Unglamorous (but Essential) Jobs to Keep Your Winter Home Ticking Over
Boost the functionality, comfort and safety of your home this winter by tackling these home maintenance tasks
While it may be tempting to put off doing home maintenance jobs during the cooler months in favour of hibernating in bed in your downtime, there are some tasks you shouldn’t neglect doing as they’ll ensure your home runs smoothly all winter long. Below you’ll find nine of these important chores to put on your winter home to-do list, most of which you can tackle yourself, while there are a few others that may require help from professionals. These tasks will not only make your home work more efficiently this season, but will ensure it remains safe, warm and in tiptop shape too.
2. Clean out your closet
While many people wait until spring to overhaul their wardrobe, a thorough closet clean out is a task you should also tackle in winter. Start by removing all of your summer clothes, and pack them away in plastic tubs or vacuum storage bags that you can stash at the top of your cupboard or under your bed. This will free up valuable space in your wardrobe and save you time in the morning, as you’ll be able to see all of your cold-weather clothes and find specific items in a snap.
Next, bin any items that are old and threadbare, and donate pieces that you no longer need or wear. Also look for items that need to be dry cleaned or repaired, and drop them off to be freshened up and mended. If your wardrobe tends to get cold and musty during winter, hang a moisture absorber sachet in your closet to stop mould and odours from infiltrating your storage space.
Easy ways to declutter your wardrobe
While many people wait until spring to overhaul their wardrobe, a thorough closet clean out is a task you should also tackle in winter. Start by removing all of your summer clothes, and pack them away in plastic tubs or vacuum storage bags that you can stash at the top of your cupboard or under your bed. This will free up valuable space in your wardrobe and save you time in the morning, as you’ll be able to see all of your cold-weather clothes and find specific items in a snap.
Next, bin any items that are old and threadbare, and donate pieces that you no longer need or wear. Also look for items that need to be dry cleaned or repaired, and drop them off to be freshened up and mended. If your wardrobe tends to get cold and musty during winter, hang a moisture absorber sachet in your closet to stop mould and odours from infiltrating your storage space.
Easy ways to declutter your wardrobe
3. Make your home fire safe
According to Fire & Rescue NSW, 43 per cent of fatalities caused by house fires occur during winter. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of being vigilant when it comes to fire safety at home during the cooler months, as many households rely on heating equipment to stay warm. Fitting your home out with photoelectric smoke alarms (that comply with the Australian Standard AS 3786-1993) is one way to stay alert and keep your family and home safe this winter. Fire & Rescue NSW recommends installing fire alarms in each bedroom, as well as in hallways leading to the sleeping quarters and the kitchen, which is where the majority of fires start. Remember to test and clean your smoke alarms monthly and change their batteries every year to ensure they work correctly.
According to Fire & Rescue NSW, 43 per cent of fatalities caused by house fires occur during winter. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of being vigilant when it comes to fire safety at home during the cooler months, as many households rely on heating equipment to stay warm. Fitting your home out with photoelectric smoke alarms (that comply with the Australian Standard AS 3786-1993) is one way to stay alert and keep your family and home safe this winter. Fire & Rescue NSW recommends installing fire alarms in each bedroom, as well as in hallways leading to the sleeping quarters and the kitchen, which is where the majority of fires start. Remember to test and clean your smoke alarms monthly and change their batteries every year to ensure they work correctly.
Other jobs you can do this winter to give you peace of mind and improve the safety of your home include preparing a fire escape plan; regularly checking your heater and electric blanket for damage; and keeping your fireplace clean and placing a screen in front of it when in use. Also, remember to keep soft furnishings, towels and clothes at least one metre away from heaters or fireplaces. Never leave food cooking unattended in the kitchen either.
4. De-lint your clothes dryer
Cleaning the lint filter and vents of your clothes dryer is an important job you should put on your weekly chores list. If you do several loads of washing a week, check the filter and vents more frequently.
This quick, easy task will reduce the risk of a fire starting in your dryer (a build-up of lint can cause the appliance to overheat and the fibres to catch alight) and make it work more efficiently, reducing your energy consumption and electricity bills.
Cleaning the lint filter and vents of your clothes dryer is an important job you should put on your weekly chores list. If you do several loads of washing a week, check the filter and vents more frequently.
