures that there is proper airflow. Blocked filters cause your heat pump to overwork to maintain temperatures. This step can increase efficiency by up to 15%.  

Schedule Professional Maintenance: at least once a year, get your heat pump inspected and maintained by a technician, do this ideally before winter. Regular maintenance ensures that your system functions properly, ensures longevity and improved efficiency. 

4. Consider Winterization Techniques:  

Cover the Outdoor Unit: for heat pumps that sit outside, consider covering it with something that is breathable during the cold months. This protects the pup form harsh weather conditions and reduces wear and tear.  

Disconnect Outdoor Water Lines: during winter, disconnecting outdoor water lines and hoses attached to the pump will prevent potential damage caused by freezing.  

5. Invest in Smart Technology (Optional):  

Smart Thermostats: smart thermostats can be personalised and learn your daily routine; these features automatically adjust to provide maximum comfort and efficiency. They can also be controlled remotely, allowing you to turn them on or off during those chilly winter nights. Looking to for a smart thermostat but do not know where to begin? Schedule a free consultation with us today  

By employing all or at least most of the above tips, you can enjoy a comfortable winter without breaking the bank. It is always ideal to start these processes a few weeks to winter, if you still have not done so, it is never too late to save a dollar.  

Remember, a well-maintained heat pump unit not only saves money on your energy bills but also extends its lifespan, saving you money on costly replacements in the long run.