8 ways to keep warm this winter

Winter is closing in and with them our windows and bifolds. Energy bills at this time can go through the roof, so what can you do to keep warm? Try these tips and tricks.

1. Gap proof your home

Older homes, especially heritage terraces and cottages or ones that feature original windows (particularly sash ones) can let in a lot of cold air. In your average Victorian home, if you added up all the cracks and gaps, it would be the equivalent of having a 1 metre by 1.5 metre window open all the time – that’s a 15 to 25 percent heat loss in your home. Seal up cracks and gaps in walls, and around windows and doors. Even a simple door snake can make a big difference.

2. Rethink your window coverings 

There’s a reason those period-movie mansions all feature heavy curtains – they do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of keeping the heat in. Up to 40 percent of the heat escaping from your home in winter is from uncovered windows. Heavy, lined curtains which extend below the window frame will insulate your windows and help keep the warmth in. Another window covering to try and pelmets – these are boxes which sit over your curtain rod or ‘invisible pelmets’ which sit above your curtain rod and butt up against the back of the curtain. A cheap alternative is to attach a bit of plywood or corrugated plastic to the top of your curtain rail, out of sight behind the top of the curtain.

3. Install insulation in your house

(Or top up old and thinning insulation.) A well-insulated house can use as much as 45% less energy for heating and cooling, which means that insulation pays for itself in cheaper bills.

4. Watch the temperature

It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature, particularly if the thermostat is accessible to any and all family members. Try and keep the internal temperature setting to around 20ºC in winter, a comfortable temperature for most people. And put a jumper on, before turning up the heat. 

6. Use only as much as you need

Don’t waste heat on parts of the house you’re not using. Keep doors closed on bedrooms and bathrooms during the day. If possible, close off your living room altogether – this will help get your room up to the set temperature without wasting any heat. This is particularly true for front hallways and bedrooms, as they all have windows and doors that lead outside.

7. Let the sun in

Make the most of your free energy by opening up your blinds and curtains during the day. Use your north facing windows in the morning, and west facing windows for the afternoon sun. Leave south facing windows shuttered on especially cold days, however, as these don’t capture much sunlight at all.

8. Take advantage of our air-con promotion!

Stay warm this winter (and cool next summer) with our red-hot deal. Get in touch with New South Homes to check if there are any promotions currently available. Offer available only to new customers who sign a building agreement with New South Homes. For more information speak to a New South Homes representative today.