Now summer is well and truly over in Australia, and the nights are longer and the mornings colder, you will no doubt see an increase in customers looking to beat the chill in their homes. Here are five simple ways to help your customers draught proof their homes and save on their energy bills this winter.

CHECK FOR HEAT ESCAPING 

You probably know that heating and cooling account for a big chunk of overall energy usage in the average Aussie home – as much as 38%. While air conditioning is a significant contributor during the summer months, heating is just as much of a culprit once the temperature drops.

The design of Australian homes, often built to stay cool and keep heat out, drives this energy usage up even further, with draught from gaps around windows, doors and fireplaces causing as much as a quarter of the total heat loss in an average home. Because of this, preventing heat loss in your customer’s homes should be the first step when assessing their heating needs this winter.

SEAL GAPS AROUND DOORS 

Once you have checked a home for the sources of heat loss, you can get to work fixing them. If you have isolated the issue to a gap around a door, door seals can be a great way to correct the problem. Emerald’s versatile door seals are quick and easy to install and fit doors up to 920m wide. As well as stopping draught to keep your customer’s homes warm in winter and cool in summer, door seals also keep dirt, dust and leaves out. Best of all, if you are in Victoria, NSW or SA, you could be eligible for rebates via the local state government energy efficiency schemes.

DRAFTS FROM UNSEALED CHIMNEYS 

If your customer’s home is losing heat through an unused chimney, it’s a good idea to recommend an Emerald Planet Chimney Seal. This handy product sits just inside the chimney to prevent air from escaping and entering the home – effectively keeping the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Additionally, the design helps prevent debris from falling into the chimney and can help reduce wind noise. The chimney seal’s design fits a wide range of chimney sizes. It can also be removed and reinstalled easily using the seal pole. Accredited installers in Victoria and NSW are also eligible for rebates via the Victorian Energy Upgrade and ESS program.

USE SOFT FURNISHINGS 

While hardwood or polished concrete floors can be a stylish addition to a home, they aren’t known for their warmth and can contribute to the chill once winter hits. Rather than leaving the heater on day and night, encourage your customers to try laying thick rugs or other flooring covers in these spaces. Not only will they help keep the room warmer, but they feel great underfoot.

DON’T OVERLOOK THE WINDOWS 

When it comes to windows, you could recommend several things to minimise heat loss during winter. Once you have ensured there are no gaps and the seals are in good condition, recommend your customers keep their windows closed where possible and invest in blinds or block-out curtains to keep out the winter chill.

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