Staying warm and dry in winter

• Published date: 20 July 2022
• Publication title: West Coast Messenger, The

Insulation in the roof and under the floor keeps your house warm and dry in winter, but it's expensive and may not be an option if you're renting or on a budget. If you're on a low income, you may be able to get financial help for home insulation through the Ministry of Health's Healthy Homes Initiative. Some local or regional councils offer insulation deals and the Winter Energy Payment is available for some people

Insulation is also now compulsory in all rental homes.

2. It's curtains for cold

Having snug-fitting curtains helps keep your house warm. Floor length curtains keep the heat in better than shorter ones. Adding a rolled-up towel on top of your curtain track also stops warm air escaping behind the curtain. The heat from the sun is free, so make sure you open your curtains in the morning to let the sun's heat in and close them just before sunset to keep the cold out.

3. Draught-proof windows and doors

Check there aren't any draughts coming in through any windows or doors, as this will make your house cold. A draught stopper across the bottom of a door (or a rolled up dry towel) helps keep the cold out.

4. Reduce condensation

Condensation, or water that's collected on windows and walls, makes your home damp and can...