Winter is here.

It catches Australians off-guard every year. So, as the temperature starts to dip, it’s a great idea to make preparations now so you can help keep your family and home warm, without costing you the planet.

To help you out, our O'Brien Plumbing experts have put together a list of cost-effective ways to help keep warm this winter – so you can feel cosy and comfortable despite the cold.

When we talk about the winter season, there are a lot of things to look forward to. However, shivering, chattering teeth and frozen feet are not amongst them. So, to prevent the cold from bothering you, here are some simple things you can do:

 

1. Identify and seal any air leaks.

 

If you have a draughty home, you’ll tend to feel the winter chill a lot more. So, before the weather gets too cold, check for drafts and leaks coming from

under your doors, windows and ceilings.

Caulking is one way to seal them. Or, for more of a quick fix, you can simply use a sand-filled door snake, a rolled-up towel or spare thick fabric to prevent heat from escaping.

 

2. Maximise the power of sunshine!

 

We’re lucky in Australia as, even during the winter, we can get some very sunny days. So, open those curtains and let the sunshine pour in when it’s up. This way, you’ll be able to get some natural light and warmth into your home. Just make sure to close them again as soon as dusk falls, so you’ll be able to trap the heat inside.

 

3. Use a humidifier and ceiling fans.

 

While this sounds counter-productive, these two make a great team. A humidifier unit adds moisture back into the air, especially if it has a heating setting. Using it can also help hydrate your skin to battle the dry, harsh weather.

On the other hand, adjusting the direction of your ceiling fans by allowing them to spin counter-clockwise will enable the warm air to move back down into the room. Talk about a great trick.

 

4. Get those rugs, electric blankets and heated mattress pads out.

 

Rugs are more than just for aesthetics – they can also help prevent heat loss from wooden floorings and can help keep your pets and feet warm. This is a great time to add your electric blankets and heated mattress to your bed too. With these warm covers, you can get a good night’s sleep without the cold creeping in.

 

5. Invest in a reliable hot water solution.

 

Hot water is something every Australian household can’t live without. We need it for cooking, cleaning and of course – hot showers and baths!

To help ensure that you’ll have enough warm water flowing from your taps this coming winter, it’s time to invest in a reliable hot water system.

Ask yourself: how’s your current hot water system?

• Is it old or outdated?
• Is it the right unit for your home?
• Is it costing you too much?
• Is it correctly installed?

 

Don’t put up with it any longer – because you don’t need to. To battle the cold this season, you may need more than just a few extra layers of clothes and a cup of hot choco topped with marshmallows. A reliable hot water system means when you turn your shower on in the morning, warm water awaits. At O'Brien Plumbing, we’ve got you covered this winter. To equip your home with an ideal hot water system, O'Brien expert plumbers are ready to install the right unit for you and your home.

 

Find your local O'Brien Plumber

Let’s get you all warm and comfy this winter.