As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, cosy nights at home become more appealing – which is why it’s so important to make sure your heritage home is ready for winter.
What older buildings offer in charm, they can sometimes lack in insulation, meaning the winter months can feel even colder. As Melbourne’s leading heritage home restoration builder, we are all too familiar with our city’s cold winters – read on for our top tips on keeping the chill out.
Get cosy with textures
A quick and easy way to add warmth to your heritage home is by playing with textures. Swap light, airy fabrics like linen for plush throws and cushions that match your home’s heritage style.
Crushed velvet looks fantastic on sofas and bedding, while faux fur works beautifully on rugs. A home decked out in cosy textures looks inviting and provides plenty of opportunities to snuggle up and get comfortable on long winter nights.
Consider your heating options
If you need a fast fix, consider a portable or gas heater to keep your rooms cosy. Switch it on in the evenings, when temperatures are at their lowest, and focus on the rooms you spend the most time in. Just before you go to sleep, move the heater into your bedroom, so it’s nice and warm when you get into bed – once you’re all tucked up, you can switch it off again.
Another option is installing reverse cycle air conditioning. Unlike conventional air conditioning, reverse cycle units kill two birds with one stone by cooling in summer and heating in winter. It’s an energy-efficient option that draws heat in from the air outside, before distributing it around the room. When you live in a climate as unpredictable as Melbourne’s, you may even find yourself using both options in one day!
Rug up (literally)
Timber and stone floors are common in heritage homes – and while they look beautiful, they aren’t particularly effective at keeping heat in. Covering your floors with rugs is a great short-term solution while you consider your options.
When you decide to renovate, it could be worth thinking about switching to carpets or even installing underfloor heating. It may cost more initially, but you can save yourself a lot of money on electric heaters in the long run.
Light the fire
If you’re lucky enough to have a working fireplace in your heritage home, now is the time to capitalise on it. Stock up on firewood in advance and light the fire in the evening to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Not only do woodfires look wonderful, they’re also very much in keeping with many heritage styles.
Update your windows
One of the most common places a home loses heat is through its windows. If you often feel a draught, check for any gaps that may be letting in cold air. You can temporarily fix the issue by using sealant and covering your windows with heavy curtains. In the long term, you may want to consider investing in double glazed windows, which is also effective at keeping the heat out in summer.
Start planning a restoration
While there are plenty of quick fixes for keeping your home warm this winter, now is the perfect time to start planning for coming winters. A heritage home restoration expert like SECON Constructions can talk you through your options – from updating your insulation to installing underfloor heating, making sure your heritage home stays cosy even on the coldest nights.
To start planning your heritage home restoration, get in touch with the expert team at SECON Constructions today.