This quick, easy task will reduce the risk of a fire starting in your dryer (a build-up of lint can cause the appliance to overheat and the fibres to catch alight) and make it work more efficiently, reducing your energy consumption and electricity bills.
5. Layer up your bed
There’s nothing better than replacing your light, summery linens with warm, cosy bedding when winter sets in, but avoid the temptation to throw all of your cold-weather gear on your bed at once. Add extra layers only when needed, otherwise you might find yourself overheating at night, which may make you sweat, feel uncomfortable and have a disjointed sleep.
I suggest starting off with a wool underlay, soft flannelette sheets and a snuggle-worthy wool or down quilt. Layer with thick wool blankets and a faux fur throw when the temperature drops. If you really feel the cold, invest in an electric blanket, or go old-school and pop a hot water bottle between your sheets before bed.
Turn up the heat in your bedroom
There’s nothing better than replacing your light, summery linens with warm, cosy bedding when winter sets in, but avoid the temptation to throw all of your cold-weather gear on your bed at once. Add extra layers only when needed, otherwise you might find yourself overheating at night, which may make you sweat, feel uncomfortable and have a disjointed sleep.
I suggest starting off with a wool underlay, soft flannelette sheets and a snuggle-worthy wool or down quilt. Layer with thick wool blankets and a faux fur throw when the temperature drops. If you really feel the cold, invest in an electric blanket, or go old-school and pop a hot water bottle between your sheets before bed.
Turn up the heat in your bedroom
6. Maintain your air con
Keeping your air conditioner clean and in tiptop shape will ensure the unit works quietly and efficiently, and comfortably heats your home all winter long. Maintaining it properly will extend the life of the air conditioner too.
There are three key air conditioner parts you should regularly check and clean: the filter, evaporator coil and condenser coil. A dirty filter will slow the airflow of your air conditioner, which will put pressure on the unit and make it work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption and electricity bills. Cleaning your filter will instantly improve its performance and efficiency, which can help reduce your energy usage by between five and 15 per cent.
To clean your unit’s filter, open the front grille of your air conditioning unit and remove the mesh panels. Brush or vacuum the filter and then wash it to remove any lingering dust, dirt and other airborne debris. Check your manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Keeping your air conditioner clean and in tiptop shape will ensure the unit works quietly and efficiently, and comfortably heats your home all winter long. Maintaining it properly will extend the life of the air conditioner too.
There are three key air conditioner parts you should regularly check and clean: the filter, evaporator coil and condenser coil. A dirty filter will slow the airflow of your air conditioner, which will put pressure on the unit and make it work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption and electricity bills. Cleaning your filter will instantly improve its performance and efficiency, which can help reduce your energy usage by between five and 15 per cent.
To clean your unit’s filter, open the front grille of your air conditioning unit and remove the mesh panels. Brush or vacuum the filter and then wash it to remove any lingering dust, dirt and other airborne debris. Check your manual for specific cleaning instructions.
The evaporator and condenser coils are usually found behind the filter. Gently brush and wipe them down so they’re free of dust and other debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove the build-up of dirt.
Head outside and clean the surface and area around your air conditioner’s external unit too. Brush dirt, leaves and cobwebs off the cover, and trim the lawn and remove weeds growing around the equipment to improve airflow and ventilation.
Although you should clean your air conditioner regularly, it should also be serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician. The start of winter or summer are ideal times to have this done.
Head outside and clean the surface and area around your air conditioner’s external unit too. Brush dirt, leaves and cobwebs off the cover, and trim the lawn and remove weeds growing around the equipment to improve airflow and ventilation.
Although you should clean your air conditioner regularly, it should also be serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician. The start of winter or summer are ideal times to have this done.
7. Clear your guttering, downpipes, and drains of debris
Blocked gutters, downpipes and drains can cause costly water and structural damage to your home and property if left unchecked during winter, especially after a heavy downpour. The next time it’s sunny outside, grab a ladder and get to work clearing your guttering and downpipes of leaves and twigs. This will allow rainwater to run freely through the drainage system the next time the sky opens up, rather than flow over the sides and onto the ground below or leak into your ceiling. While you’re up on your ladder, check your roof for cracked tiles, water damage and loose flashing, as catching these problems early will help prevent ceiling leaks as well.
Blocked stormwater drains can also cause flooding under your home, so clear debris from these areas too.
