Winter is here and in Tauranga, we’re battling low temperatures and wet days. However, you want your home to be comfortable all year round, so we’ve compiled some tips to keep it warm and dry especially during these colder months. Not only is this important to keep your family comfortable, but a warmer, drier home can prevent the spread of germs such as strep throat.

Even just following a couple of these tips could lead to a healthier home, a happier family and lower bills.

Open your curtains during the day…

…And close them at night.

This helps to let in heat in the middle of the day, and trap it in once the sun goes down, while blocking out the cold during the night. Lined curtains work best, but if you don’t have any, hanging up sheets can be an adequate back-up option.

Block out cold air

Form a guard around doors, windows, fireplaces or anywhere else cold air could sneak in through. You can buy draught stoppers, sew your own, or use an old towel or something similar for doors. Keep draughts away from windows with weather stripping, and if your fireplace is letting in cool air, you could opt for a loose-fitting removable panel or a plastic bag stuffed with newspaper.

Insulate your home

If your home isn’t insulated, you’d be surprised at how much you could cut down on heating bills by getting some simple insulation installed. Insulation can be installed in the ceiling, under the floor, in the walls or around windows, and not only does it trap in air to keep you warm in winter, it’s also good for cooling during the hotter months.

You can find out if you’re eligible for help with the costs of home insulation through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme or the Healthy Homes Initiative.

Let in some fresh air

It might sound counterintuitive to open windows when it’s freezing outside, but ventilating the home for at least a few minutes each day helps to keep it dry, making it easier to heat rooms around the house. This is especially important in steamy rooms like the kitchen and bathroom.

If you do notice any condensation on walls or the inside of windows, wipe it off.

Dry your clothes outside

Hanging clothes out to dry indoors can cause a build-up of condensation – and even mould – so try to dry washing outside or in the garage. This helps to keep your home dry, which makes it easier to heat, therefore reducing the cost of heating.

Get a good heater

Many New Zealand homes were not built with a focus on heating, so achieving even, affordable heating can be a struggle. Electric heaters are affordable to buy, while a heat pump with a thermostat is also good for keeping costs down. Look into the best heating options, which can vary based on location.

Get rid of mould

As much as 8 litres of moisture builds up in NZ homes every day – and this leads to mould if you’re not diligent. You can use bleach or white vinegar to remove mould, which can be harmful to your family’s health.

For all your property maintenance enquiries, get in touch with Swish Property Services. You can call our team on 027 412 1177 to tell us about any problems you’re experiencing, and we’ll do what we can to help you out.

Tips to Keep Your Home Warm & Dry