1. Seal off your space

As those winter days get shorter, it’s easy for time to start slipping away. But if your home isn’t properly insulated, it won’t just be time you’re losing. It’ll be heat – and money, too.

So to prevent heat loss, check for any gaps around your doors and windows that could let in cold air.

For the handy people out there, recaulking any worn-out seals is an inexpensive, DIY fix. To get going, you’ll need a caulking gun (which isn’t as scary as it sounds, and cheaper than you’d think) and latex caulk.

But it’s worth doing a bit of research first to find out exactly what you’ll need, before diving into your local Bunnings headfirst.

If you’re not a home projects kind of person, though? Draft-stoppers are cheap and widely available – and you can place them along the bottom of your doors to stop those chilly draughts coming in.

 

 

2. Clear the gutters

After the autumn leaves fall – but before the rain starts to pour – is prime gutter-decluttering time.

A buildup of debris and gunk leaves rainwater with nowhere to go. This means it can end up overflowing into your roof and house – which can lead to expensive structural damage.

Good to note – gutter clearing can be a tricky (and draining) task for the average homeowner or renter, so we recommend hiring a professional to get it done.

 

 

3. Prevent the pests

It’s not just us humans who want to hunker down in a warm nook come winter. It’s a favourite pastime of pests – like rodents and insects – too.

So, to avoid attracting those unwelcome guests, don’t leave pet food out overnight – and lock up any leftovers in airtight containers.

If you need firewood, you can (and should) stock up well before winter. But it’s also a good idea to store your kindling at least five metres away from your house – because mice and ants love it as a home.

Speaking of mice – did you know they can fit through a hole the width of a pencil? So when you’re sealing off your doors and windows, add your walls’ holes and cracks to the list.

Moisture is also sure to attract insects. So, if you’re not keen on cockroaches (and who is?), you’ll want to patch up your leaky pipes, and use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low. Or break out that caulking gun from earlier and seal any gaps around bathtubs and showers.

 

4. Service your home systems

Don’t give your home heating systems the cold shoulder – check in with them and prioritise regular maintenance checks.

You should replace your air conditioner filters every three to six months. When they get dirty and old, they slow down – or even restrict – air flow. Which ends up making your system (and your wallet) work harder.

Carbon monoxide safety is especially important in winter. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases since you’re using your home heating systems more than usual.

With that in mind:

• Have your heating systems and appliances (furnaces, gas heaters, boilers) serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and test it yourself monthly.

You should also be testing your smoke detectors frequently. If you’re renting a property, it’s your rental provider’s responsibility to organise annual tests and battery replacements.

 

 

5. Invest in insulation

Baby, it’s cold inside… unless you have insulation in your roof and walls.

Is it a bigger investment? Sure. But it’s also the most reliable, quietest achiever you could have in your home.

Insulation works for you in the background. It regulates your home temperature to keep you warm and prevents moisture from entering your home (say goodbye to mildew and mould).

And when it comes to saving money during winter, insulation is the most cost-effective way to remain energy efficient. Sustainability Victoria states that insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs by 40 to 50% annually.

As an added benefit? It’ll keep your house nice and cool when the sun finally comes out again!

 

 

6. Add the accessories

Winter is the perfect time to elevate your decor and create a snug, yet sophisticated, living space.

Your home can lose around 10 to 20% of the heat produced by your heating systems through hardwood or tiled floor alone.

So why not add a rug for extra insulation – and style?

It’s the perfect temporary (or permanent, if you decide it’s a keeper) way to change up your space for the season. And feet will be frost-bitten on the floor no longer.

Not that you need a reason – or a season – to incorporate cosy cushioning and blankets. But winter is obviously the ideal time to do so.

So trade out the linen bed sheets for the flannelettes. Find those soft blankets that you can’t stop running your hands over. Or even bring in the big guns: a weighted blanket. Because why settle for a regular doona when you can have 5kg of extra weight to keep you warm?

Now that you’ve dealt with all the necessary winter home preparation tasks, it’s time to treat yourself. So grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the comfort of your freshly warm, safe home.

 

 

Want more tips to inspire and influence your home? Explore our guide to safe, compliant swimming pools – or find out how a zen room can help you find peace at your place.