Winter is a time when we all want to stay wrapped up and warm inside our homes. However, keeping warm can be a challenge, especially if your house is an older model, is shaded by trees, or isn’t facing north/northeast.
In this Blog, we’ll discuss some handyman tips to help you keep warm in winter.
1. Check for draughts
Draughts will make your home feel uncomfortable and cold and may mean you spend more on your energy bills. Identifying where a draught is coming from can be difficult so we recommend doing the following:
- Look for gaps around windows, skirting boards, doors, and skylights. Also look for visible light filtering through gaps, or movement in curtains or blinds (when the windows are closed).
- Feel for moving air or cold air.
- Listen for whistling or blowing wind or rattling.
If you do identify where a draught is coming from, there are several ways to stop draughts and keep your home warm and cosy.
2. Seal Doors and Windows
The first step is to identify where the draught is coming from. Check your doors and windows for gaps, and seal them with weatherstripping, caulking, sealing tape, or draught excluders.
Draught excluders are strips of material that can be attached to the bottom of doors to prevent draughts. They’re easy to install and can be purchased at most hardware stores.
A wide range of products are available and there should be one to suit your particular style of doors and windows. Applying and installing some of these products can be relatively easy and quick, while others may warrant a bit more preparation and time.
3. Use high-quality Curtains
In an article published by Renew – Technology for a sustainable future magazine – up to 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost through windows, and 87% of its heat gained. While double and triple glazing can help, a more attainable option for many people is the installation of blinds, curtains or shutters.
Blockout curtains help reduce heat loss by acting as a barrier between the room and the window. Heavy curtains should be full-length, and fitted as close to the wall and window as possible. High-quality curtains and fittings can be purchased and fitted by our Hubbies upon request. Call 1800 803 339 or click here to book a quote online.
4. Seal gaps between Floorboards and Skirting boards
If you have floorboards, check for gaps between the floorboards, and between your floorboards and skirting boards. Gaps should be filled and sealed. Floorboards may need a protective coating and the skirting boards may need a touch-up of paint.
5. Install Underfloor insulation
If you have an older home built on piers with a wooden floor, cold air can come through the floor. A cost-effective solution to prevent this is to install underfloor insulation. There is a wide range of underfloor insulation products on the market at various price points and R-values (thermal resistance or heat transfer). It works by creating a barrier and stopping the cold air (or hot air in summer) below the floor from passing up through the gaps in the floor. The physical barrier of underfloor insulation helps regulate the temperature of the floor to that of inside your home. Before installation, it will be important to check the clearance beneath your home to ensure there is enough space for safe work methods and ease of installation.
6. Carpet and Rugs
Of course, the other option is to install carpets with an underlay of insulation. Carpet is renowned for having very good thermal properties and the thicker the carpet, the greater the thermal properties (click here to read more).
Like carpet, the use of rugs and hallway runners on your floor is another good option.
7. Repair cracked walls
If you have cracks in your walls cold air may find its way into your home. Cracks can be repaired, patched and painted over fairly easily. However, if cracks in your walls keep returning, it may be wise to engage a structural engineer to determine if your home has shifted on its foundations or if other structural issues are at play.
8. Install Ceiling insulation
According to Sustainability Victoria, “Effective ceiling insulation is the best barrier against the summer heat and the winter cold, saving you up to 20% on your heating and cooling energy costs.”
New homes will already have ceiling insulation, but if you’ve been there for some time, it may be worth replacing it. Reputable installers recommend checking your ceiling insulation every 10 years. If you live in an older home it is worth checking if you have insulation in the ceiling.
Depending on where you live, you will want to consider the type of ceiling insulation and its R-value. Various products are available and installation can be relatively easy. Some personal protective equipment (PPE), and a portable light source are required, as well as a thorough understanding of the risks (eg. working between and on ceiling joists, not covering electricity cables, vents, and air conditioning hardware) and installation guidelines.
Don’t forget that accessibility to your roof cavity is a key consideration when installing ceiling insulation.
Take away
Stopping cold air getting into your home is important for keeping your home comfortable in winter and saving on your energy bills. By following these handyman tips, you can ensure that your home is warm and cosy. Remember to always hire a professional handyman when needed and to stay safe when doing any home maintenance tasks.
If you need help around your home this winter, please Book A Quote online, or by calling 1800 803 339. Stay warm this winter.
