In the thick of the colder months, it’s important to be thinking about how you could better winter-proof your home. While Australia doesn’t experience cold temperatures as extreme as other areas of the world, it is still important to take the necessary steps to ensure your home is comfortable and energy-efficient.
Experiencing less extreme cold generally means Australian homes are less prepared for cooler weather. They don’t all automatically have triple-glazed windows and the best heating systems, so it’s a good idea to see what you can do to better prepare your home.
From installing custom-made roller shutters for added insulation to sealing gaps and cracks, here are some ways that you can be more comfy at home in winter.
Weather-proofing your home has two main benefits:
1. Comfort
2. Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency, especially, is more important now than ever to help reduce your carbon footprint and avoid the burning of fossil fuels. The right insulation can ensure you’re relying less on your heating system, while efficient heating will further reduce your energy use.
Around a quarter of heat loss in the home comes from drafts through windows and doors. Door snakes and weather seals can be extremely useful to cover up gaps and keep out wind and rain. Check that your window seals are in good condition.
For any cracks along walls, floorboards, or ceilings, it’s recommended that you use caulk or a weatherproof sealant to seal them and prevent the cold from entering. When caulking, for a clean look you should look into the right caulk for the job, and tape around the area beforehand.
High quality blinds or shutters can be a great way to reduce heat transfer into or out of the home. A roller shutter, in particular, is able to block up to 70% of cold. These are filled with polyurethane foam, the same material used in freezers and eskies, making them an excellent thermal insulation tool.
There are some steps you can take to ensure your heating system is operating efficiently. Sometimes, that may mean investing in a new heating system altogether if your current system is inefficient. Energy Made Easy is a great place to compare electricity and gas offers.
A programmable thermostat can help to save energy. It is recommended that you keep the internal temperature between 18 and 20 degrees celsius, as every degree above this can add to energy use by 10%.
To improve efficiency, close the doors to areas that aren’t in use and only heat the rooms you’re using. You should also clean filters and vents and turn heating off when not necessary.
While it seems counter-intuitive, when put in reverse ceiling fans can help to spread warmer air around the room instead of remaining near the top. This can be a great way to reduce dependence on heating, as you won’t need to wait for the whole room to heat up when heat is dispersed.
Layers, layers, layers. A nice, warm jumper or blanket can mean you are cosy with minimum dependence on heating. Invest in warm bedding, comfortable throws or even electric blankets to add comfort that reduces energy use.
Not only are rugs and carpets comfortable to walk or sit on, but they also add insulation to floors that stops the cool from entering from below the home, or the heat from escaping. Floor coverings are an excellent way to add luxury while preventing heat transfer through flooring.
At Security Plus Shutters, Doors & Blinds, we pride ourselves on providing quality door and window furnishing solutions that offer added security, comfort and style to Australian homes. For custom roller shutters that are made to complement your home and last for many winters to come, contact us to receive a free measure and quote.