Blocked gutters, downpipes and drains can cause costly water and structural damage to your home and property if left unchecked during winter, especially after a heavy downpour. The next time it’s sunny outside, grab a ladder and get to work clearing your guttering and downpipes of leaves and twigs. This will allow rainwater to run freely through the drainage system the next time the sky opens up, rather than flow over the sides and onto the ground below or leak into your ceiling. While you’re up on your ladder, check your roof for cracked tiles, water damage and loose flashing, as catching these problems early will help prevent ceiling leaks as well.
Blocked stormwater drains can also cause flooding under your home, so clear debris from these areas too.
8. Stop mould and mildew in their tracks
Mould and mildew thrive in cold, damp and dark environments, which means they often make an appearance in the home during winter, especially in wardrobes and bathing zones. These two types of fungi are harmful to your health and can cause significant damage to your house, so it’s important that you douse these unwelcome guests in bacteria-killing cleaning products as soon as spores appear.
If you’d prefer to use an eco-friendly cleaner, spray the offending area with a natural mould- or mildew-killer like vinegar, vodka or tea tree oil, then scrub or wipe the spot to remove the spores.
Keeping your rooms well ventilated will also prevent the growth and spread of mould and mildew. Placing containers of moisture-absorbing powder or crystals around your home will help too.
The best natural products to clean your house with
Mould and mildew thrive in cold, damp and dark environments, which means they often make an appearance in the home during winter, especially in wardrobes and bathing zones. These two types of fungi are harmful to your health and can cause significant damage to your house, so it’s important that you douse these unwelcome guests in bacteria-killing cleaning products as soon as spores appear.
If you’d prefer to use an eco-friendly cleaner, spray the offending area with a natural mould- or mildew-killer like vinegar, vodka or tea tree oil, then scrub or wipe the spot to remove the spores.
Keeping your rooms well ventilated will also prevent the growth and spread of mould and mildew. Placing containers of moisture-absorbing powder or crystals around your home will help too.
The best natural products to clean your house with
9. Switch your fans to winter mode
An easy way to effectively circulate warm air throughout your home and reduce your electricity bills is to install or replace your ceiling fans with ones that feature a winter mode. When switched on, this handy function reverses the direction that the blades turn, so rather than creating a cooling breeze that flows down to the space below, the movement draws warm air up to the ceiling and then back down the walls to the floor.
Use your ceiling fans in tandem with your heater, fireplace or air conditioner to warm up your room and distribute heat evenly throughout the space. Remember to lower the temperature of your heater or air conditioner, as operating your fan on winter mode will make your room feel warmer for longer. This means you won’t have to run your heating system on a high heat setting or leave it on for long periods of time.
TELL US
What household jobs are on your winter to-do list? Tell us in the Comments section.
MORE
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An easy way to effectively circulate warm air throughout your home and reduce your electricity bills is to install or replace your ceiling fans with ones that feature a winter mode. When switched on, this handy function reverses the direction that the blades turn, so rather than creating a cooling breeze that flows down to the space below, the movement draws warm air up to the ceiling and then back down the walls to the floor.
Use your ceiling fans in tandem with your heater, fireplace or air conditioner to warm up your room and distribute heat evenly throughout the space. Remember to lower the temperature of your heater or air conditioner, as operating your fan on winter mode will make your room feel warmer for longer. This means you won’t have to run your heating system on a high heat setting or leave it on for long periods of time.
TELL US
What household jobs are on your winter to-do list? Tell us in the Comments section.
MORE
8 Gloom-Busting Winter Chores to Tick Off the List
Winter Warm-Up: 10 DIY Tasks to Keep the Home Fires Burning
How to Hibernate: Hot Tips for a Warm as Toast Winter
13 Tricks to Stay Warm for Less This Winter
The weather can be quite unpredictable across Australia during winter, so it pays to be prepared in case your area is lashed by wild winds, hail or heavy rain. One way you can protect your home from damage caused by severe storms is to check the health of the trees surrounding your home. Trim or remove any branches (or whole trees) that are cracked, diseased or hang over your dwelling and could potentially fall on your house.
Before taking a chainsaw to a tree on your property, check with your local council to see whether you need permission to cut down or trim the tree, as guidelines vary from suburb to suburb. This is a job that may be best left to the professionals as it can be dangerous and requires skill, so consider contacting a qualified arborist in your area to tackle the task.
Find a tree removal and trimming company in your area