You can keep warm at home without going to extrems. If there’s anything this winter has proven, it’s that Australian homes aren’t built for the cold. As a series of cold snaps continues to chill the country, a growing number of Aussies are looking for better ways to warm their homes – and in the process, add value to their properties.
Data released by trades platform hipages shows demand for roof insulation jobs has soared 60 per cent since last winter. Inquiries for floor insulation are up 24 per cent while heater-related jobs have risen 20 per cent. Having a home that stays warm in winter is one of the things buyers look for when it comes to judging the quality of a property, said Sydney real estate agent and managing director at Horwood Nolan Ben Horwood.
He said by making a few changes, homeowners can improve the sellability of their homes while ensuring they stay toasty during the winter months. MORE: Odd $239k home dubbed a ‘nightmare’ due to bizarre toilet Roof insulation is a game-changer when it comes to keeping the home warm. WHY AUSSIE HOMES ARE COLD Hipages tradie and ETH Group managing director Fouad Reiche said Australian homes are usually better at keeping the heat out rather than keeping it in.
“To be honest, Aussie homes aren’t exactly known for their insulation,” Reiche said. “Our houses are built to handle the summer heat more than the winter chill. So, when the cold snap hits, you can really feel it.
” MORE: ‘High and dry’: Interest rate pain hits home for thousands He said draughty windows and doors let in cold air, making it difficult to heat up a home, while a lack of insulation in the roof and walls mean any heat generated is quickly lost. “I also see a lot of homes without proper sealing around vents and skylights,” he said. “All these little gaps let the warm air out and the cold air in, which means your heater or aircon system has to work overtime to keep the place warm.
” Double brick homes tend to be cold. Horwood said a lot of older brick homes are particularly cold. “After a while they do soak up a bit of water and get damp in the walls and then that gets really cold,” he said.
But it’s not just the southern states that feel the internal chill of winter. Brisbane real estate agent Michael Kleimeyer from Ray White Paddington said workers’ cottages and Queenslanders are particularly prone to feeling cold in winter because of the way they are built. “The wooden wall you see at the front – there’s nothing behind that,” he said.
“All it is, is a wooden floor and wooden walls, there’s no insulation at all.” MORE: Couple’s nightmare find after buying unit Double glazed windows keep the cold and the noise out. WAYS TO WARM YOUR HOME When looking to maximise the amount of warmth your home retains, it’s important to upgrade or install an efficient heating system, Reiche said.
Cleaning filters and checking ducts for blockages will ensure the unit runs smoothly. “Additionally, you should ensure you seal up any gaps around windows and doors – draught stoppers and weather stripping work wonders here,” he said. “Adding or upgrading insulation in your roof and walls is a game-changer too.
Heat rises, so the ceiling is the most likely place for it to escape. “Double-glazing your windows can make a huge difference, but they can be a bit of an investment. They do however offer the added benefit of reducing noise from the outside.
” There has been an increase in demand for insulation during this year’s Australian winter. Horwood said underfloor heating in bathrooms or hard floors adds warmth and luxury and is something buyers in the prestige market have come to expect. Fireplaces are another luxury addition that not only generate heat, but also create a feeling of ambience, he added.
“But the big one is aspect,” he said. “Picking a block of land that faces north or east and being able to expose the living areas and a lot of the rooms to that sunlight makes a big difference.” MORE: NRL stars getting mega paydays off the field Underfloor heating is a luxe addition for homes with hard flooring.
STEPS TO WARM YOUR HOME Consider these simple steps to maximise the amount of heat your home retains in winter. 1. Install insulation – most heat is lost from the ceiling, so adding insulation in the roof makes a big difference in winter.
2. Seal up any cracks – it’s common to find cracks around the windows and doors in Australian homes. Sealing these up will prevent cold air from coming in.
3. Upgrade your heating system – reverse cycle airconditioning has been proven by Choice to be the most cost effective way of heating a home, while a fireplace is excellent at heating large areas. 4.
Install double glazed windows – these not only help to keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer, they also block out traffic noise. 5. Install under floor heating – if you have tiled floors, underfloor heating can be a game-changer when it comes to creating lasting warmth, though it is usually a relatively expensive option.
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