Funding your winter essentials

With the days getting shorter and the nights cooler, these are sure signs that winter is coming. How prepared is your home for the colder weather? If there is a great deal of maintenance to be done, a finance broker can assist if you need additional funds for home improvements.

Is it time for a new heater? While fans and air-conditioning cooling were imperative in the warmer months, the coming of winter means you will need to make sure your home is well heated. Gas heaters are best for larger spaces and for those wishing to heat their homes for longer periods of time. Reverse-cycle air conditioners are much more costly to begin with but can end up being worth it in the long run as they are fairly economical for the amount of heat they generate. You may need to have your air conditioning system’s filter or filters checked and they may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.

If you have tiles, hardwood or concrete floors, rugs are an easy and effective way to make your home cosy and comfortable in winter. Hardwood floors are not only chilly underfoot in winter, they don’t retain heat, so unless you have underfloor heating, it could be time to invest in a rug or two. Carpets may be another option.  If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, stock up now on firewood. Keeping it dry with the right storage solution, will save you the panic if winter arrives earlier than expected.

In your backyard, you may want to invest in a fire pit to keep warm when you have gatherings with family or friends.

All of this maintenance could be costly, and you may need some extra funds to pay for them. Rather than push up the credit card debt, talk to a broker to see if you can obtain the additional finance through your home loan.