Weatherproofing Your Home for Kiwi Winters: Essential Tips
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and temperatures start to drop, it’s time for Kiwi homeowners to prepare for the winter months ahead. New Zealand winters might not bring extreme sub-zero temperatures like other parts of the world, but our unique climate presents its own challenges.
From the biting southerlies in Wellington to the damp chill of Auckland or the frosty mornings in Central Otago, each region faces different winter conditions. Ensuring your home is properly weatherproofed not only keeps your whānau warm and comfortable but also helps reduce power bills and prevents costly damage. Let’s explore some essential tips to get your home winter-ready.
Why Weatherproofing Matters in New Zealand
Our homes in Aotearoa are notoriously under-insulated compared to many other developed countries. This isn’t surprising given our relatively mild climate, but it means many of us live in houses that aren’t properly equipped to handle the winter months. A well-weatherproofed home retains heat more efficiently, reducing the need for constant heating and lowering your power bills. It also prevents moisture build-up which can lead to mould and mildew – common problems in New Zealand homes during winter.
The World Health Organisation recommends indoor temperatures of at least 18°C, but studies have shown that many Kiwi homes fall well below this in winter. This isn’t just about comfort; cold, damp homes contribute to respiratory problems and other health issues, particularly among children and the elderly. Taking steps to weatherproof your home is an investment in both your property and your family’s well-being.
Sealing the Gaps: Draught-Proofing Your Home
One of the simplest yet most effective weatherproofing measures is draught-proofing. Even small gaps around doors, windows, and other openings can allow surprising amounts of cold air to enter your home while letting precious warm air escape. In fact, draughts can account for up to 25% of heat loss in some homes.
Start by checking around windows and external doors – can you feel any cold air coming through? Self-adhesive foam or rubber strips are inexpensive and easy to install around door and window frames. For gaps under doors, door snakes or brush strips attached to the bottom of the door work well. Don’t forget other potential sources of draughts: keyholes, letterboxes, cat flaps, and even electrical outlets on external walls can all be points where cold air enters.
For older homes with wooden floorboards, gaps between boards can be a significant source of heat loss. Consider using a flexible filler designed for wooden floors, or even rugs can help provide some insulation against rising cold air. Chimneys, when not in use, should be blocked with a chimney balloon or even a simple cushion to prevent warm air from escaping up the flue.
Insulation: The Foundation of a Warm Home
When we talk about weatherproofing, insulation is often the first thing that comes to mind – and for good reason. Proper insulation is the cornerstone of a warm, dry home. If your home was built before 2008, when insulation became mandatory in new builds, it may not have adequate insulation by today’s standards.
Ceiling insulation is particularly crucial as heat rises, and up to 35% of a home’s heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof. The good news is that ceiling insulation is relatively easy to install in most homes with accessible roof spaces. For those with limited access or flat roofs, professional installation might be necessary.
Wall insulation can be more challenging to retrofit but makes a significant difference, potentially reducing heat loss by another 25%. If you’re renovating or replacing wall linings, this presents an ideal opportunity to add insulation. For homes with suspended wooden floors, underfloor insulation helps prevent cold air from rising through the floorboards and can make a noticeable difference to how warm your home feels.
The New Zealand government has offered various insulation subsidies over the years through programmes like Warmer Kiwi Homes. It’s worth checking if you qualify for any current schemes, especially if you’re a Community Services Card holder or live in a high-deprivation area.
Windows: The Weak Link in Your Thermal Envelope
Windows can be responsible for up to 20% of heat loss in a home, especially single-glazed windows, which are still common in many New Zealand houses. Double-glazing is the gold standard for window insulation, creating a layer of trapped air between two panes of glass which acts as excellent insulation. However, retrofitting double-glazing can be expensive.
If double-glazing isn’t within your budget, there are more affordable alternatives. Window films that adhere directly to the glass can improve insulation, as can thermal curtains with a thick lining. When installing curtains, make sure they extend below the windowsill and have a pelmet at the top to prevent the convection of cold air around the window.
Another option is secondary glazing, which involves adding a second pane of glass or acrylic to existing windows. DIY kits are available for the handy homeowner, or professional installation services can be found in most regions. For a very low-cost solution, bubble wrap can be applied to windows using a spray of water for adhesion – it’s not pretty, but it works surprisingly well for windows that aren’t primary viewpoints.
At night, always close curtains to retain heat, but during sunny winter days, open them to allow the sun’s warmth to enter – free solar heating!
Heating: Efficient Systems for Kiwi Conditions
Having weatherproofed your home to retain heat better, it’s important to consider how you’re generating that heat in the first place. New Zealand’s electricity prices can make heating expensive, so choosing efficient systems is crucial.
Heat pumps have become increasingly popular in New Zealand homes, and for good reason. They’re extremely efficient, producing up to 4-5 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity used. Modern units are designed specifically for our climate and can operate effectively even in sub-zero temperatures. They also double as air conditioners in summer, making them a versatile investment.
For homes with good insulation, a fixed flued gas heater can be efficient and cost-effective, particularly in regions with access to reticulated natural gas. Wood burners remain popular, especially in rural areas where firewood is readily available. They provide high heat output and contribute to a cosy atmosphere, though they require more maintenance and aren’t suitable for all properties, particularly in areas with air quality restrictions.
Weatherproofing Your Home for Kiwi Winters: Essential Tips
Whatever heating system you choose, using it wisely can save significantly on power bills. Heating only the rooms you’re using, keeping temperatures moderate (18-21°C is recommended), and using timers to warm your home before you wake up or return from work are all smart strategies.
Weatherproofing your home doesn’t have to be an expensive or overwhelming project. Starting with simple measures like draught-proofing and gradually working towards bigger improvements like insulation upgrades can make a significant difference to your home’s warmth and comfort during the winter months.
Not only will you be creating a healthier living environment for your whānau, but you’ll also be reducing your energy consumption and saving money in the long run. As we face increasing energy costs and greater climate awareness, a well-weatherproofed home is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity for Kiwi homeowners.
Chase Baron is the owner and operator of Hibiscus Coast Property Maintenance Ltd, a local, family-owned business that provides a wide range of property maintenance services to residential and commercial customers on the Hibiscus Coast with over 10 years of experience in the industry. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including Painting, Roof Painting, Roof Repair, Gutter Cleaning, Stump Grinding and Tree Services.
