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5 ways to Draught Proof your Home for Winter
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Now summer is well and truly over in Australia, and the nights are longer and the mornings colder, staying all day in your bed isn’t going to be a sustainable solution. Here are 5 easy tips to get you up from bed and start looking at draught proofing your home so you can save on your energy bills this winter.
1) Check for Heat Escaping
You probably know that heating and cooling account for a big chunk of overall energy usage in the average Aussie home – as much as 38%. While air conditioning is a significant contributor during the summer months, heating is just as much of a culprit once the temperature drops.
The design of Australian homes, often built to stay cool and keep heat out, drives this energy usage up even further, with draught from gaps around windows, doors and fireplaces causing as much as a quarter of the total heat loss in an average home. Because of this, preventing heat loss in your home should be the first step.
2) Seal Gaps around Doors
Once you have checked your home for the sources of heat loss, you can get to work fixing them. If you have isolated the issue to a gap around a door, door seals can be a great way to correct the problem. Door seals are quick and easy to install and are designed to fit most doors. As well as stopping draught to keep your homes warm in winter and cool in summer, door seals also keep dirt, dust and leaves out.
3) Draughts from unsealed Chimneys
If your home is losing heat through an unused chimney, it’s a good idea to install a removable Chimney Seal. The product sits just inside the chimney to prevent air from escaping and entering the home – effectively keeping the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Additionally, the design helps prevent debris from falling into the chimney and can help reduce wind noise. The chimney seal’s design fits a wide range of chimney sizes. It can also be removed and reinstalled easily using the seal pole. Best of all, if you are in Victoria, you could be eligible for rebates via the local state government energy efficiency schemes.
4) Use Soft Furnishings
While hardwood or polished concrete floors can be a stylish addition to a home, they aren’t known for their warmth and can contribute to the chill once winter hits. Rather than leaving the heater on day and night, why not try laying thick rugs or other flooring covers in these spaces. Not only will they help keep the room warmer, but they feel great underfoot.
5) Don’t overlook the Windows
When it comes to windows, there are multiple ways to minimise heat loss during winter. Ensured there are no gaps and the seals are in good condition, and wherever possible, keep your windows closed where possible. Blinds or block-out curtains can also help keep out the winter chill
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