When most people think of Australia, they picture endless sunshine, balmy beaches, and a climate that’s more likely to leave you sunburnt than shivering.
But as anyone who’s spent a winter Down Under knows, the reality inside our homes can be a whole lot chillier than the outside world realises.
In fact, for many Australians, winter means donning dressing gowns, clutching hot water bottles, and desperately searching for hacks to keep the cold at bay—often with little success.
Recently, an American expat who’s called Melbourne home for the past six years, has shone a spotlight on a problem that’s all too familiar for many of us: Australian homes are, quite simply, freezing in winter.
And it’s not just a matter of personal discomfort—according to the expat, our homes are among the coldest in the developed world, and the statistics back him up.
A cold reality: How Australian homes stack up
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C for health and comfort.
Yet, a staggering 80 per cent of Australian homes fall short of this standard during winter. The average indoor temperature hovers around 16.5°C, and in some of our coldest states, it can plummet to a bone-chilling 10.9°C.
That’s not just uncomfortable—it’s potentially dangerous, especially for older Australians, people with disabilities, and those facing housing insecurity.
John Pabon, who previously lived in China, was shocked by the lack of warmth in Melbourne homes. ‘In Shanghai, you can deal with the house being chilly,’ he said.
‘But coming here, I didn’t think I’d have to go through the exact same thing.’ He describes Australian homes as ‘leaky’ and plagued by ‘substandard construction’ and poor insulation—a problem that would take a ‘massive amount of money’ to fix on a national scale.
Why are our homes so cold?
It’s a question many of us have asked as we huddle under layers of blankets. The answer lies in Australia’s building history.
For decades, our homes were designed with summer in mind—think wide verandahs, high ceilings, and plenty of windows to let in the breeze. Insulation, double glazing, and central heating were afterthoughts, if they were considered at all.
This approach made sense in the days before air conditioning and when energy was cheap. But as our climate has become more unpredictable and energy prices have soared, the cracks in this philosophy have become painfully clear—literally, in the form of draughts and icy floors.
The health toll of cold homes
It’s not just about comfort. Cold homes can have serious health consequences, especially for older Australians.
Prolonged exposure to low indoor temperatures increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, heart problems, and even mental health issues.
Mould and dampness, which thrive in cold, poorly ventilated spaces, can exacerbate asthma and allergies.
One Adelaide Hills resident even told the ABC that it was warmer in her fridge than in the rest of her house—a statement that’s both amusing and alarming.
How Australians cope
So, how do we survive the winter chill? Pabon and other expats have marvelled at the uniquely Australian solutions.
Door snakes (those trusty draught stoppers), bubble wrap on windows, and layering up in Oodies, Ugg boots, and puffer jackets have become winter staples.
As Canadian expat Alexandra Tuohey put it, ‘The Australian homes are so cold that they actually invented their own new type of clothing, indoor thermal wear.’
Pabon’s advice? Focus on heating yourself first—think thermal layers, thick socks, and plenty of blankets—before trying to heat the whole room. And don’t be afraid to get creative with insulation hacks, like using bubble wrap or heavy curtains to keep the warmth in.
Is there a solution?
While retrofitting every home in Australia with proper insulation and double glazing would be a massive (and expensive) undertaking, there are steps we can all take to make our homes warmer and healthier.
Simple measures like sealing gaps, using rugs on bare floors, and investing in efficient heaters can make a noticeable difference. For those building or renovating, prioritising insulation and energy efficiency is a must.
On a broader scale, there’s a growing push for stricter building standards and government incentives to help homeowners upgrade their properties. After all, a warm home isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for good health and wellbeing.
Your turn: How do you beat the winter chill?
We’d love to hear from you! Have you found clever ways to keep your home warm during the Australian winter? Do you have memories of shivering through cold nights, or tips for staying cosy without breaking the bank? Share your stories and solutions in the comments below—let’s help each other stay warm this winter!
And if you’re an expat, how does the Australian winter compare to what you’re used to? We’re all ears!
Also read: Want a cosy home without the cost? Try these six easy fixes
