{"id":6716,"date":"2021-06-07T12:09:04","date_gmt":"2021-06-07T02:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.obrien.com.au\/?p=6716"},"modified":"2022-06-23T11:37:17","modified_gmt":"2022-06-23T01:37:17","slug":"how-to-keep-warm-this-winter-5-tips-to-stave-off-the-cold-from-your-household","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.obrien.com.au\/articles\/how-to-keep-warm-this-winter-5-tips-to-stave-off-the-cold-from-your-household\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Keep Warm This Winter: 5 Tips To Stave Off The Cold From Your Household"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winter is here.<\/strong><\/h1>\n

It catches Australians off-guard every year. <\/span>So, as the temperature starts to dip, it\u2019s a great idea to make preparations now so <\/span>you can help keep your family and home warm, without costing you the planet.<\/span><\/h3>\n


\nTo help you out, our O'Brien Plumbing experts have put together a list of <\/span>cost-effective ways to help keep warm this winter \u2013 so you can feel cosy and comfortable <\/span>despite the cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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1. Identify and seal any air leaks.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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If you have a draughty home, you\u2019ll tend to feel the winter chill a lot more. So, <\/span>before the weather gets too cold, check for drafts and leaks coming from<\/span><\/p>\n

under your doors, windows and ceilings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2. Maximise the power of sunshine!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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We\u2019re lucky in Australia as, even during the winter, we can get some very <\/span>sunny days. So, open those curtains and let the sunshine pour in when it\u2019s up. <\/span>This way, you\u2019ll be able to get some natural light and warmth into your home. <\/span>Just make sure to close them again as soon as dusk falls, so you\u2019ll be able to <\/span>trap the heat inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Use a humidifier and ceiling fans.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

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4. Get those rugs, electric blankets and heated mattress pads out.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Rugs are more than just for aesthetics \u2013 they can also help prevent heat loss from <\/span>wooden floorings and can help keep your pets and feet warm. <\/span>This is a great time to add your electric blankets and heated mattress to your <\/span>bed too. With these warm covers, you can get a good night\u2019s sleep without the <\/span>cold creeping in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Invest in a reliable hot water solution.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Hot water is something every Australian household can\u2019t live without. We <\/span>need it for cooking, cleaning and of course \u2013 hot showers and baths!<\/span><\/p>\n

To help ensure that you\u2019ll have enough warm water flowing from your taps this <\/span>coming winter, it\u2019s time to invest in a reliable hot water system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask yourself: how\u2019s your current hot water system?<\/p>\n