10 Easy & Energy-Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter Here in Beautiful Pōneke (Wellington)
10 Easy & Energy-Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter Here in Beautiful Pōneke (Wellington)
Wellington winters are no joke. Between the icy southerlies, sideways rain, and grey skies that seem to settle in for weeks, it's easy to feel like you’re living in a walk-in fridge. And with power prices climbing faster than a cable car, it’s tempting to just pile on the socks and hope for spring.
But what if you could stay warm and keep your energy bills in check?
Here are 10 easy, practical, and energy-efficient ways to keep your home (and your body!) warm and toasty this winter—without cranking up the costs.
1. Get Smart About Curtains
Let’s start with one of the simplest ways to warm up your space: lined curtains. Wellington homes, especially older villas with single-glazing, often lose a lot of heat through their windows. Good curtains act like cosy blankets for your home.
Open them wide during sunny spells to soak up natural heat, then close them before sunset to trap the heat in. Choose lined curtains with multiple layers of fabric if you can, to effectively trap air between the layers. Use pelmets to stop the warm air in the room from coming into contact with the window, which greatly reduces heat loss and can reduce condensation. Fit your curtains snug to the wall and down to the floor to prevent warm air from escaping.
Budget-friendly DIY: Can’t upgrade yet? Look at Draught stopping at point 4.
2. Layer Up Like a Pro
Before you reach for the heat switch, consider what you’re wearing. Staying warm starts with you—and layering clothing is one of the most energy-efficient (and stylish) ways to beat the chill.
Think merino base layers, wool jumpers, and cosy socks. Add a hoodie or dressing gown for extra insulation, and don’t forget slippers. Your extremities lose heat quickly, so cover those feet!
Work-from-home hack: Keep a blanket or wearable throw handy for your desk or couch. It’s basically office attire now.
3. Install a Heat Pump—Your Winter MVP
If you’re going to invest in heating, a heat pump is hands-down one of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective ways to warm your home—especially in Wellington’s damp, chilly climate.
Heat pumps use far less electricity than traditional electric or gas heaters, and most models double as dehumidifiers and air conditioners for summer. Set the thermostat between 18–21°C for the perfect balance of warmth and energy savings - it doesn’t need to be set to 25°C to warm your home! Use the timer function to warm your space just before you wake up or get home. No more freezing starts!
Pro tip: You might be eligible for a subsidised heat pump depending on the area you live in through warmer kiwi homes. Check with EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority) or your local council for subsidies or low-interest loans on heat pump installations.
4. Seal Out Sneaky Draughts
Wellington wind has a way of finding every gap. Sealing up draughts is one of the cheapest ways to make your home feel instantly warmer.
Start with door snakes, weather-stripping tape, and foam sealant around windows, doors, and skirting boards. Even rolled-up towels can do the trick in a pinch. Don’t forget keyholes, pet doors, and the fireplace. Cold air is crafty!
DIY test: Move a lit candle around window frames and doors—if the flame flickers, you’ve found a draught.
5. Lay Down Some Cozy Rugs
Floorboards and tiles are beautiful—but chilly on the feet in winter. Adding thick rugs helps insulate the floor, reduce heat loss, and add that all-important sense of comfort. They are also cheaper than putting down carpet and renter-friendly.
Make it fun: Try different textures and colours to brighten the space. Yes, even shag pile is making a comeback!
6. Insulate Like Your Warmth Depends on It (Because It Does)
If you're serious about keeping your home warm and your power bill low, insulation is the single most effective thing you can do. Without it, your home leaks heat faster than you can say “southerly blast.” In fact, up to 35% of heat loss in an uninsulated home happens through the ceiling alone. Add in walls, floors, and gaps—and it's no wonder we’re all wrapped in blankets half the time!
Luckily, some Wellington homes qualify for support through government programmes like Warmer Kiwi Homes, which offers free ceiling and underfloor insulation to eligible homeowners.
Where to start:
Ceiling insulation: The quickest, most impactful win—trap the heat that naturally rises
Underfloor insulation: Especially important in older Wellington homes with suspended timber floors (brrrr)
Wall insulation: Often trickier to retrofit, but worth exploring during renovations
DIY or pro? If you're handy, installing insulation can be a weekend project (just be sure to wear protective gear!). But for a full home assessment and guaranteed results, bring in a certified professional. Sustainability Trust is the leading expert in Wellington for tailored home insulation.
Feel-good bonus: Not only will your home be warmer, but you'll also reduce your energy usage and carbon footprint—great for the planet and your pocket.
7. Invest in Blankets & Throws (Your Cosy Winter Armour)
Sometimes the simplest comforts are the most effective. Enter: blankets and throws. Not just for decoration, these soft, snuggly layers can make a massive difference in how warm you feel—without ever touching the thermostat.
Drape them over your couch, armchairs, or your bed. Keep a stack in the living room for movie nights or working from home. Think wool, fleece, faux fur—different textures don’t just look great, they trap warmth in different ways too. Choose throws that add a pop of colour to brighten those grey Wellington days. If you want to get fancy, you can even buy small electric blanket throws you can cosy up under on the couch.
8. Warm Up Your Bathroom with LED Heat Lamps
There’s nothing worse than stepping out of a hot shower into a freezing bathroom. A simple, energy-efficient solution? LED heat lamps.
They provide quick, targeted warmth, and modern models are much more power-friendly than the old-school ones. Pair them with a heated towel rail for the ultimate winter indulgence (without the high energy use).
Mini-spa moment: Light a candle, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and boom—your bathroom is now a retreat.
9. Snuggle Up with a Hot Water Bottle or Electric Blanket
Sometimes the old ways really are the best. A hot water bottle costs just a few cents to fill and provides hours of warmth, whether you're in bed, working from home, or binge-watching TV.
Bed-ready hack: Slip it under the covers 15 minutes before you hop in, and your bed will feel like heaven.
Electric blankets in winter are also a go! Electric blankets are generally inexpensive to run, especially compared to other heating methods like central heating or space heaters. A 100W electric blanket could cost as little as 10 cents to run for four hours. Turn them on 20 minutes before you hop into bed and snuggle in. Just don’t forget to turn it off before you snooze!
Fun twist: Get one with a quirky cover—animals, monsters, or even knitted jumpers. The kids will love them too.
10. Invite Warmth (and Warm Bodies) In
There’s real truth to the idea that more bodies = more warmth. Host a low-key dinner party, a game night, or a movie marathon. Not only does it bring good vibes—it brings bonus body heat too.
Make it a regular “Wellington Winter Night In” with board games, mulled wine, and popcorn. Who needs TV when you’ve got good company?
Include your pets: Let the cat curl up on your lap or the dog stretch out on the rug. They’re basically just little radiators with fur.
Keeping your home warm during a Wellington winter doesn’t have to cost the earth—or the power bill. With a mix of smart insulation, strategic heating, and a few cosy creature comforts, you can stay toasty and content all season long.
So plug up the draughts, grab your hot water bottle and forget about the weather within your new cosy bubble this winter.
By using these fun and energy-efficient tricks, you can enjoy a warm and enjoyable winter without dreading your next power bill. Want an effortless way to beat the cold? Let Sustainability Trust help you install a heat pump for the ultimate winter warmer!
Get a Heat Pump Quote today by clicking the button below.