Come into the warm Follow these

Come into the warm

Feeling the chill? We’ve got plenty of hot tips for keeping cosy at home this winter

Efficient home heating

As outside temperatures drop, thoughts turn to a cosy indoors, perhaps with a crackling fire. In our winter fantasies, we’d do it all with abandon but, in reality, that cosiness comes at a financial and environmental cost. You can tough it out in a thicker pair of socks, or you can upgrade your home heating and insulation and achieve winter comfort in an energy-efficient fashion. Here are some smart ways to stay toasty. Smart thinking When it’s cold outside, having wi-fi control allows you to pre-emptively strike during your commute, turning on the heating so you can return to a warm home. Some air conditioners, such as the Carrier ‘Fern’ range, can be fitted with a wi-fi kit, which allows you to operate it remotely via a tablet or smartphone. At home, you can use voice control (through a Google or Amazon smart home hub) to crank up the heat from the comfort of your bed.

Eco air A reverse-cycle heat pump – also known as an air conditioner – covers off all your heating and cooling needs in one unit. It can also be a highly efficient and cost-effective form of heating (check the Energy Rating Label on a unit before you buy). All reverse cycle heat pumps use refrigerants to concentrate heat from the environment, but the new, improved R32 refrigerant is the gold standard, with no impact on the ozone layer and less global warming potential of its predecessors*.

Demand more While investing in a new heating option, look for one that offers more control. Carrier’s Sleep Mode gently lowers temperatures as we fall asleep and raises them for a snug awakening.  EXPERT TIP

“The right heating for a home depends on how the home and each room is used, as well as room sizes, insulation, the building construction, region, and available energy sources”

Chris Mischeski Sustainability Trust

Carrier 3.75kW split system wi-fi ready air conditioner, $1,199, I/N: 0236192

Carrier ‘Fern’ 6.2kW split system wi-fi ready air conditioner, $1,799, I/N: 0236195

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Return to wood Solid fuel home heaters have come a long way, with the new generation of slow-combustion heaters boasting enhanced eco credentials. All new wood burners installed after August 2005 on properties under two hectares must have emissions of less than 1.5 grams per kilogram of dry wood burnt, and a thermal efficiency of at least 65 per cent. Of course, a wood heater can also be a style statement – look for one that suits your space.

Kent ‘Ruapehu’ wood heater, $2,698, I/N: 0177882†

Kent ‘Murchison’ wood heater, $1,998, I/N: 0177880†

Wood-burning heaters, whether freestanding or built-in, are a good source of heat but need to comply with strict emission regulations

Deal with draughts According to Chris Mischeski, home performance adviser at Sustainability Trust (sustain trust.org.nz), air leakage can make up almost 10 per cent of heat lost in a home and quickly cool a room – but this is relatively simple and low cost to fix. “Draught seal windows, doors and ceiling hatches with adhesive weather strips and seal under doors with door brushes and/or door snakes,” suggests Chris. Caulk around larger gaps in skirting boards and where pipes enter a house. “Also, look out for draught sources such as pet flaps and broken extractor fan housings, and seek advice on how to fix them,” says Chris.

Moroday ‘MDS 1’ 915mm x 36mm x 4mm plastic door seal, $9.95, I/N: 4063254

Moroday ‘MW7 Handy Seal’ hard self adhesive seal in Black, $39, I/N: 3970069 Tip Before buying a wood heater, check regulations with the Ministry for the Environment and your local council or unitary authority, as you may need a building consent

Curtain call A sunny expanse of windows can be the weak link in winter. A single pane of glass can lose almost 10 times as much heat as the same area of insulated wall, but if you are renovating, double-glazed windows can reduce heat loss by 30 per cent*. For a quick fix, think curtains, blinds or, even better, a layered combination.

Pillar ‘Elegance’ 270cm x 240cm indoor roller blind in Dulux Cardrona, $198, I/N: 0029663

Home Profile ‘Boston’ 2.3-3m x 2.2m thermal curtain in Alloy, $115, I/N: 0037773 (curtain rod not included)

Add texture Warmth is physical but also emotional – dial it up with a few visual triggers. “Oversized rugs under your lounge, textured throw cushions and blankets all give off a warm emotional response in cold winter months,” says interior designer Chontelle Samios.

