Smart ways to stay warm this winter

The daffodils are out, wattles are blooming and spring might be peeking around the corner, but our Victorian winter isn't done with us yet.

While the days are starting to stretch out, many households are reaching for the heater controls when they wake up to frosty mornings or after the sun’s gone down.

The good news? A few small changes can help you use less energy at home while keeping the winter chill at bay.

If you're looking for the biggest opportunity to save, start with your heating. Heating and cooling account for about 40% of the energy used in a typical Australian home, making it one of the easiest places to make a meaningful difference.

Simple habits can go a long way. Setting your heater to between 18–20°C, closing doors to rooms you're not using, blocking draughts and shutting curtains and blinds after sunset can help keep warmth where you need it most.

Think of it as helping your home hold onto the heat it's already worked hard to create.

For households planning bigger changes, winter can also be the perfect time to explore energy-efficient electric appliances. Reverse-cycle heating and cooling systems, for example, provide efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer, all from the one appliance.

And if you've ever wondered how much you could save by making the switch from gas to electric appliances, SEC has created a digital tool, Easy Electric SEC, to help Victorians cut through the complexity and electrify their homes with confidence.

Free to use for all Victorians, the tool gives households clear, personalised information to understand their energy use and potential savings. Users can explore electric upgrades, including potential rebates and discounts, get tailored, obligation-free quotes, and find local SEC-endorsed installers to supply and complete their upgrades.