Preparing Your Rental For Winter

As winter hits Dunedin and temperatures drop, we want to share our tips on maintaining a warm and dry home. Below are some ways you can reduce dampness, mould, and efficiently heat your home.

Furniture: Keep mattresses off the floor and leave a gap between any furniture and nearby walls to allow for adequate airflow.

Ventilation: Although temperatures outside may be low, fresh air and ventilation through your home are very important during winter. Air out your home by opening windows and doors daily if possible. Use extractor fans in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom when showering to prevent mould growth.

Condensation & Curtains: Wipe down condensation on windows and walls as you see it. Open curtains when you get up in the morning and close them as the sun sets to retain heat in the home.

Heat Pumps: Cleaning your heat pump filters will ensure they run efficiently. Heat pump units operate most efficiently when they maintain a steady temperature. They use a lot more electricity when trying to heat a very cold room to a high temperature compared with keeping a steady level of warmth in the home. It is advised to leave your heat pump unit running whilst at work or if leaving your home for short periods of time.

Dehumidifiers: Using a dehumidifier will reduce the growth of mould. It is also easier to heat a dry room, minimising heating costs.

A warm and dry home means you are less likely to suffer from health problems caused by a cold and damp house.