Retrofitting homes for cold weather

Green Gals

Contributed

As the winter months approach, many Southern Downs residents find themselves struggling to keep their homes warm and comfortable. Retrofitting your home for cold weather can not only make your living space more comfortable during the colder months but also reduce your energy bills and environmental impact.

Here are some tips on how to retrofit your house for cold weather:

Insulation

One of the most effective ways to keep your home warm in winter is to install insulation in your ceiling and walls. Different insulation products are given different R-Values, which measures how effective insulation is at reducing conductive heat loss or gain. In our region, the recommended R-value for ceilings is at least R4.1, and for walls it is at least R2.8. By installing insulation, you can reduce heat loss by up to 50%, making your home more energy efficient and comfortable.

Windows

Windows are a significant source of heat loss in homes, particularly if they are single-glazed. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass separated by a layer of air or gas. Retrofitting double-glazing is expensive, and it’s more likely to be used on new builds.

A cheaper option for reducing heat loss through windows is to install good-quality curtains or honeycomb blinds. Make sure to install a pelmet above the fittings, and that they fit well at the bottom of the window or floor, as cold air moves up and down along the window, rather than side to side. Another option that might suit some very cold rooms is to have corflute cut to the exact size of your internal window area and put it in the window frame each evening and remove it in the morning. The local print shops can cut corflute to size. It’s lightweight, easy to wipe down and has a double wall to help with insulation.

"Windows are a significant source of heat loss in homes:"

Green Gals

Draught proofing

Draughts can make your home feel colder than it actually is by letting cold air in and warm air out. Draught proofing involves sealing gaps around doors, windows, floorboards, vents, and pipes to reduce heat loss and improve insulation. You can light a stick of incense and move slowly around a room to detect draughts.

Heating systems

In our region wood fireplaces are commonly used for winter heating. They have a great atmosphere and warmth, but do cause air pollution both inside and outside the home. Wood smoke contributes to heart and lung problems as well as asthma. Operating wood heaters correctly to minimise smoke generation and using well-seasoned hardwood can reduce, but not eliminate the health risks.

Reverse-cycle air conditioners provide both heating and cooling, making them a versatile and energy-efficient option. If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce your energy bills.

Retrofitting your home for cold weather can make a significant difference in reducing your energy bills and improving your comfort during the colder months. By taking these simple measures, you can make your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly while staying warm and comfortable all winter long.