Well … it’s here.​

In the spirit of our highly useful eight tips to survive the heat, we bring you our top tips to keep warm this winter.

That power bill gets scarier each quarter.

Use door snakes to keep cold air out, and curtains and blinds to keep warm air in (just make sure to have ventilation if you’re using a gas heater). Turn your heater down a degree; according to consumer group Choice, each degree less will save about 10 per cent on your energy use.

With the heater running more, it’s also a good time to test your smoke alarm.

Power and gas prices are a little terrifying these days, so why not take advantage of other people’s heating? We’re talking the movies, Weswald Gallery, even shopping centres (just avoid the cold and frozen food supermarket aisles!)

They’ve got the heaters on anyway – it would be rude not to use it!

It seems self-explanatory, but putting on more clothes is a sure-fire way to keep warm in winter. That means under-layers, over-layers, in-betweeny layers.

Try for good quality winter woolies and thermals and maybe even pack a blanket if your destination is outdoors!

Avoid getting wet (not hard these days, unfortunately), or wear quick-drying materials.

It’s just as important in winter because of all the time spent in dry, temperature-controlled environments. If you don’t feel like cold water, try decaffeinated tea.

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and wash your hands to avoid the spread of germs.

Check in with older neighbours or anyone you know who might be doing it tough.

The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW can help to negotiate affordable payment plans and hardship plans with utility providers. Visit www.ewon.com.au or call 1800 246 585.