5 ways to prepare your home for winter – the Passive House way

As winter sets in, many Australians are reaching for the thermostat and bracing for rising energy bills. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you live in a certified Passive House or you’re simply trying to improve winter home energy efficiency, a few key strategies can dramatically improve comfort and reduce running costs. At Conscious Construction Co., we specialise in high-performance homes designed for year-round comfort.

Here are five tips to help you stay warm, save energy, and live more sustainably this winter.

1. Seal the Leaks

Even small gaps around windows, doors, and skirting boards can let warm air escape and cold draughts creep in. If you feel a breeze inside on a windy day, you’ve likely got an air leak.

Quick fix: Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal obvious gaps.

Long-term solution: In a Passive House, we prioritise airtight construction, paired with controlled ventilation, to eliminate this issue from the start.

2. Check Your Insulation

Good insulation makes all the difference in winter comfort. If your home still gets cold quickly after the heating’s been on, poor or patchy insulation may be to blame.

Tip: Pay particular attention to roof spaces and underfloor areas, which are often overlooked. If you’re planning a renovation or build, consider continuous insulation as part of a high-performance envelope.

3. Upgrade Your Windows

Single glazing is one of the biggest culprits of winter heat loss.

Short-term option: Invest in thick curtains or cellular blinds to improve thermal performance.

Long-term option: High-performance double or triple glazing is standard in Passive House design, and it drastically reduces heat transfer—keeping warmth in during winter and heat out during summer.

4. Ventilate Without Losing Heat

Many people think they need to choose between fresh air and staying warm—but not with a Passive House.

Solution: A mechanical heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system brings in fresh air while capturing and reusing the heat from stale outgoing air. If you don’t have one, try ventilating with short, sharp bursts—5 minutes of wide-open windows is more effective than leaving a window cracked all day.

5. Let the Sun In

Winter sun can be your best friend—if you let it in.

Tip: Open blinds and curtains on north-facing windows during the day to allow passive solar gain. In a Passive House, we design the home to maximise winter sunlight and store that warmth in the building materials.

Final Thought

Winter doesn’t have to mean high energy bills or discomfort. With the right approach to winter home energy efficiency, your home can stay warm while using less energy, and you’ll feel the difference every day. Winter can be a time of comfort and energy efficiency if your home is working with the season, not against it.

If you’re curious about building or renovating to Passive House standards, download our free guide or get in touch to chat about your project.

Read more Passive House tips and download our free eBook here

Curious about what really affects comfort and performance? Read why minimum code isn’t enough

For more simple ways to cut energy use, you can also visit www.energy.gov.au.