Easy and Classy Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Coming Winter Months
Ensure your comfort, safety, and health by preparing your home for the colder months.
Australian winters can be quite severe, from sudden storms, freezing temperatures, and heavy downpours, to homes that feel cold and damp. During the colder months when we experience less daylight hours and falling temperatures, we inevitably spend more time indoors, which means we should take the time to prepare in advance for the comfort, warmth, and protection we expect from our homes.
It’s only natural that our lifestyle changes with the seasons and many of us love settling into the winter months, snuggling with a hot drink in front of a cosy fireplace. However, to get the most enjoyment from the colder months we need to use the Autumn months to take care of some simple, yet important projects around the home before it gets too cold and wet.
So, have you got your winter woollies out? It’s time to prepare your personal environment for the winter months, so let’s make your home as warm and comfortable as possible. Here are our top tips on how to transform your home into a safe, warm, and comfortable place to chill out on wet, wintery days.
No. 1: Cover Your Windows
Did you know that, in winter, up to 40% of heat in your home escapes through uncovered windows? We love sheer curtains for our beautiful Australian summers, but unfortunately they’re not really effective at keeping the cool out and the heat in. Keeping your windows covered will prevent heat loss by insulating your home; of course it’s also an energy-efficient way of saving money on power bills.
If your home doesn’t have much in the way of window coverings, consider having some roller blinds or insulated or layered curtains installed. If your sheers are here to stay, note that window insultation kits can be purchased online or in hardware stores.
Tip: Check the gap between the bottom of doors and the floor. Homes lose a lot of heat through gaps in doors and windows that are not sealed airtight. Consider investing in a door draft stopper – there are some really cute ones around!
No. 2: Redecorate With Layers Of Texture
If you were planning on redecorating, consider introducing layers of texture; think cosy knitted throws, plush velvet, and brass or warming hints of timber. Simply adding a few new cushions can create a homely atmosphere to any area designed for winter snuggling and cuddling.
No. 3: Time For a Colour Change
Many interior designers and home stylists pare back the décor in their homes in the summer months, reflecting the warmer season by using neutral tones with pops of vibrant colour. However, now that the colder months are approaching, it’s time to lose the whites and brights and say welcome to rich and warming colours, like dusty pinks, olive green, and terracotta. These beautiful hues will create an inviting and warm retreat from the wintery weather.
No. 4: New or Replacement Heater?
Do you have the right sized heater for your space, or perhaps the time has come to invest in a new more-efficient heater. Either way, the right heater for your area will be determined by the size of the space you need to heat and how often the heater will be used.
- A gas heater is suitable for large areas and for people wanting to heat their homes for longer periods of time.
- A portable electric heater is a cheap option; ideal when not used for long periods of time or for heating large spaces. Perfect heating option for tenants.
- A reverse-cycle air conditioner is a costly option to begin with, but in the long run can be quite economical considering the amount of heat they generate.
No. 5: Cover Your Hard Floors
Rugs are the most effective and easiest way to warm your home in winter if you have concrete, hardwood, or tiled floors. Not only are hardwood floors cold underfoot in the cooler months, they don’t hold in the heat. If you don’t have underfloor heating it might be time to splurge on a cosy rug or two to not only aid with heat retention, but also to make you space look warm and cosy.
No. 6: Have Your Air-Conditioner Cleaned and Serviced
There’s no doubt that a reverse-cycle air conditioner can be a life-saver during the colder months, but if it’s not regularly cleaned and serviced it could end up becoming a dangerous hazard to the safety and well-being of your family. We suggest you contact a gas or heating specialist to service your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner is used on a regular basis the filters will require more frequent attention; this also applies if you live in a dusty area or you have 4-leggged friends who live in the home with you. The simple act of cleaning and/or replacing filters ensures optimal performance and a huge reduction in potential hazards; it can also reduce the energy consumption of your air conditioner by 5% to 15%.
No. 7: Get in Early and Stock Up on Firewood
Winter often comes early, so if you have a fireplace in your home we suggest you beat the rush and stock up on firewood. With the right storage solution for your firewood and kindling you can be assured of plenty of dry wood when it’s needed the most.
No. 8: Nothing Looks Warmer and More Inviting Than Carpet
If you’ve been considering carpeting your home, this might be the time to do it. Is there anything worse than getting out of bed onto a cold floor in the middle of winter? Maybe you’ll carpet the whole house, or just throughout the bedrooms, either way carpet will make your home look classy, warm, and comfortable – just what you need on a cold winter’s night. If carpeting the bedrooms is out of the question, choose a nice, fluffy rug to place near your bed – your feet will be so grateful!
No. 9: If You’ve Never Used a Doona, You Haven’t Lived!
Most people love their doona, especially in winter when it’s cold and rainy outside. If you’ve never used a doona then it’s time to start; just make sure you get a good one. The coverage you need will be determined by whether you have heating, carpet, or even a partner in your bed. For those seeking maximum warmth we suggest choosing a wool or feather quilt, whereas if you prefer lighter insulation we suggest a cotton or microfibre quilt.
No. 10: Replace Old Linen and Towels
How long has it been since you sorted out your linen cupboard? More importantly, how long has it been since you swapped out your old linen and towels for new ones? We all love using soft, fluffy towels, especially when it’s cold outside, and linen or warm flannelette sheets are a must-have in the cooler months. Give yourself a treat and start afresh with new towels and linen.
