Preparing Your Home For A Tasmanian Winter

Winter in Australia often means heavy rainfalls, sudden storms, and the potential for a cold and damp indoors. The cold temperature and less daylight also means there is more time spend on indoor activities.

As the temperatures begin to fall, homes can benefit from some simple preparation to ensure they are comfortable, cosy, and warm throughout winter. These simple tips will help to prepare your home for the colder months to ensure your comfort, health and safety.

Keep warm and safe

Fireplaces, heaters, electric blankets, and hot water bottles can cause burn injuries or fire, so always use with caution and read instructions carefully.

Health Direct Australia provides some tips, including:

• Keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.

• Never use your gas oven or stove as a room heater.

• Use just one appliance per power point and switch them off when you're not using them.

• Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended.

• Install smoke alarms throughout your home and test them monthly.

• Have a written home fire escape plan and practice it regularly.

Prevent dampness in the home

In the cooler months, dampness can be a problem, especially with older homes. A damp home can result in mould, which can affect your health as well as cause mildew and paint discolouration. Three things will help you fight dampness: proper ventilation, heating, and insulation.

Check roofs and tiles

One part of the house we often forget is the outside. Fallen leaves can clog up drains, pipes, and gutters, blocking rainwater from flowing out properly.

Take some time to remove leaves and other debris from your home's gutters, and finally use a good hose rinse. This will allow any water to flow freely, rather than cause an overflow in a downpour.

At the same time, look for cracked or broken tiles, leaks and misaligned pipes on the roof or gutters.

We hope these tips help you maintain a cosy and healthy home this winter.