The $30 ALDI hack I’m banking on to slash my winter energy bills
It's been a ridiculously cold start to winter here in Australia, and with electricity prices rising on 1 July, I've been desperate to stay warm without worrying about how much it costs every time I turn on the heater.
My apartment can quickly become an icebox because the insulation is terrible (no surprises there).
I had the heating cranked all day while WFH a few weeks back when the cold snap first kicked in. So did my partner in the second bedroom. And then it was running all through the evening while we sat on the couch watching TV.
This lasted 3-4 days as we couldn't brave the cold to get into the office and 'save money'.
A casual shopping trip that has paid off big
I was at the shopping centre the weekend after I likely ran my energy bill high and made a pit stop at ALDI to check out the specials.
They had electric blankets going for just under $30. The material was soft. It had nine temperature settings, plus a timer.
The tan colour wasn't my favourite, but I said, what the heck, it's 30 bucks!
As an energy expert, I know exactly how much it costs to run an electric blanket (just 4 cents an hour) and different types of heaters.
So this was a no-brainer.
It's now been a few weeks. Sydney's still freeeeezing and I've never felt happier (a bit of an exaggeration given leaving for work early in the morning is brutal!). However, the toasty warmth is so nice.
Even if the ALDI one isn't in stock, there are plenty of other electric blankets on the market to suit different budgets. The important thing to know is they're super cheap to run.
It's a great option whether you're in a one- or two-person household, or even part of a larger family. You can be in separate rooms and just use your electric blankets instead of buying or running multiple heaters at once.
Want to know how much power bills are going up by on 1 July 2025? Check out the details.
Other easy hacks to keep your winter energy bills down
- Blackout or blockout curtains. I have these in my master bedroom as my partner is extremely sensitive to light. Luckily, they're also a great way to keep the cold out and the warmth in, as they help insulate homes by blocking drafts around windows and reducing heat loss. The installation can be really simple if you already have a tension rod.
- Layer up! This is really obvious, but dressing warm should be your first cheap hack. Think warm socks, thermals or an OODIE. You don't even need to buy the real deal. You could get a dupe from elsewhere (otherwise known as hooded blankets). I got mine two years ago for $35, and it's still going strong.
- A hot water bottle or a heat pack. Use one when you're sitting on your office chair at home or curled up on the couch. Perhaps even with a hot mug of cocoa!
While you do these DIY hacks, one of the best ways to save money on your power bills is to compare energy plans.
There can be as much as a $500 to $700 a year difference between the cheapest and most expensive plans.
You may also be overpaying if you haven't shopped around for a new plan in over 12 months.
Want to find a cheaper energy plan?
Compare offers from popular providers, pronto.
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