In case you hadn't noticed, it is starting to get pretty cold outside. Winter is well and truly upon us, and while it has been reasonably nice up until now, the below zero temperatures are becoming more frequent and heaters are starting to get a workout.
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While the cold weather has set in, it is still not too late to make some changes to your home that will not only keep you warm through the winter months but can also make your home more energy efficient and even help you out during the summer.
Kerrianne Mahwood, from Mahwood's Mitre 10, said that wood heaters are making a comeback given they can keep your home consistently warm across longer periods and are cost efficient if you have easy access to wood. "Wood heaters are again gaining popularity especially given you can put them onto a slow burn overnight to keep your house warm during the cold mornings".
For those who don't have easy access to wood supplies or are looking for an instant heat source, Kerrianne said gas fires are the way to go. "Gas fires are great because the provide amazing warmth at the flick of a switch and with new models they also provide the look and feel of a cosy wood fire," she said. "Gas heating is also perfect for outdoor entertaining areas and sheds with portable mushroom heaters and area heaters great during winter".
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Insulation is also important to keep your home comfortable inside no matter what the temperature is outside. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing property, insulation should be part of any planning.
Insulation is the most energy efficient addition you can make to your home, providing a barrier to heat flowing in and out of your home which helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Insulating your home along with other efforts such as weatherproofing can also help you save up to 45 per cent on your current energy bills.
Kerrianne said tips that people can use to keep their homes warm such as shutting window blinds early in the day, using fans to distribute heat more evenly and closing off sections of your home that you aren't using. Other things you can do to make your home more comfortable include:
- Add carpets and large rugs into your home for warmth and style.
- Seal any gaps around windows and doors that let outside air into your home.
- Use door draught stoppers to stop that cold air creeping in.
- Apply a window film to your windows or if you have the budget, install double glazed windows.
- Plan your garden and landscaping to allow plenty of sunlight in.