Keeping your home warm and dry during the winter shouldn’t feel like a never-ending battle or cost an arm and a leg. But many homes in New Zealand still fall below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum indoor temperature of 18C – with some recording less than 16C in winter.
If your power bill is soaring but you can still see your breath in the bedroom, it might be time to look at your windows and doors.
Unfortunately, little problems around the home can have a big impact. A hardworking heat pump is no match for faulty latches and catches, which not only invite the cold air in but also allow hot air to escape, says Tony Burnette, the General Manager of Exceed.
“If you're paying to get your home heated with an oil burner or an air conditioning system, and you've got gaps in the windows, you're basically just burning money,” Burnette says.
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“You're heating your home on the inside, but that air can escape through the gaps. Unless they’re fixed, you're just going to keep burning cash.”
Exceed has been repairing New Zealanders’ windows and doors for more than 30 years, providing expert solutions that help keep Kiwi families warm and dry throughout the winter. If you’re struggling to stay warm and have skyrocketing power bills, Burnette recommends booking an assessment with a qualified Exceed service technician. They can analyse your windows for loose seals or worn-down stays, and check your doors for deteriorating tracks, cracks, or crevices.
“You may not need to get all the repairs done, but the technician will point out the ones that need doing now to help stop your draughts,” Burnette says.
“[For example], if the rubber seals around the windows are loose or starting to come away – they shrink in the sun – that can really impact the draughts coming through your window. If the window stays are warped or worn down, they become harder to open and close, and you get little gaps.
“A good secret is to get a business card, put it in the top of your window, and close it. If you can pull that business card out, it means you may have a draught problem, and it will pay to get it checked out.”
Once the issues are identified, Burnette says acting swiftly will help put a stop to throwing money out the window. Delaying repairs can not only exacerbate the issue, but also your power bill.
“Don't leave it until it's too late, because that's going to end up costing you in the long run. It's always cheaper to get it done at the time.”
Window gaps:
The team at Exceed specialises in draught-stopping, repairing warped hinges, worn seals, or latches that don’t close properly. It’s a low-cost way to improve thermal efficiency and help take the load off your heat pump.
Worn-out hardware:
Cold weather can make existing issues, like warped doors or deteriorating rubber seals or putty, worse over time. The team at Exceed can bring tired hardware back to life, replacing old parts with high-quality, weather-ready solutions.
Sticky bits:
In the colder months, metal hardware can seize up, making it harder to open and close things smoothly. Exceed repairs the functional bits of your windows and doors – sliders, rollers, catches, locks, and latches – so everything works like it should.
Airflow:
With the right window stays, ventilation channels, and secure locking options, you can keep rooms ventilated without risking a chill (or a break-in).
Condensation:
If your windows aren’t closing properly or ventilation is poor, that trapped moisture can lead to mould or damage. With help from Exceed, you can get things back in working order: proper latches for passive ventilation, secure seals to prevent leaks, and practical advice to help keep your home warm and dry.
Timber windows:
If you have 1950s-style frames or a heritage home, you might be suffering from condensation and draughty windows. Exceed can install EVS retrofit systems which upgrade timber joinery with triple glazing panels, improving insulation, removing trapped moisture with thermal pumping technology, and preserving the original character of your home.
“We want everyone to feel safe and warm in dry, healthy homes. Windows and doors are the gateways to our homes – and when they work properly, they help create a secure and comfortable environment.”
Call 0800 25 25 00 or visit exceed.co.nz to book an assessment.
