17/06/2016
SOME GREAT TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER
(NOT TO FORGET THE PLANTS & GARDEN)
We Aussies certainly know how to build homes to stay cool in the summer, but keeping them warm in the colder months? Not so much. Having the heater on day and night becomes a drain on your wallet and the environment, so we’ve come up with some savvy ways to heat up your home to keep you and your bank account happy.
LOW COST HOME HEATING
Having the heater running in winter is expensive and inefficient if used the wrong way. Before you buy, compare the efficiency of different heaters. Then when at home, to maximise your heat for less money, try closing off rooms that aren’t currently being used to avoid heat wastage. Instead, only heat rooms that are being used and turn the heating down a notch. Using less energy will save you money but still keep you warm.
BLOCK DRAFTS UNDER DOORS
Ever noticed the cold creeping up on your toes from underneath the door? Any heating system is probably working overtime to compensate the cold air and costing you more when you could quickly fix the problem. A draft snake is the perfect solution and it’s instant! Just pop it against the door where the draft is. If you don’t have a draft snake handy, you can also use towels or blankets as alternatives
BRING ON THE HEAT IN THE KITCHEN
If you’re a regular cook in your household, then you’ll know how things in the kitchen can get a bit steamy. Use the heat of the kitchen to your advantage and cook up a storm! Get the oven working, put a pot on the stove and create heat and wonderful hearty food. You’ll be rosy-cheeked by the end and for an extra bonus you’ll have something to warm your insides!
CLOSE THE CURTAINS
This may seem obvious, but so many people leave their curtains open during the day to welcome the sun and forget to shut them at night! Closing your curtains will do wonders for your heating because it acts as an insulator. Don’t be cheated on your heating bill. It will also make your home feel cosier and you’ll be toasty warm again soon.
ADD A RUG TO MAIN LIVING AREAS
During winter, heat can be lost through floorboards or non-existent in some tiled floors and we all know that frosty toes in the morning are not pleasant. Winter gives you an opportunity to give both the heating level and décor in your home an uplift. Adding a nice rug can give character to a space and acts as a draft-blocking, toe-warming saviour. You can pick up nice, inexpensive rugs at furniture shops and some local markets.
DON’T DRAIN YOUR BATH WATER UNTIL IT HAS COOLED DOWN
Going for a hot bath to warm up after a cold winter’s day is a treat, but you could be washing potential heat down the drain when you pull the plug. There’s no harm in leaving the water to sit as the remaining heat in the air spreads out through surrounding rooms.
WORRY ABOUT YOURSELF
The best way to keep warm at home (and avoid expensive electricity bills) is to put on the jug and make a hot cuppa. Don’t forget to throw on a jumper and your ugg boots before snuggling up on the couch with a blanket and a hot water bottle. You’ll feel super cosy and your wallet will thank you come summertime
DON’T FORGET YOUR PLANTS THIS WINTER
Now that you’re toasty and warm inside, it’s time to consider the garden! Many plants are very sensitive at this time of year. You don’t neglect the watering in summer so why abandon the garden in winter? Grab your warm boots and gardening gloves, it’s time to get dirty.
COVER COLD-SENSITIVE PLANTS
Cold winter nights are harsh and unforgiving especially to your beloved, but cold and frost-sensitive plants. To help protect your garden at night, create a simple frame around sensitive plants and cover with a cloth or plastic. This will add a layer of protection from the cold and will stop the frost from nipping at your favourite flowers. Just remember to remove any covers in the morning or your plants will roast in the sun!
PRUNE AWAY
Get the secateurs out, it’s time to prune! Winter is the best time to prune deciduous trees since there is no foliage to get in the way and hide any problems. Cut away any dangerous branches, spots with disease and unnatural growth. It’s also a great time to prune your roses once the last flower has blossomed – just don’t cut them too early or the cold may stop the recovery process!
COMPOST
Put those scraps to good use and get some compost ready! Your plants will be sucking up the last of those vital nutrients in the soil so make your own compost to keep them happy! While you’re waiting for your compost to decompose, buy a bag or two from the store. It’s also a smart idea to pick up some blood and bone, cow manure and peat moss to help your plants survive the cold winter. Get cracking!
