New Zealand homes have a reputation for being cold and damp. We listed a few ways to warm up your home during the winter months.
Insulation
Insulating your home will save you money in the long run. Its estimated 42 percent of household heat is lost through the roof! Walls account for around 24 percent of heat loss, while floors are 10%(1). If you want to increase the temperature in your home, insulate your ceilings, walls and timber floors!
Curtains
It may seem like a simple solution, but curtains are a great way to keep heat in at night. Install thick thermal curtains to add an extra layer of insulation to your windows. Make sure you keep them shut when it gets dark and open them during the day to let the sun pour in!
DIY Double Glazed Windows
You can reduce condensation on your windows by adding self-adhesive film to the inside of the frame. This helps create a pocket of air between the film and the glass, acting as insulation between the exterior and interior. Check out the DIY guide by Bunnings for more information.
Stop Draughts
Use draught stoppers behind doors to keep draughts from entering your home. Locate draughts in your home by using a lit candle. Close all of your windows and doors and turn off any air disturbance appliances. Walk around windows and doors, and when the light flickers you’ll know you have a draught! (2). To stop draughts around windows try re-caulking the seals.
More information
Check out our previous blog post for more information on the building envelope and passive design.
