New research by Thinkinsulation reveals that Australians are going to extreme lengths to keep themselves warm at home this winter.
Nearly half of the respondents in the survey felt they were freezing in their homes every winter. Australians are also adopting extreme ways to fend off the cold indoors including wearing outside layers such as hats, gloves and scarfs while watching TV and even to bed (75%); putting on thermal underwear (25%) and onesies (10%); and even cuddling up with a loved one or the family pet after bundling up with blankets and clothing (40%).
However, some of the methods adopted to keep warm inside the home are also guzzling energy. Nearly 15% have left the oven door open to warm the house and 10% have heated up clothes in the tumble dryer. Conversely, nearly two thirds have avoided using a portable electric or gas heater as they are concerned about their energy bills getting out of control.
One in ten Australians have had to move their families into a warmer part of the house to sleep to beat the chill during frosty nights. Over a third escape winter in Australia all together by moving to warmer climates.
Australians also use electric blankets, have a hot bath, sleep with a hot water bottle, eat more comfort food, exercise at home, and eat spicy or hot food to keep warm in their homes in winter.
Claire Cunliffe, Marketing Manager at Knauf Insulation Australia and New Zealand explained that some parts of Australia can drop to nearly freezing temperatures during the coldest winter nights but many houses are not equipped to keep the warmth in and the cold out. The research also reveals that concerns about rising energy bills are making Australians rely on more traditional ways to keep warm using extra blankets, taking hot baths and wearing their winter layers indoors.
According to Ms Cunliffe, many consumers don’t know that home insulation (in the ceiling, walls and under floors) can help to improve the thermal performance of the home and reduce household energy bills, on average by $450 each year. Home insulation can also be installed as a weekend DIY project by simply following the installation instructions provided by the insulation manufacturer.
The website www.thinkinsulation.com.au from Knauf Insulation is packed with helpful tips and suggestions to help Aussies stay warm this winter. The website also offers advice on reducing household energy consumption as well as information on the best insulation options.
