If you’ve found yourself shivering in your own lounge room this winter, you’re not alone. Despite all those predictions of a balmy season, the reality for many Australians has been a series of icy mornings, frosty nights, and a house that feels more like a walk-in fridge than a cosy retreat.
And if you’re over 50, you might be feeling the chill even more keenly—especially if you’re trying to keep the heating bills under control.
Why are Australian homes so cold, anyway? It turns out, our houses just aren’t built for the cold. In fact, research has shown that the average Australian home is often colder inside than homes in places like Greenland and Finland—countries you’d expect to be much chillier!
Canadian expat Cat Edmondson summed it up perfectly: ‘Here, I always find it is 10 degrees colder inside than outside. Australian winters shocked me that while it’s still 17 degrees, inside somehow feels 10 degrees colder.’
The culprit? Poor insulation. As Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, explains: ‘A lot of Australian homes don’t have great insulation. Which means when it gets cold, most of us crank up the heater or just try to tough it out.’
But with energy prices soaring and the cost of living biting, running the heater all day isn’t always an option.
So, what’s a chilly Australian to do? The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune or embark on a major renovation to stay warm.
There are plenty of clever, affordable hacks—many under $20—from Kmart, Bunnings, and even your own linen cupboard, that can make a real difference.
Seal the gaps: The first line of defence
One of the simplest ways to keep the warmth in and the cold out is to tackle those sneaky draughts. Weatherproof tape and draught stoppers are your new best friends.
You can pick up 25 metres of Bear Professional All Weather tape at Bunnings for just $24.85, or try other brands like Gorilla for under $50.
Not a fan of DIY? No worries—Bunnings and Kmart both offer a range of ready-made draught stoppers, starting from as little as $7.90.
There are even fun designs (think sausage dogs, cows, sheep, and more) for around $10–$12, so you can add a bit of personality to your winter-proofing.
And if you’re really on a budget, CHOICE heating expert Chris Barnes has a tip: ‘Blocking gaps under doors can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your home warm. While you could purchase a door snake, towels work just as well—and you probably already have quite a few around your home.’
Curtains: Not just for privacy
Heavy curtains, especially blackout or blockout varieties, are a game-changer for keeping the cold at bay.
They help insulate your home by blocking draughts around windows and reducing heat loss. Bunnings has a range of options, with prices starting at just $14.95 for a single room-darkening curtain. If you already have a tension rod, installation is a breeze.
One clever Bunnings shopper, Sarah Berta, even created her own blackout blinds using self-adhesive cable management covers ($17.50 each).
By sticking these to the window architraves, she managed to block out light and cold air without breaking the bank. As a bonus, blockout blinds can also help you get a better night’s sleep—something we could all use more of!
Heat the human, not the house
Sometimes, the best way to stay warm is to focus on yourself rather than the whole house. Heated throws, electric blankets, and trusty hot water bottles are all affordable ways to keep snug.
Just remember to turn off electric blankets and throws when not in use, and be careful with hot water bottles to avoid burns.
Kmart’s winter range is full of budget-friendly options that shoppers rave about. Their hot water bottles, warming mug coasters, and crew neck jumpers are all popular picks.
And if you’re after something to snuggle under, their faux fur throws are a steal at just $20. As one happy customer, Tiff, shared: ‘It’s a quarter of the price of another faux fur throw I have in the house, and looks and feels the exact same. This throw is timeless and could offer that cosy feel to so many spaces around the house.’
Other simple hacks to try
- Layer up: Don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of socks, a beanie, or thermal underwear. Layering is key!
- Rug up your floors: If you have hard floors, a few well-placed rugs can make a big difference in keeping your toes toasty.
- Close off unused rooms: Only heat the rooms you’re using, and keep doors closed to trap the warmth.
- Let the sun in: Open curtains during the day to let in natural warmth, then close them as soon as the sun goes down.
Share your tips!
We know our YourLifeChoices community is full of clever, resourceful Australians. Have you discovered a budget-friendly way to keep your home warm this winter?
Maybe you’ve found a Kmart or Bunnings bargain that’s made all the difference, or you’ve got a DIY hack that’s too good not to share. Let us know in the comments below—your tip could help someone else stay snug this season!
Stay warm, stay well, and remember: winter is a lot more bearable when you’re wrapped in a $20 faux fur throw with a hot cuppa in hand!
Also read: Kmart’s $15 winter dupe becomes a cold-season sensation—will it last?
