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It can be a challenge to keep your home warm in the winter. Cranking up the heater is an easy option, but not a sustainable one – especially with rising power prices and costs of living.
Stay toasty without breaking the bank by following the tips below and let us know if you need a hand.
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 step-by-step instructions on how to insulate your roof, ceiling, walls and floor.
You can also check out tips on insulating your garage or shed by Bunnings Workshop members.
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.
We recommend the Bunnings guide How to seal gaps in doors and windows for handy tricks.
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 Leanne (@craftyhopper) opted for a Scandia wood heater when building a fireplace and feature wall in her home.
Resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert Mitchell (@MitchellMc) shares 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 outdoor spaces in the winter. Lauren (@lcooksey88)’s fire pit entertaining area with custom bench seats and screening is a wonderful example of how fire pit areas provide the perfect setting for outdoor entertaining.
Here are more incredible fire pit outdoor entertaining areas shared by Workshop community members, and you can get step-by-step instructions How to build a fire pit from expert contributor Adam Woodhams.
5. Install curtains and blinds
Blinds trap a layer of air that prevents heat transfer through windows. Where possible, install blinds so the edges are flush with the wall, rather than leaving a gap where heat can escape. Block-out curtains can also reduce heat loss in your room.
Don’t miss these window furnishing tips for insulation shared by 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. Use electrical heating devices
Besides heaters, there are other electrical appliances you can use to warm up different parts of your home, including heated towel rails and combination heat lamp/extractor fan/lights. These devices may need to be installed by licensed electricians. Please refer to product labels for instructions.
The Bunnings guide How to heat your home contains more useful advice.
8. Use carpets and rugs
Carpets and rugs are an easy way to cover floorboards and insulate your home, reducing heat lost through the floor. They're also a great way to add a touch of personality and warmth to your home while feeling great underfoot.
Check out more interior design tips on creating a cosy home this winter.
9. Build a drying cupboard
A drying cupboard is a custom D.I.Y. solution to a common problem. Wanting a more effective method of drying clothes in the winter, John (@John916) used Kaboodle cupboards and drawers to build a clothes drying cupboard with a heater vent.
Have a look at 7 ways to transform your laundry for more inspiring projects shared by Workshop members.
10. Add pelmets to your windows
Peter (@Peterkornek)’s D.I.Y. solution to reducing heat loss in his home involved building pelmets to seal his windows.
The Bunnings team shares more ideas in How to winter-proof your home.
How to prepare your home for winter
Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam Woodhams (@Adam_W) shares his top tips for winter-proofing your home and making it more energy efficient in How to keep your home warm in winter.
The Bunnings team has also shared several guides related to staying warm in winter, including six ways to weatherproof your home for winter and everything you need to know about insulation.
Need more help in preparing your home for winter?
The Bunnings Workshop community can assist with more inspiration and advice for keeping your home warm in winter. Don’t hesitate to ask a question. We’re here to help.
