Keep your home warm in winter

Cold snaps, draughts, and rising power bills can make your home feel less like a haven and more like a fridge. 

The good news? With a few clever tweaks - and smart planning if you’re renovating - you can keep your home warmer, cut down on electricity use, and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.

If you’re thinking about renovating or upgrading your home this winter, get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.

Where your home loses heat in winter (and how to fix it)

It’s much easier (and cheaper) to keep the heat you’ve already paid for than to generate more. 

Here’s where heat often escapes:

• Windows. Single-glazed windows are a common culprit. Heat can leak out fast, especially through older or poorly sealed frames.
• Doors. Gaps around doors let warm air out and cold air in.
• Floors and ceilings. Heat rises, so poor ceiling insulation means warmth disappears quickly. Timber floors without insulation can let cold air creep in from below.
  
  
• Walls. Uninsulated or under-insulated walls don’t hold in heat well.
  
  

Quick tip: Try the tissue paper test. Hold a piece of tissue or toilet paper near windows or doors. If the thin paper moves, there’s a draught that needs to be stopped.

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Easy ways to warm your home and cut energy use

Even if you’re not renovating yet, small upgrades can improve your home’s warmth and efficiency:

• Use thermal curtains and keep them closed as soon as the sun goes down. This traps heat inside and blocks out cold.
• Seal gaps and draughts with adhesive weather strips, foam seals, or door snakes. Pay attention to old timber joinery or around floorboards.
• Add rugs to timber or tile floors to reduce heat loss and create a cosier feel.
• Install a heat pump timer or thermostat so heating only runs when needed - like warming bedrooms just before bedtime.
• Switch to LED lighting. Not only do they use less electricity, but also reduces excess heat in summer, which helps regulate the home's temperature.
• Close off unused rooms to stop heat from spreading to areas you’re not using.
• Use a dehumidifier. Dry air feels warmer than damp air, and running a dehumidifier can make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating efficiency.
• Ventilate in short bursts. Open windows wide for 5–10 minutes instead of leaving them cracked all day. This reduces moisture without losing too much heat.

Fit chimney dampers or block unused fireplaces. An open chimney can act like a vacuum sucking warm air out of your house.

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Renovation tips to make your home more energy efficient

Renovating is the perfect time to make choices that improve comfort and cut power bills for years to come. 

Here are some energy-cost saving aspects to consider:

Talk with the experts

Planning a renovation isn’t just about choosing finishes. It’s about designing a home that works better all year-round. That’s where we come in. With over 18 years of experience and a team of trusted professionals, we’ll help you make smart, energy-efficient choices at every step. 

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Insulation upgrades

Choose the highest insulation rating you can afford for ceilings, underfloor, and walls. Insulating internal walls, especially between living and sleeping areas, can help regulate temperature and reduce heating zones.

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Window choices

Double glazing helps trap heat inside in winter and keeps things cool in summer. Consider thermally broken frames and low-E (low-emissivity) glass for even better performance.

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Heating systems

Ducted heat pumps, underfloor heating, or efficient wall-mounted units can warm your home evenly and economically. Plan ahead so your system suits the new layout and is sized correctly for your space.

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Layout and sun

Think about how your home is oriented. Position living spaces to face north and maximise passive solar gain. Locate utility rooms on the cooler south side to use space more efficiently.

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Ventilation

A warm home still needs airflow. Ventilation systems with heat recovery can help maintain air quality and reduce condensation without losing warmth.

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Building materials

Some materials retain and release heat better than others. Thermal mass (like concrete floors or brick feature walls) can help absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night.

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Futureproofing for climate and lifestyle

Think beyond this winter—will your renovation help you stay cool in summer, reduce moisture build-up, or meet new energy standards down the track? Adding solar panels, greywater systems, or smart home features could be a smart investment now.

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Some of the bank offerings to help over winter

Ali Toumadj, Director at Proposer Group, Financial Advisors  shared these sources of finance that can help keep your home warm in winter (and cool in summer). 

• ANZ Good Energy Home Loan https://www.anz.co.nz/personal/home-loans-mortgages/loan-types/good-energy/
  – Top‑up your mortgage with a 3‑year fixed rate from ~1% for up to $80,000 to fund insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, double glazing, EV chargers, rainwater tanks, and more
• BNZ Green Home Loan - https://www.bnz.co.nz/personal-banking/home-loans/manage-your-loan/top-ups/green-home-loan-top-ups
  – Borrow up to $80,000 at around 1% fixed for 3 years to cover hot‑water heat pumps, double glazing, solar, rainwater harvesting, and efficient heating/cooling systems. 
• Westpac Greater Choices Home Loan - https://www.westpac.co.nz/home-loans-mortgages/options/greater-choices-home-loan/
  – 0% interest on up to $50,000 for 5 years for insulation, heat pumps, double glazing, solar systems, EVs/chargers, and more. ‍
• ASB Better Homes Top-Up - https://www.asb.co.nz/home-loans-mortgages/better-homes-top-up.html
  – Borrow up to $80,000 via top‑up for insulation, ventilation, double glazing, etc., with competitive fixed rates.

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Keep your home comfortable year-round with these renovation tips

What keeps your home warm in winter can also help keep it cool in summer:

• Insulation that regulates temperature year-round
• Windows that open easily for airflow
• Smart shading (like eaves, external blinds or deciduous planting)
  
  

Plan for both ends of the seasonal spectrum and your home will feel better all year round.

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Why act now?

• Stay warm and dry through winter with improved insulation and heating.
• Save money on power bills and GST.
• Boost your home's value and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Enjoy short-term, low-rate finance, freeing up budget with minimal disruption

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FAQs about keeping your home warm in winter

Q: What is the best way to keep my house warm in winter in NZ?‍

A: Start with insulation and sealing draughts. Insulated ceilings, double glazing, and thermal curtains can make a big difference, especially in older New Zealand homes.

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Q: How can I heat my home without high power bills?

A: Use a heat pump with a timer or thermostat, close off unused rooms, and reduce dampness with a dehumidifier. Renovating? Plan for efficient heating and good insulation.

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‍Q: Is it worth upgrading insulation when renovating?‍

A: Yes. Upgrading insulation is one of the best ways to lower energy use, improve comfort, and futureproof your home. It can reduce heating costs long-term.

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Stay warm and save money this winter

You don’t have to crank up the heat and watch your power bill skyrocket. With smart upgrades or thoughtful renovation planning, your home can be warmer, more efficient, and more comfortable through every season.

Thinking about a renovation this winter? Let’s talk about how to future-proof your home.

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