5 tips to stay warm in winter, and not burn the energy budget

In New Zealand, staying warm over winter can mean spending big bucks. Many of our homes can be drafty and damp. But it doesn't need to be that way.

It’s very important to keep your home warm and comfortable, so here are some sneaky tricks to help everyone stay warm before you turn on the heat.

1. Invest in snuggly clothes

There’s no shame in having snuggly clothes and slippers you wear only at home – think extra-thick wool and polar fleece, thermal base layers, and even some snug gloves. Adding an extra layer of thermal clothing can be the equivalent of turning up a heat pump for 4 degrees, without the scary power bill.

2. Insulate your home

Help keep the heat in your home for longer with insulation. While wall insulation is expensive to retro-fit, installing ceiling and underfloor insulation in kiwi homes is usually a more inexpensive option.

The Government has recognised the need for insulation in our housing stock and from July they’re offering the Warmer Kiwi Homes grants. This grant can cover up to two-thirds of the cost for insulation, heat pumps, or a wood or pellet burner.

Landlords are now required to meet the new minimum standards in all their properties. If you’re renting and your landlord hasn’t got insulation installed, ask them about getting started.

3. Seal the gaps

Anywhere that lets in a draft allows precious heat to escape. Seal gaps under doors with draft-stoppers, put up lined curtains on the windows (and keep these closed during the evenings), and if installing double-glazing isn’t an option, try the stick-on window insulation kits you can get at hardware stores.

4. Use hot water bottles

Hot water bottles are a wonderfully cozy addition to any bed. They also don’t use up energy, the way an electric blanket does. Electric blankets can contribute to high winter power bills, and they’re also a fire hazard. Opt for a hot water bottle instead.

5. Heat the room you’re in

When you need to use the heat pump or heater, try to limit its use to just one room, instead of heating the whole house. Close the door to the room to prevent heat circulating. Encourage your family to hang out in one room during the evenings – perhaps with board games or movies – and switch to heating bedrooms only when everyone heads off for bed at night.

6. Do your washing when the sun is out!

Make the most of the sun, do your washing when the sun is out and let the sun do the heavy lifting to dry your washing out!