Ned Stark might as well have been talking to Kiwi homeowners when he uttered those three famous words. And while our winter probably won’t feature White Walkers or thousand-foot-tall ice walls, you can be certain it will be cold.
As the air cools down it can be difficult to stay comfortable in your castle. That’s why it’s always best to get ahead of the chill and have your home fully prepared for the cooler climes of winter before they’re here.
Here are our five quick tips for beating the cold at home.
As the air cools down it can be difficult to stay comfortable in your castle.
In winter, your curtains aren’t just there to look pretty. Up to 40 per cent of your home’s heat can be lost through your windows, and drapes are you last line of defense.
When it’s cold inside, keep them shut as they’ll help to trap the heat in where it’s needed. On the other hand, if the sun’s beating down, make the most of it and keep your curtains open. That’s the best free heating you can get!
Your home should always be fully insulated during winter.
If it isn’t, heat will pour out like water through a sieve and your electricity bill will not be pretty at the end of the month. But sometimes going the whole nine yards is difficult. Perhaps you don’t have the time or the money to fit or refit all of your insulation before winter.
If that’s the case, you should focus on insulating your roof before all else. The ACT government estimates that up to 35 per cent of heat is lost through your roof – so that’s where you’ll get the most value.
This one seems simple, but you’d be surprised by how often it’s forgotten.
When you’re heating a room, the doors should always be shut tight to keep the warmth in.
By following this rule you’ll increase the efficiency of your heating as you’ll only be warming a small space – rather than your entire house.
You can increase the efficiency of your heating even further by popping a few under-door seals on your doors
The key to staying warm this winter is to remember to focus on warming people not your home.
This winter is to focus on warming people, not your homHeating an entire house will costs you thousands, but keeping people warm is far easier and more efficient.
Invest in snug blankets for the living room and get the whole family inside before shutting the doors and cranking the heat. Staying warm can be a great excuse for a bit of family time.
Every heater is not created equal – some will suck power and blow out cold air, while others will be ultra-efficient and effective. Obviously, you want the latter type in your home, but it can be hard to inspect it yourself.
That’s why it’s such a good idea to get your heating appliances inspected by a licensed electrician at the beginning of every winter season. If one has a problem or is running efficiently, they’ll be able to identify the problem and fix it – which could shave hundreds or even thousands off your heating bill.
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