It can be a challenge to keep your home warm in the winter. Cranking up the heater is increasingly expensive, so it's best to be proactive and keep the warm in and the cold out.
You can stay toasty without breaking the bank by following the tips below from the Bunnings Workshop community. Let us know if you need a hand with winter-proofing your home.
1. Insulate your house
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow and is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It can keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing your energy consumption. The Bunnings team has shared everything you need to know about insulation and step-by-step instructions how to insulate your roof, ceiling, walls and floor.
Workshop members have also shown how insulation can make sheds, garages and converted spaces more comfortable in winter, including a D.I.Y. studio and shed by @DIYgals. Get more tips on insulating your garage or shed.
2. Seal gaps
Sealing gaps around your doors and windows can prevent cold air creeping into your house. There are many different types of window and door seals available. In a front door and sidelight makeover, @homeinmelbourne replaced an old door and installed a weather door seal, while @JocelynB replaced glass and sealed gaps around heritage windows in a bedroom restoration project.
Get Six ways to weatherproof your home for winter and learn How to seal gaps in doors and windows.
3. Install a heater
It can be lovely to sit by the heater on a chilly day. There is a wide variety of indoor and outdoor options, including electric, gas and wood-burning heaters. Workshop member @craftyhopper opted for a Scandia wood heater for a fireplace and feature wall, while @Nailbag updated a 70s-era fireplace with a modern floating hearth and decorative feature wall.
Resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert Mitch explains How to choose heating for your home.
4. Build a fire pit
Adding ambience and warmth, a fire pit is a great way to enjoy your backyard in winter. Bunnings Workshop members have shared many inspiring fire pit projects for outdoor entertaining, including a fire pit area with custom bench seats and screening by @lcooksey88.
Get step-by-step instructions How to build a fire pit from expert @Adam_W.
5. Install curtains and blinds
Window furnishings can help make rooms feel warmer and more comfortable. Workshop members have updated bedrooms with sheer curtains, blockout curtains, window shutters and ceiling-height curtain rods.
Get Window furnishing tips for insulation from the Bunnings team.
6. Install double glazed windows
Double glazed windows are effective at cutting heat loss, utilising two glass sheets with an air gap between to create an insulating layer.
Bunnings Workshop members discuss installing double glazed windows in Should I choose double glazed windows?
7. Add heating devices to your bathroom
Heating can make bathrooms much more comfortable in winter. Workshop bathroom projects have included installations of heated towel rails, 3-in-1 heating/exhaust/light units, and under-tile floor heating.
The Bunnings guide How to heat your home contains more advice.
8. Use carpets and rugs
Carpets and rugs can make living areas and bedrooms feel warmer underfoot. Workshop members have used rugs to soften lounge rooms and office spaces, while a bedroom makeover by @diy_hausdesigns combined feature walls with new carpet.
Check out more tips for Creating a cosy home this winter.
9. Build a drying cupboard
Drying clothes indoors can be difficult during cold and wet weather. Workshop member @John916 converted a laundry cupboard into a clothes drying cupboard using Kaboodle cabinetry and a heater vent, while @ourcountrycoast created pull-out drying racks for under $100 in a narrow 250mm laundry space, positioning them near a heating vent.
10 ways to transform your laundry has more inspiring projects shared by Workshop members.
10. Add pelmets to windows
Pelmets can help reduce heat loss around windows by limiting the movement of warm air behind curtains. In his box window pelmets to reduce heat loss project, @Peterkornek installed timber box pelmets after noticing that heat was escaping behind blockout curtains.
The Bunnings team shares more ideas in How to winter-proof your home.
11. Close off unused rooms
Closing off unused spaces can make heating more efficient. Workshop members like @buildwithroneth have used sliding barn doors to divide living areas, improve privacy and help heating or cooling systems work more efficiently. Member @Jwyatt also found a barn door can be a practical way to save energy bills and create a smaller zone without major structural changes.
Check out our Top 10 most popular barn door projects and tips from @Adam_W about How to keep your home warm in winter.
12. Winter-proof your outdoor entertaining area
You can still enjoy outdoor entertaining in winter by adding outdoor heating, bistro blinds or creating covered decks. Get inspiration from the covered deck and outdoor kitchen by @tobyandtamsyn which includes an electric fireplace.
Get more outdoor kitchen ideas for your home.
