During the colder months, the way we use our home changes. While in summer it acts as a home base, in winter it becomes a haven, where our thoughts turn to keeping the place warm and dry, as well as the financial and environmental costs of doing so.
While we’re heading towards the end of winter, many people are experiencing increases in their power bills. Winter doesn’t have to be totally miserable – with our top tips, you can keep everyone cosy, stop your power bill getting out of hand, and keep up your sustainability commitments.
Minimise draughts
Addressing gaps around windows and doors, particularly in older houses, is essential to preventing chilly draughts from blowing in but also stopping warm air inside the home from leaking out. When warm air gets out, your heating works overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. Draught door stoppers and window frame strips are super cheap, and perfect for making sure the cold stays outside where it belongs.
Prevent heat loss through windows
Approximately 30% of your home’s heating energy is lost through windows. Single glazed windows are especially bad for this, but there is an inexpensive way to fix it. Window film acts as an additional barrier to heat loss, helping your place heat up faster and stay warm longer, reducing the workload of your home heating.
Level up your curtains
Curtains are another great way to prevent heat loss through windows. High quality curtains hung close to the wall, and preferably floor length, provide the best heat retention. You can also get thermal curtains, which contain an additional layer of insulation to boost their performance. A curtain upgrade is also a chance to breathe a bit of new life into some of your living spaces.
Check your insulation
Window film and curtains are great, but they won’t make up for a lack of wall, floor and ceiling insulation. If your house becomes a freezer in winter, you may not have sufficient insulation. Retrofitting insulation varies in price, but you can get a good idea of your house’s current insulation performance with a free assessment. Speak to your local Mitre 10 to find out more.
Stay ventilated
Even in winter, it’s a great idea to let some fresh air in for a minimum of five minutes a day. Opening windows on opposite sides of the house during winter afternoons will let a bit of a breeze through, refreshing the air in your home and reducing the buildup of condensation and moisture that can lead to mould. It’s cheaper and more effective than running your air conditioning.
Choose the right heating solution
Heating is absolutely essential during winter, and there’s plenty of options to choose from. Wood fires are very effective and use renewable fuel, but they can be pricey to buy and install. Heat pumps offer flexibility and convenience, but like wood fires, they come with a large upfront cost. Portable and mounted heaters are much cheaper up front but more expensive to run and typically heat a smaller area.
Look for ways to save power
Switching your light bulbs to energy efficient LEDs will help reduce your power bill. Solar lights in the garden will help too, and don’t forget to use sensors for your outdoor lighting so they only turn on when needed. Hanging your washing out on dry days will help you avoid the dryer. Even little things like turning off lights when you’re out of the room or switching off appliances when not in use can add up.
Maintaining a warm, dry and healthy home in winter doesn’t have to cost us an arm and a leg, and it doesn’t have to cost the planet either. Find all the products, guides and advice you need at mitre10.co.nz/healthyhomes
Book your free Insulation Assessment at mitre10.co.nz/insulation-installation
