There’s nothing worse than to survive the Southern Highlands winter chill without a warm and cosy space to defrost. At Building Versatility, we understand the unique needs of homeowners in the Southern Highlands of NSW, and are committed to helping you create an energy-efficient and comfortable living space. We’ve built and renovated multiple homes that needed creativity and outside-the-box thinking to achieve the most practical, cost-effective and energy efficient ways to keep your space shielded against the chill.
Stick with us – we’ll help keep you warm and toasty.
1. Seal those sneaky drafts
One of the most effective ways to improve your home’s warmth is by eliminating drafts. Cold air can sneak in through gaps around windows, doors, extractor fans and even electrical outlets. Start by conducting a draft audit: on a windy day, hold a lit candle near potential draft sources. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft.
DIY Solution: Use weather stripping, door sweeps, and caulk to seal these gaps. For a more thorough job, consider hiring professionals to ensure every nook and cranny is properly sealed.
2. Upgrade your insulation
Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a warm home. Many older Southern Highlands’ homes lack adequate insulation, leading to significant heat loss.
Professional Solution: Consider hiring experts to assess your home’s insulation needs. At Building Versatility, we can provide a comprehensive insulation upgrade, focusing on key areas such as the attic, walls, and floors. This not only keeps your home warmer but can also lead to substantial energy savings in the long run.
3. Embrace the power of curtains
Thermal curtains can make a surprising difference in your home’s warmth. During the day, open curtains on sun-facing windows to let in natural heat. Close them as soon as the sun sets to retain that warmth.
DIY Solution: Install thick, insulating curtains yourself. For an extra boost, consider adding pelmets above your curtains to prevent warm air from circulating behind the curtain and cooling against the window.
4. Optimise your heating system
Ensure your heating system is running at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance is key to preventing unexpected breakdowns and ensuring optimal performance.
Professional Solution: Schedule an annual service for your heating system. If your system is old or inefficient, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Our team at Building Versatility can help you choose and install the best heating solution for your home.
5. Harness the heat of the sun
The Southern Highlands enjoys plenty of sunny winter days. Make the most of this free heat source by optimizing your home’s solar passive design.
Professional Solution: Consider installing larger, double-glazed windows on north-facing walls to capture more sunlight. Adding a sunroom or conservatory can also create a warm, inviting space that heats naturally during the day.
6. Create zones with internal doors
Keep the heat where you need it by closing off unused rooms and creating warm zones within your home.
DIY Solution: Ensure all internal doors are in good working order and close properly. Use door snakes to prevent drafts under doors.
Professional Solution: For open-plan homes, consider installing sliding or French doors to create separate zones that can be heated independently.
7. Invest in underfloor heating
While this is a more significant investment, underfloor heating can be an extremely efficient way to warm your home, especially in bathrooms and living areas.
Professional Solution: Building Versatility can assess your home’s suitability for underfloor heating and handle the installation process, ensuring it’s integrated seamlessly with your existing heating system.
8. Don’t forget the ceiling fans
It might seem counterintuitive, but ceiling fans can help distribute warm air more evenly throughout your home.
DIY Solution: In winter, set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room.
9. Reflect that heat
Use reflective panels behind radiators to bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the walls.
DIY Solution: You can purchase reflective panels or even use aluminium foil for a budget-friendly option.
10. Consider double glazing
Single-pane windows are a major source of heat loss. Double glazing can significantly improve your home’s insulation.
Professional Solution: Building Versatility can help you upgrade to double-glazed windows, dramatically improving your home’s thermal efficiency.
Remember, creating a warm, energy-efficient home is not just about immediate comfort; it’s an investment in your property and the environment. While some of these solutions can be tackled as DIY projects, others benefit greatly from professional expertise. At Building Versatility, we’re here to help you navigate these options and implement the best solutions for your Southern Highlands home.
Contact Building Versatility today to discuss how we can help you prepare your home for the Southern Highlands winter.
