How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: A Comprehensive Checklist

Winter in Australia can vary greatly depending on where you live, but no matter the climate, preparing your home for the cooler months is key to a comfortable and cost-effective season. Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your home remains warm and welcoming all winter long.

1. Inspect and Clean your Heating System

Before the cold truly sets in, have your heating system checked and serviced by a fully qualified HVAC contractor. Clean filters and serviced heaters work more efficiently and ensure optimal performance.

2. Check your Windows and Doors for Drafts

Seal any gaps with weather stripping or draft stoppers. This will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

3. Use the Sun!

Take advantage of the sun’s natural warmth during the day by opening curtains and blinds to let in sunlight. The sun’s radiant energy can heat your home naturally, allowing floors and walls to absorb and slowly release heat even as the day cools. Just remember to close them as dusk falls to retain that free solar heat.  s always wise to have an emergency kit ready with items like flashlights, batteries, and blankets in case of a power outage.

4. Update your Insulation

Proper insulation in your walls and attic can make a significant difference in your home’s ability to retain heat.

5. Install HeatSaver Vent Covers

Essential for homes with evaporative cooling, Heatsaver Vent Covers can be placed over your vents to prevent warm air from escaping through the ducts.

6. Prepare your Bedroom

Transition to warmer bedding like flannel sheets and heavier blankets to ensure a cosy sleep.

7. Evaporative Cooler Plumbing

Isolate and drain the water from your Evaporative Cooler to prevent freezing and bursting and avoid significant water damage and costly repairs.

8. Automate Heating with Timers

Consider using timers for heaters to ensure they turn on (or turn up) just before you wake up or return home, avoiding unnecessary usage when your home is vacant.

9. Add Warmth to your Home with Rugs

Lay down rugs on hard surfaces to add warmth underfoot and an extra layer of insulation to your floors. (This excludes homes with underfloor heating).

10. Run Ceiling Fans on Reverse

If your ceiling fans have a reverse switch, use it to run the fan’s blades in a clockwise direction when using your heating system. This simple trick pushes warm air down into the room and minimises stratification at ceiling level.