It’s been a long, hot summer, but the seasons are shifting and it’s time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. A few simple improvements could help keep your home snug without overheating your power bills.
It’s almost time to pack away the boardies, swap sarongs for sweaters and cross from cricket to footy.
As we prepare for the cold to creep in, it may also be time to show your home some love.
A few budget-friendly improvements can make your home a haven of winter warmth, with the added plus of keeping heating bills down.
Here are three low cost renovation ideas to get you started.
1. Keep the cold out and the warm in
Fun fact: as much as 25% of winter heat loss can come from draughts (officially known as ‘air leakage’).
A simple but effective home renovation project is to find and fix gaps that are letting in cold air.
Energy Australia suggests installing door seals, and using a waterproof filler called ‘caulking’ to seal windows and around skirting boards.
2. Rethink home heating
Once your home is draught-proofed, it’s time to rethink home heating.
This can make a big difference to your hip pocket, because heating (and cooling) are the biggest energy guzzlers in Aussie homes, accounting for a whopping 40% of energy use.
So, if you’re planning to wheel out the trusty electric bar heater that has served you well for many years, it could be time to think again.
It turns out that reverse cycle air-conditioners are the most energy-efficient heater (and cooler) of all types, irrespective of fuel source.
Even an air con unit with a low efficiency rating (for example, 2 to 3 energy stars) can be significantly cheaper to run than other heating appliances.
3. Insulate
Wearing layers of clothing keeps us warm in winter. Yet we often leave our homes to shiver through the cold.
Adding insulation is the equivalent of wrapping your home in a warm woolly onesie. Except that it also helps your place stay cool in summer. What’s not to love?
Consumer group CHOICE says as much as one-third of an uninsulated home’s warmth is lost through the roof. So, if your budget is tight, insulating your roof cavity is a great first step.
If your budget extends further, or if you are building a new home, installing floor, wall and ceiling insulation can save hundreds of dollars on energy costs each year.
How to help manage the cost
Of course, it’s not too difficult to plan for small home improvements that can make your home more comfy in winter.
However, the reality may be that you need to foot the bill for a reno that’s a bit more substantial.
The good news is that your current home loan may provide a potential source of finance.
Or, we can explain other options such as a construction loan or renovation loan for bigger projects.
The main point is to talk to us today, and start taking steps to make your place warm and cosy this winter.
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