With this winter shaping up to be chillier than in recent years, here are some tips for a warmer home.
With the possibility of an El Nino weather pattern developing in June, there could be some freezing days ahead this winter.
That prospect will have many people wondering how to stay warm in their homes. While the increasing cost of living has made it difficult for many, here are 10 tips for a cosier home during these colder months.
The heat is on
Temperatures in our homes should be at least 16-18ºC, according to the World Health Organisation. It’s a difficult standard to maintain during a bleak southern winter, especially on a budget. Heat pumps are generally thought to be the most efficient and most cost-effective heating source - and among the most convenient too. Set them for between 20-21ºC and make use of the timer to turn on before you get up in the morning and before you get home after work.
Wood fired
Modern log burners are also highly efficient, creating superb radiant heat while using a renewable source of fuel. They can easily keep larger spaces warm, with lower running costs than many forms of electric heating. Further benefits include the fact a log burner
won’t let you down when the power goes out, and many can double as a surface for cooking on. Then there’s also the visual warmth they add to the ambience of a room. But just make sure the wood you buy has been properly seasoned before purchasing.
Well insulated
Insulating is just as much about keeping warm air in than keeping cold air out, meaning that your heating source won’t be working so hard. It helps create a warm, dry, and healthy living environment. As heat rises, the place to start is in the ceiling, where over 40% of heat is lost. The floor is the next priority, as it accounts for a further 10%. Wall insulation is a more difficult proposition, but certainly worth considering when renovating. Check your eligibility for a Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation grant at www.eeca.govt.nz
Close the windows
Windows are another obvious point of heat transfer, letting the cold in and the warm out. Double or even triple glazing are the best option, but there are other choices if that’s out of reach. The first are thick, thermally backed curtains that reach all the way to the floor. These will reduce both heat loss and condensation in a major way. Secondly, you can find DIY window insulation kits that are relatively cheap, with a film that can shrink to fit your window frames.
Dodge the draught
Those cold draughts have a cunning way of finding their way through the smallest gaps. So get wise and close up all those places that they’re getting in - mainly around windows and doors. Adhere foam strips between the windows and the frames, tighten window and door hinges, implement double-sided draught stoppers to seal the gaps at the bottom, block up unused fireplaces, and even think about the cat flap - without consigning Kitty to a cold and lonely evening outside.
Forget the wet
Dampness is the enemy, and there are many sources of moisture in the home - cooking, showering, drying laundry, and even some heating. It’ll lead to mould, musty smells, and a generally unhealthy environment. Good ventilation can help - opening windows and doors for a brief period during the warmest part of the day if that’s
possible. Otherwise, a dehumidifier can remove some of that moisture - and heat pumps serve that function to some extent. Putting lids on pots stops steam during cooking, while a rangehood vents it outside. Likewise, your clothes dryer should be vented outdoors, while drying clothes on racks outside is ideal where possible.
Light and heat
If your bathroom is cold, consider an LED heat lamp. An energy efficient solution, they provide instant, targeted warmth where you need it, and make cold mornings far more comfortable. Far better than older infrared heat lamps, an LED model will reduce your power bill over time. Many are designed to integrate with lighting, ventilation, and smart controls, and so give bathrooms a cleaner look and greater flexibility in use. Their quick warm-up time and quiet operation make them a practical, user-friendly upgrade to your bathroom.
Blanket solution
There are many practical ways of keeping warm on those really chilly nights. A simple blanket can be the difference between cold and comfort, and it is essentially free heat. Hot water bottles and wheat bags are similarly efficient ways of adding some warmth. And when it’s time for bed, electric blankets are a very cheap way of making it something to look forward to rather than dread - just don’t forget to turn them on a bit earlier, and off when you get in.
There are layers...
As the saying goes, ‘‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, there’s only unsuitable clothing’’. While that’s generally applied to outdoors wear, let’s stretch the meaning to include inside. Sure, you can strip off a few layers once you’re in out of the elements, but instead of turning all available heating sources to full blast, maybe put a jumper on - as your mum would say. Clothing is the obvious place to start when trying to stay warm - think merino, wool, beanies, and thick socks.
Body positive
The more you think about this one, the more it makes sense. More bodies equal more warmth, so winter is the perfect time to get people together and share some of that body
heat. Whether it’s a dinner party, movie or games night, watching some sport, or a larger get-together, you’ll have great company and not be so cold.
