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How to make your home winter chill-proof

Metricon

Despite the overseas dream of Australia being the land of eternal sunshine, homes in our southern states can take a bit of a battering when winter’s chill sets in. Yes, we know you’re doing just fine Queensland. That's why we've created this guide to help Metricon's customers who might be facing more challenging weather conditions, especially in the cold, wet, and windy seasons. Our aim is to ensure that your home remains a comfortable sanctuary, keeping the elements at bay.

Mind the gap

One of the surest ways Australian homes lose heat during chilly winters (and suffer from soaring bill shock) is because windows and door frames aren’t properly sealed, with air leakage responsible for up to 25% of energy escape, according to sustainability.vic.gov.au. Taking the time to replace or mend seals to stop the gap is a no-brainer.

Take a thorough look at all your windows, doors, fireplaces, and any other openings, as gaps are typically easy to spot. They may allow daylight to filter in, you may feel a breeze when you run your hand along them, and sometimes even produce a whistling sound. Take the initiative to seal any openings you can find and replace any worn-out seals. In dire straights, pull out the classic door snake.

Dampen the spirits

Don't forget to be on the lookout for mold and mildew as well. They thrive in damp and chilly environments, and believe us, you don't want them to multiply rapidly on your walls and windows. This can lead to health problems and damage to your home.

Maintaining well-sealed areas and frequently cleaning surfaces can make a significant difference. It's also a wise idea to think about investing in dehumidifiers or other moisture-absorbing solutions. Additionally, regular cleaning of bathroom and kitchen fans will go a long way in preventing the spread of grime.

Get out of the gutter

Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful natural occurrences in the world and totally Instagram-able. They’re not so cool when you’re sitting indoors watching them cascade outside your windows, especially if that flood starts to work its way inside.

That’s why it pays to get out the step ladder and make sure your gutters are clear of dead leaves and other blockages before it starts to bucket down on the regular. Letting them get out of control can lead to long-term problems like roof leakages, and they’re a fire risk during summer too, so a little bit of effort now goes a long way towards avoiding a disaster later.

Warm-up

The kind of water you definitely do want flowing on a chilly winter’s day is the stuff that streams from showers and sinks, so it’s a great idea to get into the habit of having your hot water system checked annually, too, ideally before the nights grow long and dark. Nobody needs a rude awakening in the morning!

No smoke

As the temperature drops, our inclination is to turn up the heat, whether it's through modern split systems, cosy open fires, or older-style oil, bar, or gas heaters. Whichever method you choose to stay warm is perfectly fine, but it's crucial to stay vigilant. Regularly dust and clean the filters to prevent any potential fire hazards. Some heating systems may require specialised maintenance, so it's a great idea to set a yearly calendar reminder for that essential checkup.

Speaking of safety, when was the most recent time you examined your smoke alarm? We understand they can be a bit irritating when they start beeping, especially after a case of burnt toast. However, any home safety routine should include periodic button pushes to ensure the batteries are in good shape.

Fan-tastic

It’s a little-known fact, but for those with ceiling fans, there can be a hidden feature – the reverse option. This nifty function is designed to pull warm air up toward the ceiling, allowing it to disperse and warm the room from above. If this is news to you, it might be a good idea to examine your ceiling fan setup to check if this option is available. If not, you might want to consider whether it's worth replacing them with fans that do have this feature.

Branch out

If you have a garden, or if neighbours’ or local council trees reach over your property, you need to keep an eye on possible wayward branches, especially when the wind starts to whip up. Wild storms can strike in both summer and winter, so it's a smart move to regularly inspect for any loose, damaged, or aging branches and remove them before they pose a risk to your home, safety, or car.

If these branches are on your property, you're good to go. However, if they belong to your neighbour, it's a good idea to have a friendly conversation with them. If the branches are from trees along the street, reach out to your local council and request a trim.