Keeping your home warm as toast doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether it’s a large family home or compact apartment, there are a number of low-cost strategies to keep the home cosy during cold nights in:
- cover windows with curtains to cut down heat loss by up to 50 per cent
- open curtains on north-facing windows and doors to maximise solar warmth throughout the day
- draught-proof under doors and around windows to retain heat using weather strips or door snakes
- heat only the rooms required, ensuring doors and windows are closed off
- check the home for gaps and cracks that can let cold air in
- consider rugs and carpets to cover floorboards, concrete and tiled floors to both insulate the room and create a warmer surface underfoot. These removable floor coverings are easy to clean and store away at change of season
- where possible, use built-in timers and variable temperature controls on portable heaters for more efficient heating
- use a space heater to take the chill out of bedrooms before going to bed, then turn it off once you’re under the covers
- keep the dog or cat flap closed at night to avoid comings and goings that let in cold air
- warm air rises while cold air sinks, so it’s worth considering quality insulation products for the wall cavities and roofs, particularly in large dwellings or homes with an attic
If you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, it’s worth investing in quality insulation products between the walls and in the roof. Insulation helps maintain heat during winter while keeping the temperatures down in summer, making it a great long-term solution.