Utilise textiles such as curtains, soft cushions, throws and floor rugs to up the ante on cosiness

SAFETY TIP

Although today’s insulation products are relatively low irritant, it’s recommended to wear long sleeves and trousers, gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses while installing

Your DIY toolkit

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1 Mammoth R2.9 870mm polyester ceiling insulation blanket, $257/15sqm, I/N: 0125303. 2 Earthwool ‘Glasswool R4.1’ 1160mm x 430mm x 195mm ceiling insulation, $72.95/pack of 18 (8.98sqm), I/N: 0224592. 3 Earthwool ‘Glasswool R1.5’ 2700mm x 470mm x 70mm quilted underfloor insulation, $95.20/pack of 15 (19.04sqm), I/N: 8911017. 4 3M ‘Tartan’ 50.2m x 47.7mm utility duct tape in Black, $10.50, I/N: 0178777. 5 3M ‘Securefit’ clear safety glasses, $14.95, I/N: 0119726. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Well padded “Insulation is a critical component of a warm, dry and healthy home,” says Chris. “Once installed, the energy savings begin to recover the cost immediately.” Using the right type is crucial for a well-performing end result – and the higher the R rating of a product, the more heat the home will hold. For ceilings with no insulation, Chris recommends insulation segments between joists with another layer cross-laid over the top; over existing ceiling insulation, use a polyester ceiling blanket to cover timber joists and reduce heat loss through timber. “Aim for at least R3.6 insulation in the ceiling,” says Chris. For underfloors, use at least R1.8 insulation between joists, and choose a material such as polyester that can withstand damp conditions. “But in high wind open environments where the underfloor is exposed, semi-rigid segment products work best as they reduce windwash through the insulation,” says Chris. Some bulk insulation products can be retrofitted and, with good access, this can be a relatively straightforward DIY job. 

Choose air-purifying plants that help detoxify the home

Fighting winter fustiness Cocooning in your beautifully heated and draught-proof home is a winter delight, but to prevent cosiness drifting into staleness, it’s wise to take some preventative measures.

Musty and damp air is not only unpleasant but unhealthy, and it’s a natural consequence of a season of closed windows, particularly when you’ve had laundry drying inside and plenty of hot showers, and been busy making home-cooked meals.

Ventilate your home as much as possible during winter by using extractors in steamy areas such as the bathroom, laundry and over the kitchen stove, and by opening the windows for at least half an hour a day – yes, even when it’s frigid outside.

You can also enlist the help of indoor plants to cleanse stagnant air. Many potted pals have air-cleaning properties – varieties that help remove pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, include gerbera, dragon tree, mass cane/corn plant, sansevieria, peace lily, philodendron and golden pothos*.

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Your DIY toolkit

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1 HPM 38W exhaust fan with LED light, $137.09, I/N: 0308289. 2 Everdure 60cm box canopy rangehood, $278, I/N: 0147021. 3 Daltons premium houseplant mix, $8.99/10L, I/N: 0193307. 4 Kiwicare ‘Gro-Sure Mist ‘n’ Feed’ houseplant spray, $12.98/250ml, I/N: 0108904. 5 Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) plant.

6 Peace lily (Spathiphyllum

wallisii) plant. 7 Dracaena ‘Janet

Craig’ (Dracaena compacta)

plant. 8 Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii). Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Power pointers Though not the most efficient or economical choice for heating a whole home, electric heaters, including panel and fan models, are ideal for smaller, insulated spaces. Use them to take the edge off when working from home during a cold snap. New panel heaters – which can often be wallmounted – are becoming so sleek you’ll barely notice them. Be aware that they are not suitable for wet zones; a ceiling-mounted combined heat, light and extractor can be a good solution for a bathroom or laundry. ◆

Arlec 1000W convection panel heater, $69, I/N: 0163654

Click 2000W ceramic heater with adjustable thermostat and oscillation, $39.98, I/N: 0163634

Watch it!

Improve the temperature of your home with underfloor insulation: bunnings.co.nz/installunderfloor-polystyrene-insulation