It catches Australians off-guard every year. So, as the temperature starts to dip, it’s a great idea to make preparations now so you can help keep your family and home warm, without costing you the planet.

To help you out, our O'Brien Plumbing experts have put together a list of cost-effective ways to help keep warm this winter – so you can feel cosy and comfortable despite the cold.

When we talk about the winter season, there are a lot of things to look forward to. However, shivering, chattering teeth and frozen feet are not amongst them. So, to prevent the cold from bothering you, here are some simple things you can do:

1. Identify and seal any air leaks.

If you have a draughty home, you’ll tend to feel the winter chill a lot more. So, before the weather gets too cold, check for drafts and leaks coming from

under your doors, windows and ceilings.

Caulking is one way to seal them. Or, for more of a quick fix, you can simply use a sand-filled door snake, a rolled-up towel or spare thick fabric to prevent heat from escaping.

2. Maximise the power of sunshine!

We’re lucky in Australia as, even during the winter, we can get some very sunny days. So, open those curtains and let the sunshine pour in when it’s up. This way, you’ll be able to get some natural light and warmth into your home. Just make sure to close them again as soon as dusk falls, so you’ll be able to trap the heat inside.

3. Use a humidifier and ceiling fans.

While this sounds counter-productive, these two make a great team. A humidifier unit adds moisture back into the air, especially if it has a heating setting. Using it can also help hydrate your skin to battle the dry, harsh weather.

On the other hand, adjusting the direction of your ceiling fans by allowing them to spin counter-clockwise will enable the warm air to move back down into the room. Talk about a great trick.

4. Get those rugs, electric blankets and heated mattress pads out.

Rugs are more than just for aesthetics – they can also help prevent heat loss from wooden floorings and can help keep your pets and feet warm. This is a great time to add your electric blankets and heated mattress to your bed too. With these warm covers, you can get a good night’s sleep without the cold creeping in.

5. Invest in a reliable hot water solution.

Hot water is something every Australian household can’t live without. We need it for cooking, cleaning and of course – hot showers and baths!

To help ensure that you’ll have enough warm water flowing from your taps this coming winter, it’s time to invest in a reliable hot water system.

Ask yourself: how’s your current hot water system?

• Is it old or outdated?
• Is it the right unit for your home?
• Is it costing you too much?
• Is it correctly installed?

Don’t put up with it any longer – because you don’t need to. To battle the cold this season, you may need more than just a few extra layers of clothes and a cup of hot choco topped with marshmallows. A reliable hot water system means when you turn your shower on in the morning, warm water awaits. At O'Brien Plumbing, we’ve got you covered this winter. To equip your home with an ideal hot water system, O'Brien expert plumbers are ready to install the right unit for you and your home.

Find your local O'Brien Plumber

Let’s get you all warm and comfy this winter.

The post How To Keep Warm This Winter: 5 Tips To Stave Off The Cold From Your Household appeared first on O'Brien.

Its daily use in warm baths, those morning showers, our laundry, cleaning and cooking has become such an integral part of our lives that we all take it for granted. However, the warmth and comfort we enjoy when we turn on our taps is dependent upon our hot water systems.

Recognising the early indicators of a failing hot water system will be helpful in proactively addressing any repair or replacement issues – especially during the Winter season when we need hot water more than ever.

We asked our professional O'Brien Plumbing Members from around Australia about what to look out for and here is the list they came up with to help you.

6 Signs your hot water system may need replacing:

1. Your hot water system is old
A home hot water system generally lasts for around 8 to 10 years. You can simply check the age by looking at the manufacturer’s sticker which is usually located on the upper portion of the unit.
Being mindful of the date allows you to pre-empt when your system may need replacing. A new unit may also be more efficient and help to reduce your monthly power bills.

2. Smelly, discoloured or rusty water
Discolouration and foul odours coming from your hot water tap (such as in the basin, bath or shower) may be caused by the presence of bacteria or rust inside your hot water system’s tank. It can also be traced to a broken internal anode rod, which is responsible for killing bacteria and removing microorganisms from the water.

3. Rumbling and weird noises from your hot water system
A well-conditioned hot water system shouldn’t make loud noises – whether it’s cracking, popping, whining, banging, gurgling or bubbling.

These unusual noises may be generated by heated or burned sediment inside the tank. They can also be caused by a part of your hot water system that is becoming worn. Either way, sounds from your water tank is a potential indicator that it needs to be checked by an expert.

4. Leaking or puddles of water from your hot water system
Droplets or pooling water around your hot water tank means there’s a problem. It’s also a safety hazard too.

It’s possible that an expansion of metal might have caused fractures in the tank. Issues with the hot water’s system components such as those related to the tank’s connections and pipe’s pressure can also be plausible reasons. If this is happening, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

5. Your hot water tank releases water at varying temperatures
It’s all about finding that sweet spot between cold and hot water!

However, consistent fluctuations in the temperature of your water may indicate that your water heater may not be sufficient or that it’s struggling to produce the water you require.

6. You’re experiencing reduced water flow from your hot water system
Do you have an unusually low flow of hot water?

This can be traced to the build-up of sediment in your hot water system or plumbing problems within your home. Consulting a professional is helpful in understanding if a repair or replacement is necessary.

Are you experiencing any of these hot water system signs?

Inspecting your hot water system regularly is a good idea because let’s be honest, no one wants a lack of hot water – especially during the colder months.
Keep in mind that prevention is always best. If you’ve already noticed any of these signs, reach out to your local plumbing professional to get a hot water system assessment, and assist with any potential repairs or replacement.
The experts from O'Brien Plumbing can address any of your concerns and answer all your questions about your home hot water system.

Let our expert plumbers help you today!

We understand how vital it is to have a hot water system that is fully functional.

To make sure your needs are met, we’re committed to undertaking quality inspections, performing repairs and installing effective replacements for your home’s hot water system.

Visit obrien.com.au today to find a plumber near you and we can start discussing your options.

When you call O'Brien Plumbing you can be sure you’ve called the experts.

The post 6 Signs Your Hot Water System Might Need Replacing appeared first on O'Brien.