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How to winter-proof your home

A person sliding a double snake underneath a door

Overview

The average home uses up around 38 percent of energy consumption just for heating and cooling. Starting with your front door, we'll show you some simple ways to winter proof your home by keeping the cold out and sealing in the warmth.

Tools and materials

    Materials

    Steps

    1Weatherproof your front door to reduce draughts

    Drafts from your windows and doors can account for 25% of the heat loss in your home. You can use a rubber seal on your windows or doors to fill gaps of 3-5mm. Tear the rubber seal in half and remove the adhesive strip. Stick it onto the inside edge of the door stop, starting at the very bottom, and then work your way up to the top and straight across.

    A person applying a self-adhesive draft seal around a door frame

    2Fit a stormproof door bottom seal

    Door seals work by pushing the flap down when the door shuts, keeping the wind and the rain out. There are many different sorts of storm seals and adhesives. Make sure you choose the right one for your type of door.

    DIY Step Image - How to winter-proof your home. Blob storage upload.

    3Use rugs to keep timber floors warm

    Hardwood floors and tiles look great but can get very cold. In particular, hardwood floors often have gaps that let in drafts. It's a good idea to lay down thick rugs on these types of floors. They feel great underfoot and stop the winter chills.

    4Inspect window seals and use blinds for insulation

    Make sure your windows are well sealed. Check that the external and internal seals are in good condition and push hard against each other when the window is closed. Closing your blinds and having good quality block-out curtains can reduce heat loss by 10% in your room.

    A window with curtains and a blind

    5Prevent draughts with door snakes

    Door snakes come in all shapes and sizes. Pick one that is the right width for the door. A double snake goes one inside and one outside. Slide the flat centrepiece under the door and it stops drafts on both sides.
    A person sliding a double snake underneath a door

    6Switch your ceiling fan to winter mode

    If you have a ceiling fan there's usually a reverse mode for winter. This will push all the warmer air down, making the room temperature more comfortable.

    7Improve home insulation with roof insulation

    You can also insulate your roof. Installing insulation batts above your ceiling will help keep your home warm in winter and also cool in summer. However, it's important to consider the type of insulation that will best suit your home.

    Health & Safety

    Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

    Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.