Power bills are biting hard this winter, and for many households the choice between comfort and cost feels tougher than ever. While Healthy Homes standards set a baseline for warmth and dryness, there’s still plenty you can do inside your place to make the most of what you’ve got - without cranking up the heater or your energy bill.

1. Know your heat pump (and how to use it)

It sounds basic, but a surprising amount of power is lost just from the wrong settings.

• Auto mode isn’t your friend - set it to “Heat” in winter and “Cool” in summer so it’s not constantly switching.
• Aim for 18–20°C in winter (each degree higher can add around 10% to running costs).
• Keep filters clean; a dusty filter makes it work harder and chew through more power.

If your heat pump isn’t operating properly, let your property manager know - it’s part of the Healthy Homes standard and needs to be sorted.

2. Make your curtains work harder

Curtains aren’t just for privacy. In winter, close them as soon as the sun drops to hold in heat. If you can, choose curtains that touch the floor and sit close to the wall – even a cheap pair of thermal liners can make a difference.

3. Stop sneaky draughts

Draughts are a power-sapper. Under Healthy Homes rules, it’s up to the landlord to block them from external doors and windows. But for extra comfort, you can also reduce heat loss between rooms - for example, by putting a rolled-up towel or a door snake at the bottom of an internal door. It’s a small, low-cost way to keep warmth where you want it, like your bedroom overnight, without running the heat pump 24/7.

4. Warm up your routine, not just the room

Small shifts can mean you rely less on heating:

• Use a hot water bottle or wheat bag in bed before you hop in.
• Layer up (wool and merino work wonders).
• Batch-cook meals – the oven warms the kitchen, and you’ll have extras ready for later.

5. Cool heads in summer

When the weather swings to the other extreme, the same principles apply: close curtains early to keep sun out, open windows when the air is cooler, and set your heat pump to “Cool” (not “Auto”).

6. Talk to us early
If something in your place isn’t helping – a heater not working, a window that won’t close, persistent damp or draughts – get in touch with your property manager early. Sorting small issues before they grow can make a big difference. Pair that with a few simple changes to how you heat, cool and use your space, and you’ll be more comfortable year‑round without the shock of a soaring power bill.