Get winter-ready while cutting emissions and bills

How making your home greener this season can warm your conscience and ease your wallet.

As winter approaches, now is the perfect time to future-proof your home, reduce your energy bills, and shrink your carbon footprint. While businesses are under growing pressure to curb emissions, individuals also have the power to create meaningful change, starting at home. 

According to the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Australian households use around 24 per cent of the country’s electricity and contribute about 10 per cent of total carbon emissions. And with heating and cooling making up roughly 40 per cent of household energy usage winter can be a particularly expensive time, especially in older Aussie homes that leak warm air like a sieve. 

Why act now? 

Older homes with poor insulation and inefficient heating systems burn through electricity, pushing up both energy bills and emissions. With chilly mornings creeping in, it makes sense to make changes now before you find yourself cranking the heater 24/7. 

Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. From quick DIY fixes to bigger upgrades supported by rebates and incentives, there are ways for every household to make an impact. 

Quick, low-cost ways to stay warm and save 

If you’re not ready to commit to large upgrades, small habit changes and low-cost tweaks can still go a long way: 

• Close curtains and blinds at night to trap warmth inside. 

• Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent draughts. 

• Zone your heating—only warm the rooms you use most. 

• Adjust your thermostat to a recommended 18–21°C in winter to save on energy bills (tip from Energy NSW). 

• Use LED light bulbs and turn off lights and appliances when not in use. 

• Minimise hot water use—take shorter showers, fit a low-flow showerhead, and wash clothes in cold water. 

These changes may seem small, but they add up over time to make a serious dent in your energy usage, and your power bill. 

Upgrade for bigger winter savings 

If your budget allows, investing in efficiency upgrades before the cold really sets in can pay off in the long run. 

• Insulation is one of the best ways to improve thermal comfort and reduce bills. According to the CSIRO, insulating a previously uninsulated home can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 45 per cent. 

• Windows are another major source of heat loss. Up to 40 per cent of a home’s heat can escape through them. If new double-glazing is out of reach, heavy curtains or thermal blinds are a much cheaper way to boost efficiency. 

• Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models (look for more stars on the Energy Rating label). The upfront cost often pays itself back over the appliance’s life through lower energy bills. 

Take advantage of rebates and incentives 

Australia’s sunny climate means we’re in a prime position to harness solar energy, and with government help, the transition is more affordable than ever. 

Federal incentives such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme can significantly reduce the upfront cost of rooftop solar installations, often by around 30 per cent. These incentives are designed to make clean energy more attainable for homeowners and small businesses alike. 

In addition to federal programs, many local councils and financial institutions across Australia offer support for energy-efficient upgrades. This can include interest-free or low-interest loans, rebates on solar panel systems or batteries, and other energy-efficient improvements such as insulation or heating upgrades. 

Since incentives vary by State and provider, it’s a good idea to check with your local council for any available rebates and reach out to your mortgage broker for guidance on available green loan options. 

The takeaway 

Making your home more energy-efficient this winter doesn’t just mean staying warm—it’s a chance to save money, boost comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Whether you’re making small changes today or planning a larger retrofit down the track, now is the time to act. With cooler days ahead, every step you take can help your home— and the planet—stay in better shape. 

Please note all information contained in this article has been identified as accurate at time of writing on a best endeavours basis. The contents of this article do not constitute legal or professional advice and should not be relied upon as such.