Advertisement

A new analysis has found the shocking ways Aussies are wastefully heating their homes and significantly increasing their annual energy bills.

The analysis by financial comparison website Mozo found one in 10 Aussies are leaving their heaters on when they go out, so they can keep their pets warm. This practice is costing them roughly $263 per year.

It was also found that one in 10 Aussies waste $105 a year on heating their rooms to a temperature where they can wear less clothing, such as T-shirts.

One in four people are also using their tumble dryer on sunny days, which is costing them $62 annually.

In an interview with the Herald Sun, Mozo spokeswoman Kirsty Lamont said people need to rethink the ways that they are heating their homes during the colder months.

“A lot of Aussies are indulging in heating habits that are costing us big time,’’ she said.

“At the end of the day putting on a jumper instead of boosting up your thermostat is going to be a lot cheaper or using grandma’s door snake.”

The analysis found that one in two people admitted to having longer hot showers in winter, costing them an extra $81 a year.

Origin spokesman Stuart Osbourne advised Aussies to instead use cost-effective strategies to warm up in winter.

“Review the temperature you set your thermostat at for heating — the ideal temperature for winter is between 18 and 20 degrees — every degree above that uses 10 per cent more energy,’’ he said.

“Heated throw rugs are a cheap and effective way to cool yourself first — rather than heating the entire room.”

What are your cost-effective ways for staying warm in winter? Let us know in the comments below. 

Article created in partnership with Over60