Handyman DIY:Getting ready for a Sydney Winter!

Keeping your home warm without having to take a second mortgage to pay off your Energy Australia bill is always a challenge.

This article is here to help you keep snug and warm in winter the more “natural” way.

1. Go around your house and check all of your windows. Check to see that all of your windows are properly shut. Use a candle to check for drafts – you will notice a flicker if there is a draft coming in from the window. You can stop the draft by putting a towel or old t shirt to cover where the draft is coming in. If the draft is coming from a structural problem with the window you may need to call a handyman to come and fix the latch or fill the gaps with silicone around the window.

2. Clean out your gutters. Call your local handyman to clean out any leaves or debris. The last thing you want in the middle of winter is roof that is leaking because the gutters are blocked. There is nothing warm and cozy about a waterfall running down the wall.

3. Seal your doors. Check around the door frame and also under the door. If you aren’t too concerned with style you can roll a towel up and lay it by the door to stop drafts coming from under or alternatively you can get a funky door draft stopper from Spotlight or any other home ware store.

4. Close off any unused rooms. The last things you want is cold air circulating your home which will result in heat loss from the rooms you are trying to keep warm. Your heater will work more efficiently and the warmth will be concentrated in the rooms you choose.

5. Don’t underestimate the power of thick curtains. They can block drafts on both windows and doors. Open them when the sun is out – Sydney still has sunny days in winters to use this to help heat up your home during the day. Close them mid afternoon when the sun starts to set to help keep the heat in.

6. Dress warmly. Beanies are a great idea, as it is a well known fact that most of your body heat escapes from your head. Wear loose clothing article, rather than tight clothing ... Heat accumulates in the folds of the layers, keeping you much warmer than those leggings. You should wear slippers with socks, preferably two pair or one pair of wool socks. Wool is your friend! Grab a “blankie” when laying on the couch….but you already knew that one!

7. Cook. Steam will raise the moisture level in your home, making you feel warmer. Make a large pot of soup; put the kettle on for tea. Bake something! Your oven will help to heat the kitchen. The kitchen will be warm while you are cooking. Make sure to leave the oven door open after cooking/baking to allow the heat to escape into your house.

8. Light candles. Candles can produce a lot of heat, but be mindful of where they are placed and do not leave them unattended. Not only do they help warm you up but they also make your home feel cozy.

9. Take a hot shower. Not only will this warm you up quickly, but the steam from the hot water will raise moisture levels in the house, helping the ambient temperature feel about 15 degree warmer. Be sure to run the hot water even after you are finished because the more steam in the air, the better the temperature will feel.

10. Hot Water Bottles may be archaic but they work just as well as an electric blanket and they are FREE. Fill our bottle up with boiling water shortly before bed time and place under the quilt cover and your sheets will be nice and toasty when you climb in. Also don’t forget the power of body heat. Cuddle up to someone or your pet for a “snug as bug in a rug” night’s sleep.