Warm home, cooler bills: How to reduce winter energy costs

26 JUNE 2026 | 4 MIN READ

Winter has a way of making itself known, not just through colder mornings and shorter days, but often through a higher energy bill. As households spend more time heating their homes and using hot water, energy use naturally increases.

The good news is that some of the biggest contributors to winter energy costs are also the areas where homeowners can make the greatest savings. A few simple changes, combined with efficient heating and hot water solutions, can help keep your home comfortable while reducing household energy bills.

Crowd of people attending a Haier event at ARBS 2026

Heat smart this winter

For many households, heating accounts for a significant portion of winter energy use. If you're still relying on gas heating, you may be paying more than you need to.

Modern air conditioners like Haier's 600 Series QP and new 500 Series wall mounted split systems are among the most energy-efficient heating options available, delivering up to five units of heat energy for every one unit of electricity consumed. That's a performance ratio gas simply can't match.

Switching to an efficient air conditioning and heating system doesn't just help reduce running costs. It can also reduce reliance on gas altogether, helping households avoid ongoing gas connection fees while enjoying year-round comfort from a single system.

Crowd of people attending a Haier event at ARBS 2026

Five simple ways to reduce winter energy costs

Even the most efficient system performs best when used well. These simple habits can help maximise comfort and minimise unnecessary energy use.

  1. Set a consistent temperature

    A steady temperature of around 18–20°C is generally more efficient than allowing a room to cool down before heating it again.

  2. Make use of timers and schedules

    Programming heating around your daily routine helps ensure energy isn't being used when nobody is home. Haier systems make it easy to tailor heating to suit your lifestyle.

  3. Heat the rooms you use most

    There's little benefit in heating empty spaces. Close doors where possible and take advantage of zoning features available in Haier ducted systems to focus comfort where it's needed.

  4. Keep filters clean

    A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make a system work harder than necessary. A quick clean at the start of the season can help maintain performance and efficiency.

  5. Work with the winter sun

    Open curtains on north-facing windows during the day to let natural warmth in, then close them as temperatures drop to help retain heat indoors.

The hidden cost of hot water

While heating often gets the attention, hot water is another major contributor to household energy use and energy bills. 

If you're heating water with gas or a traditional electric element, upgrading to a Haier Heat Pump Hot Water system can reduce your hot water energy costs by up to 79%. 

Using the same efficient technology found in reverse-cycle air conditioning, heat pump systems draw warmth from the surrounding air rather than generating it from scratch. This significantly reduces the amount of energy required to heat water while delivering the comfort households rely on every day. 

Small changes, lasting savings

When it comes to reducing winter energy bills, small changes can add up quickly. Adjusting everyday habits, making better use of existing systems and upgrading older technology can all help improve home energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort. 

For homeowners looking to stay warm while keeping energy costs under control, winter can be the perfect time to rethink how heating and hot water are delivered throughout the home. With efficient air conditioning and heat pump hot water solutions, Haier is helping more households enjoy comfort with confidence, all season long.