Need to know
- It’s a low-effort, cheap and easy solution to increase household energy efficiency.
- A lot of the solutions can be done yourself.
Introduction
Cracks and gaps in our homes can account for up to 25 per cent of heat loss. Gaps can form around window and door frames, skirting boards, architraves, vents and exhaust fans. Fixing these can make your house more energy efficient by stopping warm air from escaping in winter and hot air entering in warmer months. You can get a lot of advice and materials at your local hardware store. Just explain what you are trying to seal, and they’ll help out.
Stopping draughts
You can fit draught excluders to the base of external and internal doors and foam strips around window gaps and door frames. Use expanding foam or gap filler rod to seal skirting boards, architraves, vents, lights or window frames (check the manufacturer’s label for directions)
Fit covers on exhaust fans that vent straight into the roof. These open when the fan is in use but stop draughts at other times. Cover evaporative cooler vents with magnetised vent covers. Seal any unnecessary permanent vents (often found in the walls and ceilings of old homes). If you have an un-flued gas heater, get a professional to check it's working well and not posing a dangerous risk in your home. If you use a wood heater, seek professional advice before draught-proofing your home.
Double glazed windows
A considerable amount of heat is lost and transferred into the house through its windows. Installing double-glazed windows can improve heat retention and heat absorption through summer.
Blinds, Curtains and Window Awnings
There are other ways to reduce heat loss or heat absorption through windows:
- Blinds and curtains are a cheap and easy way to maintain warmth in your home and keep it cooler in summer.
- Window awnings are another solution. They are installed on the outside of the house and can be rolled down to insulate windows.
What to Do
- To help you identify where the draughts are coming from you can use an incense stick or candle to test areas where droughts are potentially entering through cracks or gaps.
- Book a home energy audit kit from Alexandrina Library to identify cold spots in the home.
- Talk to staff at your local hardware store for advice about simple, do-it-yourself draught proofing solutions. Have a look at these tips for draught proofing.
- Book a home energy auditor to inspect your house and spot the cracks to repair.
- Some insulation and draught-proofing works are eligible for the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme. Contact your energy retailer and ask them about the scheme and how it can help you.