GOOD ADVICE

Don’t let heating bills break the bank

A DOLLAR saved is a dollar earned and there are plenty of dollars to be saved heating the home, especially in these times of surging energy prices.

Experts at consumer group Choice have compiled their top tips on how to stay cosy without breaking the bank.

Here are the top tips from Choice for keeping your home warm this winter: 1. Decide which heating option best fits your budget.

Based on running costs alone, reversecycle air conditioning is easily the cheapest way to warm the home. Estimates show that a reverse-cycle air conditioner will cost only a little more to run for the entire year than an electric heater will cost to run just for three months. The only problem with reversecycle air conditioners is the big upfront cost.

Simple things such as closing a curtain can reduce the need to run a heater. 2. Track down and seal draughts.

Tracking down the draughts and sealing them up will keep the home warmer and help save on energy bills. If you’re having trouble detecting the draughts, light a candle or incense stick and run it along the gaps under doors and around windows. A draught will become obvious as the flame flickers or smoke blows around.

Weather seal tape or draught strips from the hardware store will fill gaps, or use a good old-fashioned door snake. 3. Use your curtains.

Up to 40 per cent of heating energy can be lost through windows. Closing curtains or blinds can make a big difference to keeping warmth inside. 4. Switch ceiling fans to reverse.

Switch fans to reverse or winter mode, and use them in combination with the heating system. It will help to spread the hot air more evenly throughout the home and not just around the ceiling. Lab tests found that using a ceiling fan in reverse means less work for the heater. 5. Ask your energy provider for a better deal, or switch to a new one.

If you’ve been with the same energy provider for a while it’s a good idea to call and ask them if they can give you a better deal. Compare energy plans using Energy Made Easy.

Algester Lodge offer Residential Care & Respite Care

Providing quality aged care for over 19 years

At Algester Lodge, we provide to you high-quality residential & respite care, nestled in a bushland setting with landscaped gardens. Depending on your need we offer quality and security with 24/7 Registered Nurses on-site.

Respite Care will be beneficial to you and your loved one to give you both peace of mind. If you require a break from your supportive role, please call our caring staff at either location.

“Everyone has been very polite & extremely helpful, especially as we were unaware of what we do. Mum is very happy with her treatment.” Resident’s Family Member

Proudly Australian owned & operated since 1970

ALGESTER LODGE

117 Dalmeny Street, Algester, Queensland 4115 p: (07) 3711 4711 f: (07) 3711 5699 e: admissions@algesterlodge.com www.algesterlodge.com BUNDALEER LODGE NURSING HOME

114 Holdsworth Road North Ipswich, Queensland 4305 p: (07) 3201 8772 f: (07) 3201 7926 e: admissions@bundaleerlodge.com www.bundaleerlodge.com We’re here to help