Australian winters aren’t as cold as they are in other parts of the world. However, you still want to be comfortable in your own home during the chillier months.
Here are our top tips on how to have a cozy and warm home during the winter months.
We also share the best ways to keep your heating bill low and your overall energy efficiency high.
After all, comfort shouldn’t come at too high of a price.
1. Furniture Placement is Key
Feeling like your home’s decor is in need of a bit of an upgrade?
You can use this opportunity to move around some of your furniture, or even buy some new pieces.
While putting your favourite chair over your radiator might seem like a good idea, all it really does is end up blocking the airflow throughout your room and home. In other words? That chair might feel nice and toasty, but the rest of the home will still be cold.
Move your furniture so that you leave at least a half a meter in between your furniture and your radiator.
2. Focus on Proper Insulation
It’s important to have good insulation throughout your house. It helps keep your energy bill low and your home warm at the same time.
While this can be done after building your home, it is much better to do it while building. Champion Homes includes insulation as part of their standard inclusions.
If your radiator is attached to a wall, place a bit of foil behind it. This will help to ensure that the heat circulates back into the room.
You should also take a look at your roof. About 1/4 of your heat will be lost through a roof without proper insulation. We strongly advise you to look into loft insulation. You should also check to ensure that your hot water tank is properly insulated.
3. Timing Matters
A programmable thermostat is a great eco-friendly solution. It helps keep your monthly bills for heating as low as possible, you should invest in a programmable thermostat.
You won’t even need to remember to turn it down when you’re stepping out, falling asleep, or when the temperature is a bit more tolerable.
We suggest using the timer setting effectively. Set it so that your heating system begins working about 30 minutes before you get home or wake up in the mornings.
If you set it early and at a lower temperature, you’ll save energy (and, by extension, money) than if you just crank up the temperature when you need it.
4. Pick up a Humidifier
Investing in a humidifier can help you have a warm home during the colder months.
Home heating systems, along with closed doors and windows can quickly make the air in your home very dry.
Dry air can cause cold and flu symptoms. It can also lead to a potential increase in bloody noses (especially in young children.) Additionally, if your air doesn’t have enough moisture in it, you won’t be able to get comfortable.
Investing in a humidifier can help fix these issues.
6. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Many people associate ceiling fans with keeping everyone cool in the warmer seasons. Not many realise that they can help prevent warm air in your home from getting trapped up towards the ceilings.
All you have to do is switch the rotation direction of your fan. In the winter months, ensure that your fan rotates clockwise.
This will help to “spread out” that warm air that’s by the ceiling throughout your home. If you have higher or vaulted ceilings, this tip is an absolute must-try.
You Deserve a Warm Home This Winter
We hope these tips will help keep your home warm this winter and save money in an environmentally friendly way.
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