The reminders are out there, and you might think about taking some simple steps to make your home more energy efficient and keep you warmer each winter, but who has time?
You do, my friend. This year is your year. It's easy:
Put a jacket on the hot water cylinder Wrap up the hot water cylinder with an insulation cover. Cylinder wraps cost around $60 and pipe insulation is about $5 a metre from hardware stores.
Seal it up Self-adhesive rubber seals around doors and windows and door draught excluders are relatively cheap and easy to install.
It's worth getting those doors and windows sealed before winter properly kicks in.
You should also make sure you don't have any leaks or gaps so that the warm air can stay in and the cold air stays out - this also helps to reduce condensation.
Windows Some people suggest rigging up plastic shower curtains behind material curtains in rooms to keep the warmth in. I'd suggest going for a clear option here, unless you're partial to something bath-themed.
Another option is attaching cling wrap tightly using tape from the top to bottom of windows as a sort of DIY double glazing. Pro tip: Did you know if you keep your cling wrap in the freezer it doesn't cling to itself?
Keep your blood sugar up when you're heading in to the cold. Photo / 123RF
Insulate yourself
Yes it's obvious, but wearing a hat will keep you way warmer, as will layering up for better insulation.
Feeling drastic? Head into that bottom drawer and bust out those long johns.
