10 things to do this weekend to get ready for winter

1. Clean your heat pump filters

It’s one of the most satisfying jobs around the house. You just slide the filters out and vacuum them until they’re clear. When you turn the heat pump on afterwards, the difference you’ll notice will make it worth the effort. Our heat pump maintenance video shows you how to do it.

2. Get the electric blanket out

We’re big fans of electric blankets because they’re so cheap to run. You can make them even cheaper by just using them to warm up the bed before you get in – that habit will would only cost you about $1.50 for the whole winter. Compare that to the typical cost of a plug-in heater – 50c an hour. Check your electric blanket for damage before you start using it again, especially the power cord near the controller.

3. Pick up a roll of draught tape

A candle can help you find gaps around window and doors that are letting in draughts – just hold the candle where you suspect a draught is coming from and watch for the smoke going sideways. Once you’ve found the gap, you can take to it with draught sealant tape.

4. Put some fake double glazing up

Double-glazed windows keep your house warmer, and don’t get as much condensation, but installing them can be expensive. You can mimic the effect of double glazing by using a window insulator kit. Basically, it’s a plastic film you cut to size, then shrink to the window using a hairdryer.

5. Think about your window habits

Plan to make the most of nature's ventilation and heating services – they’re free. If you’ve got a busy life, when will you be able to open the windows to ventilate your house and let damp air out? Are you able to close curtains as the sun moves around the house to trap the warmth for the night?

6. Get a small fan

This one might look like we’ve mixed up our summer and winter advice, but a fan can also keep you warmer in winter by spreading the heat around the room. Having a fan going on a low setting close to your heater means the heater doesn’t have to work so hard to keep the room up to temperature.

7. Order your firewood – after checking out our guide

Need to order wood but not sure what the difference is between all the types and what’s a reasonable price? Our firewood guide will have you feeling like an expert before you start calling around. Hot mix, unseasoned, thrown measure – you’ll know all the lingo the industry uses, and what each type might cost you.

8. Program your heat pump remote

We caused some controversy last winter when we said you shouldn’t leave your heat pump going all the time. We think it’s a better idea to program your heat pump to come on before you wake up and when you get home if your day is predictable.

9. Find some slow cooker recipes you’ll want to use

Spend a little time finding some recipes that will inspire you to get the slow cooker out more this winter. Cooking a meal in the slow cooker all day only costs about 35c, compared to $1 if you make dinner in the oven. You might also be surprised how cheap our favourite slow cooker is.

10. Go shopping for rugs

If you’ve had your eye on a rug, here’s your excuse to go out and buy it. Rugs are a great way to add a layer of insulation to a hard floor.

What tips do you have for getting ready for winter? We’d love you to add your ideas in the comments.