Winter Warmers

Heat loss

Statistically loss in your home occurs through:

30-35% Roof
21-31% Windows
18-25% Walls
12-14% Floor
6-9% Air leakage

Obviously the *best* way to insulate your home is to have batts or blankets installed in your ceilings, walls, and underfloor. If you are a home owner there are grants and loans available through the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to help with this.

Windows (and doors)

Windows account for a huge amount of heat loss, and here are some ways to help:

Check window and door frames -In daylight shut doors and windows and check for gaps (daylight)
Self adhesive foam or v-strip around doors and windows. It is important to choose the correct product and size i.e v-strip for wooden windows – especially sash windows – this not only stops draughts but stops ‘window rattle. Foam on aluminium. If in doubt check with your local Hardware Merchant.
Use draught stops – these are easy to make and effective around doors and ranch sliders.
Install purpose made ‘weather strips’ to the bottom of doors

Draught stops – Get crafty – old jeans stuffed with rice or fabric scraps.

Add a layer to your existing curtains: Either joosh up by bright new fabric over the top of old or add a lining. Such as Ashley’s amazing idea of adding a cheap fleece blanket to the back of your curtains. (Really effective)
Make sure your curtains fit – wider and longer than your windows works best
Pelmets will also stop heat escaping
Double glazing reduces heat loss, noise and UV light. there are plenty of retro-fitting options including DIY products. Bubble wrap can also be used.

Other ways you can lose heat

Gaps around skirting and architraves: Check for gaps by running your hand around the skirting boards/floor boards and check for draughts or use a candle or and incense stick, watch the flame or smoke for air movement. Seal gaps as you find them.
Install metal covers over keyholes or leave the key in the door
Make sure your ceiling hatch fits properly
Insure electrical outlets on wall are firmly in place
Block unused chimneys and fireplaces. Open fireplaces are inefficient and draughty. Replace with a built in wood or pallet fire If you do not use the fire, block the chimney completely.
Check for gaps between floorboards on wooden floor. Under the house at night to see if light is shining through
Repairing holes in the floor: From under the house screw a small square of timber over the hole. Cut a bung to fit snugly in the hole and jam it in from the top. Tap in with a hammer gently. Sand. Fill any gaps with wood filler. Consider Plastic sheeting under the house as this blocks dampness from rising
Open down lights can let in draughts – replace with sealer canister types.

Hot Water Cylinders

Hot water cylinders – A grade cylinders give the best insulation – Savings $80 per year.

If cylinder is warm to the touch then covering will reduce heat loss. Insulating hot water pipes also helps reduce heat loss.

Condensation

When warm moist air touches a cool surface (such as a window) the moisture condenses into water. You can reduce condensation by reducing the amount of moisture in your home.

Moisture from

Breathing
Cooking
Drying washing inside
Bathroom

Some tips on Heat Pumps: