How to boost home insulation this winter

Nice weather for ducks isn’t necessarily agreeable weather for humans – the combination of cold rains, never-quite-dry air, mud underfoot and icy temperatures create conditions to be endured rather than enjoyed. Our homes, by contrast, can be toasty warm, dry and as comforting as a hot cup of tea. If your home insulation needs to be improved, read on for our tips on how to get a warmer, healthier home.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

At a glance: How to boost your home insulation and cosiness

• Swap out cool light bulbs for warm ones.
• Seal window frame and door gaps, check if your front door weather guard needs replacing and use door snakes to prevent draughts.
• Consider upgrading your roof insulation.
• Add plush or shag rugs to insulate hard flooring and heavy curtains for warmth at night.
• Let the sunshine into your home during the day – opening windows also helps encourage better air quality indoors.
• Keep mould in check by using extractor fans, drying clothes outside and using a dehumidifier.
• Call in the professionals to fix water leaks in the roof, ceiling or walls.

Add warm light indoors

Warm light has a calming effect on our nervous system, so for maximum comfort, consider swapping out your cool bulbs for warm bulbs. Build an ambient scheme by making use of dimmers, or turning off downlights and instead creating warm pools of lateral light with lamps and wall sconces. By contrast, during the day you should embrace the brightness. Throw open curtains and, if you can, relocate your work space to the sunniest room.

How to fix draughty gaps in your home

Significant gaps in your walls and flooring can make heating your home an uphill battle. D.I.Y. specialist Natasha Dickins of Little Red Industries says the draughts are most likely around window frames and doors, uninsulated parts of the roof and up through floorboards. Here’s how to improve home insulation:

• How to detect gaps: Use a thermal camera, or carefully hold up a lit candle (away from any curtains) and watch for a flicker of the flame.
• How to seal big gaps: “Use flexible exterior silicone in a clear or matching colour to caulk between the window trim and wall or the door jamb and casing,” says Natasha. “Tape down either side of the gap, caulk, then dab a finger in detergent and run it along to remove excess. For big holes, use expanding foam, then sand and touch up with paint.”
• How to seal small gaps: Seal gaps up to 5mm around windows and doors with rubber or foam self-adhesive weatherstrip. “Cut it to fit with scissors and simply run it around the inside without stretching it or leaving gaps,” Natasha suggests.
• How to stop front door draughts: “For the front door, check the weather guard is in good nick and replace or install a new one – the flap should push down to the floor when the door closes.” A good, old-fashioned door snake is another fast and effective fix, particularly for interior doors.

What to know when installing home insulation

• Your bills will be lower

Insulation in ceilings, walls and floors not only prevents heat loss – a well-insulated home will use about 16 per cent less electricity than an uninsulated home*.

• You need to consider the R-value

When choosing insulation, the most important detail to consider is the product’s R-value – the higher the value, the better it prevents heat loss. Guy Manthel of Knauf Insulation recommends putting in the highest levels of insulation your budget allows. “A higher level of insulation will not only make your home more comfortable (thermally and acoustically), it will have a significant impact on your energy use,” he says.

• Floor coverings count as insulation

Bunnings flooring buyer Alice Philp-Taylor says a rug adds an insulating layer that reduces heat loss through hard flooring – making the space feel warmer and more comfortable underfoot. She recommends wool or high‑pile synthetic fibres for maximum benefit and warmth. “Plush or shag rugs retain heat more effectively than flatweave styles,” says Alice.

• Curtains make a difference

While glazing affects the degree of heat transfer, Michael Judd of Smart Home Products says curtains usually provide the best solution for reducing heat loss as they extend beyond the window opening, creating a more effective air seal. For maximum warmth, choose thick, heavy drapes. Michael recommends room darkening or blockout curtains hung close to the wall with rods mounted at least 15cm above the window frame, extending wider than the glass. “Blockout curtains are designed to stop light, but being thick and multi-layered, they provide excellent insulation,” he says. Open curtains as soon as the sun hits the window panes to let the rays warm the room, he adds.

How to control moisture and mould at home

“Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for mould, dust mites and other allergens to thrive,” says Letitia Harding from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, using unflued gas heaters and drying clothes indoors can all increase indoor moisture levels. But you can take proactive steps to control moisture and prevent mould, says Letitia. These include:

• Using extractor fans, opening windows in kitchens and bathrooms, drying clothes outside and removing any visible mould or mildew. Dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers can be effective.
• Removing mould carefully. “For small areas, use vinegar and water at a ratio of 80:20 and wipe the surface gently – and wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mould spores,” says Letitia.
• Checking for signs of water leaks such as a dripping ceiling, watermarks on plasterboard, discoloured patches of paint or damp walls with beading moisture. “Check for holes or gaps in exterior walls, especially high up under the eaves, and repair with gap filler or expanding foam,” Natasha Dickins explains.
• Calling in the professionals if you spot an issue with water leaks – it’s the easiest and safest course of action. If you can safely access the roof to fix it yourself, ensure you use proper safety equipment, including a ladder safety device and harness.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Q: How does home insulation work?

A: Insulation is a material that slows or prevents the flow of heat, helping to keep heat inside the home in winter and outside the home in summer.

Q: What does R-value in insulation mean?

A: How well a product resists heat flow is known as its R-value. The higher the R value, the higher the level of insulation.

Q: How can I insulate a room?

A: Aside from ceiling and wall insulation there is a lot you can do to keep heat in your house. Use rugs on hard flooring, install heavy blockout curtains on your windows and open the curtains to let in sunshine during the day.

Keep in mind...

• When installing insulation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear long sleeves and trousers, eye protection and a mask.
• Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks and store all cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.
• Wood heaters should be installed by a licensed professional to the manufacturer’s specifications and comply with local council regulations.
• Always use the right ladder for the job. Make sure it has non-slip feet and is set up on a flat, stable and solid surface. Wear sturdy footwear, maintain three points of contact (for example both feet and one hand) on it at all times and make sure another person is nearby in case you need assistance.

Ready to improve your home insulation?

Follow this guide on how to hang curtains properly.

Photo credit: Alex Reinders, Smart Home Products.  

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

*Source:Warmer Kiwi Homes report 2022, Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority.