Australia's cost of living continues to rise and nowhere is this more obvious than in the cost of our energy. For many of us, it is difficult to find a balance between affordability and sustainability and it's not that easy in Australia to reduce our carbon footprint and its damaging impact on the environment when faced with such extremes of temperature.

No one wants to spend three months of the year stuck in front of a heater but that is the reality for many Australians

Our original weatherboard beach cottages and single-brick properties simply weren't designed for such extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, many older properties are difficult to convert to modern living and offer little in the way of insulation. Hence, with the phasing out of fossil fuels, it is no wonder that many of us are wondering whether it is actually possible to keep warm in an eco-friendly, cost-effective way?

Fortunately, the answer to that question is yes and Listing Loop has discovered 7 smart ways you can adapt your property to do just that:

1. Double-Glaze your windows – Replacing old windows with double-glazing or insulated glass units (IGUs) will reduce your energy bills. “Double glazing window properties where the air gap insulation between the glass is filled with gas allow the reduction of heat loss or gain by up to 30% compared to single glazing windows.” Not to mention the added benefit of reduced noise in your home. But if the cost of double glazing your windows isn’t quite in your budget, the right window treatments like thick curtains and blinds can create an effective barrier.
2. Choose flooring that insulates your home – Your original timber boards might look fabulous, but there are other flooring options that are just as stylish and far better at keeping the cold out – as well as bugs! Surprisingly, hardwood floors regulate the climate in your home, but they do need an underlay to be effective, and overall, carpet is still your best option in terms of insulation and affordability. But don't worry if it's not your style or someone in your family suffers from allergies, other great options include cork - which is back in fashion - vinyl and laminate floors.
3. Choose an energy-saving heating and cooling system – According to the government, what you spend on heating and cooling equates to about 40% of your energy usage. Gas has been considered the most cost-effective way to heat your home in the past, but as fossil fuels lose their shine and we become more aware of their safety, cost and impact on the environment, more and more property owners are switching to other options. Reverse-cycle, split-system air conditioners – which combine heating and cooling – are far cheaper to run, but if your budget doesn't extend that far, electric heaters are an effective alternative. For winter bath lovers, solar panelling is another great way to save on your water-heating bills, and simply changing the lighting in your bathroom to heated globes can help you avoid that shocking drop in temperature first thing in the morning.
4. Fix draft stoppers to your doors – Hats protect our bodies from losing heat and by simply plugging or filling gaps in your home, you can help retain its warmth. To stop door drafts, draft-proofing strips and door snakes are effective and cheap ways to minimise them.
5. Insulate your roof properly – Back to our hat analogy for this one because by making sure your roof is airtight and properly insulated, you will lose less of that precious warm air you have created with your new, eco-friendly heating options.
6. Shade effectively – From choosing effective window treatments to finding the right location for your plants and trees, shading will have a substantial impact on your energy bills. Though blinds and curtains are an effective barrier, it is also a good idea when buying or building a property to consider which way it faces. North-facing properties in Australia benefit from the morning sun in winter, and if you are in the fortunate position of building your own property, you can plan and implement the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
7. Switch to better energy-saving appliances – According to Origin, appliances account for 33% of your household energy usage, so it's important to be selective about which white goods you buy. Luxury appliances such as wine fridges are real energy guzzlers, so each time you replace an appliance, check its energy rating first. Dryers are one of the worst offenders, so make the most of our sunny winter days by hanging your washing outside.

The secret to a good investment is knowing the devil in the detail and our sister 'loop' business, Moving Loop, offers you an energy comparison site and support with your move and getting connected

But in the meantime, if you need assistance to decipher the different charges on your bills, or want to review your bills, check out the tips we've shared in earlier blog posts.

Clearly, there's never been a better time to save money where you can, and if you can do your part in saving the planet as well, all the better.

Property costs continue to rise in many suburbs and many experts believe that an increase in interest rates won't stop them, despite the predictions of the media. So understanding your property's insulation requirements and the energy choices available to you, could make a big difference to its value. Whether you are buying or building a new home, or simply looking to switch energy suppliers, Moving Loop will help find you the energy deal to suit your needs.

Meanwhile, you can count on Listing Loop to offer an exciting range of eco-friendly off-market listings with energy-saving plans that will keep you warm in winter

Many of our off-market properties for sale have been purposely built with sustainable materials and finishes and equipped with energy-saving appliances, and the best part about being one of our members and viewing them off-market is you could be the first to find your dream, energy-efficient home.

We're here to help

We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.

And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can check out homes for you and organise sales assessments and negotiations.

Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.

Just sign up at Listing Loop or download our app.