Winter-Proofing Essentials: 5 Ways To Create a Warmer Home

You’ve probably heard of New Zealand’s Healthy Homes standards – but let’s be honest, they’re the bare minimum guide. It’s a classic Kiwi move to do the basics and hope for the best — but when it comes to winter, the ‘she’ll be right’ approach doesn’t always cut it.

To truly create a warm, dry and inviting home for you and your family, consider the following:

If you can’t confidently say yes to any or all of these, keep reading.

These improvements are solid, sensible ways you can increase the warmth (and appeal) of your home.

Here’s something many people miss: too much shade can make your home colder — and damper — than it needs to be.

Overgrown trees, hedges and bushes can block sunlight from reaching the home. This limits passive heating, increases reliance on electric heating, and contributes to dampness and mould, especially on the south-facing side where it already doesn’t get much sun.

Sunlight helps reduce energy bills, dry out moisture-prone areas and reduces the likelihood of more serious damage to exterior cladding.

Hiring an arborist or gardener to trim back vegetation that shades windows or exterior walls. Focus on areas where sunlight is visibly blocked or where moss, mildew, or condensation are recurring issues.

Regular pruning also prevents leaves from building up in gutters.

Bare windows or light fabric curtains let warm air escape and cold air in, especially early in the morning and at night. This not only affects heating efficiency but can also make a home feel colder and more exposed.

Thermal curtains can cut heat loss through windows, helping you stay warm and lowering your energy costs.

A curtain specialist can help you measure, supply, and fit thermal-lined curtains or blinds.

Prioritise full-length curtains that cover the entire window frame, and add pelmets or tracks that curve back to the wall to prevent heat escaping through the top and sides.

Older homes with single-glazed windows struggle to retain heat and are prone to condensation. This leads to cold rooms with a damp environment and mouldy smells.

Double-glazing does more than just keep your home warmer — it helps reduce condensation, which means less risk of mould and mildew. Plus, it boosts the long-term value of your property.

Hire a skilled glazier or retrofit window specialist to install double-glazed panes into existing frames or upgrade full window units.

You don’t necessarily need to rip out and replace every window either. If the budget is tight, start with south-facing rooms or areas with frequent condensation.

Cold, hard floors (like tiles, concrete or vinyl) lose heat quickly, making bedrooms and lounges feel uninviting — especially in winter. Upgrading or adding carpet and underlay helps lock in warmth, improves insulation, and instantly lifts comfort and appeal.

High pile carpet creates a plush and soft texture. Solution-dyed nylon is hard wearing, and a go-to for families with kids and pets. Prioritise bedrooms and living areas. Inquire about products that exceed R-ratings for heat retention.

A flooring specialist can help you replace or upgrade carpet with a thermal underlay.

You’ve got a heat pump for the living room — but what about the home office? The kids’ bedrooms?

Many Kiwis overlook heating in these spaces, only to find them unbearable once winter really sets in.

A licensed electrician or HVAC specialist can help you create a smarter heating setup, making sure every part of your home is comfy.

Upgrading to a modern, correctly sized heat pump can improve heating performance and energy efficiency. For some types of homes, consider pairing the heating source with a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system.

While heat pumps provide warmth, HRV systems help circulate dry, fresh air and reduce condensation — creating a warmer, drier home overall.

Being proactive about winter home maintenance isn’t just about staying warm —it often means you’re finding and fixing potential problems before they turn into emergencies.

A small leak today could turn into serious damage after months of winter rain. And an old heater that’s “seen better days” could fail on the coldest night of the year just when you need it most.

It can feel daunting to invest in proactive maintenance and upgrades, but in the long run, it could save you a lot of time, money and stress.

The other good news? Winter is typically a quieter period for tradies which means you’ll be able to find a great range of tradies who are available to help you.

Winter-proofing isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about creating a home that’s genuinely warm, dry and ready for anything.

A warm home can be achieved by unblocking natural light, upgrading window coverings, installing double-glazing, upgrading carpet, and installing modern heating appliances in more than just the living room.

Small proactive steps today can lead to major comfort, less stress, better health, and savings later on — and there’s no better feeling than knowing your home is ready to wrap you in warmth all winter long.