A Winter Checklist for Your Home
Winter is knocking on our doors. As the cooler months approach, there are a number of things you can do to prepare your home for the cooler temperatures that lay in waiting. To keep things interesting and not all about cleaning and maintenance (yay!), we’ve mixed up a combination of both aesthetic and safety issues to consider in your winter checklist.
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Clean your air conditioning system
Keeping your air conditioner in it’s peak condition is important both for the efficiency of the system and air quality. Dirty filters that have a build-up of residue and are clogged, can drastically reduce air quality and decrease the effectiveness of the system. As a result, the unfiltered air bypasses the filter and caries the dirt to the evaporator coil that will then impair its heat-absorbing capacity (Energy.gov). Replacing your clogged filter with a new one can lower your unit’s energy consumption by up to 15%. And that’s a lot on your power bills!
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Stock up on firewood
For those lucky enough to have a fireplace to cuddle by with an open book on those cold winter nights… you are the lucky ones! If this is you, now is the time to check those firewood supplies and top them up! Don’t leave it til a cool winter night when collecting firewood is the last thing you want to do!
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Replace your summer doona with a winter one
Time to delve deep into the linen cupboard and reach for that warm, fluffy winter doona. Opt for goose or duck down for the warmest doona that is still light and fluffy. Which leads us to our next point…
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Switch summer palettes for warm winter tones
If you have opted for bright, summery tones during the warm months, not it’s time to switch it up for some deeper, earthy colours that exude winter charms. Dark blues, warm greys or deep purples and reds all help a room feel warm and cosy during the chilly nights.
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Bring out the rugs and throws
It’s time to decorate couches, chairs and beds with those extra layers. Add a throw rug over your couch to add warmth as well as a bright hue to brighten a cold day. If you have hardwood or concrete floors that make your toes feel the chill, consider laying down a rug to get you through the next few months. Your toes will thank you!
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Run a maintenance check on your heaters
Last but not least is to run a maintenance check on all your heaters. If in doubt, have an electrician to come in and check them for you. Remove all dust and wipe over with a damp cloth to ensure any build up is gone. Double check the connection to the power outlet and that everything is in good working order.
Now you are winter ready! Just need to go and buy the Uggs…
