It’s now the time to ensure your home is warm through the cold months of winter and beyond. Here are some of Canberra’s experts skilled at keeping homes cosy.

With an average maximum temperature of 12C in the winter and 0C overnight, Canberra is the c-c-coldest capital city in Australia, even beating out Hobart. 

Sitting inland, Canberra is about 600 metres above sea level, unlike the other coastal capital cities in Australia. 

It’s due to the lack of moderation from the ocean that Canberra often experiences scorching summers and those bitterly cold winters. 

Described as “sink-like”, Canberra’s location – nestled beneath the mountains – means heavy, cold air settles over the city creating our well-known foggy mornings. 

Decades of flooring and window expertise

For more than 25 years, Carpet One & CBI Blinds and Awnings have served the Canberra community from their Mitchell showroom. 

Owned and operated by Paul Gann and his partner Leonie, their family-run business is backed by a team with more than 100 years of combined industry experience.

“Our experienced team is ready to help with all flooring needs, from carpets and timber to laminates and vinyl planks,” says Leonie.

Under the same roof, CBI Blinds & Awnings offers a selection of internal and external window furnishings, including popular options like Verishades, roller blinds, Honeycomb and vertical blinds, shutters, curtains, Ziptrak blinds, outdoor awnings and external shutters. 

Leonie says they’re also Canberra’s trusted specialists in Oztech retractable roof systems.

“We provide free design consultations and on-site measures, allowing us to identify potential issues early in the process,” she says. 

“Our in-house magazine also serves as a visual guide to help customers discover the perfect style for their home.

“With tailored package deals available, Carpet One and CBI Blinds & Awnings delivers cost-effective flooring and window treatment solutions, all from one trusted supplier.”

Carpet One and CBI Blinds & Awnings. 141 Flemington Road, Mitchell. Call 6241 5666 or visit carpetone.com.au/mitchell and cbiblinds.com.au

Net zero habitats drive energy efficiency

Design plays a pivotal role in ensuring the energy usage in a house is as low as possible, says Reimagined Habitat owner, Michael Drage. 

“We did our research into Canberra houses and built our business on the energy analysis that we found.”

Michael says his research showed the two biggest drivers for real performance to a home were the airtightness, and the quality and performance of the windows. 

This led him to a global search for the best products and eventually he established Net Zero Plus, which imports European, high-efficiency windows and prefabricated building systems.

“Our research drove this thinking. We now have access to triple-glazed windows after discovering that even comparing the best quality in double-glazed to triple-glazed windows showed a reduction as much as half of the energy costs,” he says. 

“It’s also important to look at the airtight quality of windows.

“The prefabrication design process ensures airtight windows that drive energy efficiency.”

Finding a connection between prefabricated systems and triple-glazed windows, Michael says the creating net-zero housing is a fast process that is priced very competitively. 

“We are aiming for carbon net zero housing,” he says. 

Despite only launching a few weeks ago, Michael’s Net Zero Plus initiative has already seen a 9-10 star efficiency rating. 

Reimagined Habitat and Net Zero Plus, 18 Creswell Street, Campbell. Call 0419 391282, or visit reimaginedhabitat.com.au

Energy experts deliver comfort and innovation

The Energy People director Alex Morrison says the company takes pride in offering tailored solutions that suit each customer’s home and lifestyle. 

“The Energy People have built a strong reputation across Canberra for expert advice, quality products and long-term service in heating, cooling and hot water systems,” he says. 

“Whether you’re upgrading your heating, planning a new build or looking for energy-efficient options, our team is here to help.” 

Its spacious showroom in Fyshwick showcases leading brands across gas, electric and solar solutions. Alex says they have everything from ducted heating to split systems, fireplaces and hot water units. 

“Known for our honest advice and reliable after-sales support, The Energy People are trusted by homeowners, builders and architects alike,” he says. 

A current standout among their latest offerings is the Rinnai EL 1000 Electric Fireplace.

“With Truburn Flame Technology, smart control and year-round performance, it’s ideal for creating ambience in smaller spaces,” says Alex. 

“The EL 1000 is just one example of the innovation we’re excited to bring to Canberra homes.

“At The Energy People, it’s all about warmth, comfort and efficiency.

“It’s delivered by people who care.”

The Energy People. 100 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 0994 or visit energypeople.com.au 

A thoughtful take on winter warmers

South Pacific Hemp offers a thoughtful range of products to help you through the colder months, says store manager Sue Booth. 

“Winter can be tough on the body, which is why we recommend Black Sheep Farm’s Hemp Fire Balm,” she says.  

“It’s brilliant for soothing aches, arthritis pain, spasms and inflammation that flare up in the cold.”

Sue also says she has a heap of stylish winter wear that caters to everyone.  

“Our unisex Sailor Hemp Hat, available in neutral tones, is perfect for keeping your head warm and comfortable without overheating,” she says. 

“Our clothing is designed for wearability and versatility, is breathable, natural and easy to care for.”

For those with sensitive skin, she recommends their best-selling balm.

“Our Green Hemp Healing Balm is made entirely from Australian ingredients and is incredibly gentle, which is ideal for babies or anyone with sensitive skin,” she says. 

“It’s great for dry patches, wind burn, eczema, and even cold sores.”

From pain relief to winter skincare and cosy accessories, South Pacific Hemp has a natural solution for every season.

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, visit southpacifichemp.com.au or email sthpacifichemp@gmail.com

Quality firewood is Chris’ tip for a warm house

For five years, Murrumbateman Quality Firewood has been servicing the local community. 

“You have to have good quality firewood over winter,” says owner, Chris Vizovitis.

With a minimum delivery of wood of two cubic metres, Chris says a full load (roughly six cubic metres of wood), could last a household an entire winter season. 

“We have three delivery trucks that service the area and delivery occurs between three to five business days,” he says. 

“We try to get the wood to people as quickly as possible.” 

Specialising in a red wood and yellow wood mix, Chris says their wood has been purposely cut to suit small fireplaces, meaning no additional cutting is required after delivery. 

“Our wood is processed by one of our machines to be cut to 300 millimetres in length and being between a single bread-loaf to double bread-loaf wide.”

For new homeowners who haven’t had a woodfired heater before, Chris recommends people begin with the smaller and lighter wood for an immediate light but use the heavier wood for slow burning overnight. 

“Quality wood is incredibly important to be able to warm an entire house,” he says. 

“Poor quality wood won’t produce much heat, so it’s important to look at what mix of wood you’re considering.” 

Chris gets his wood from a property in Murrumbateman but also from a property in Warren in western NSW. 

Murrumbateman Quality Firewood. Call Chris at 0450 204 857.

Andrew and Liz love an alfresco fireplace

Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces were the first to introduce Australians to the joy of outdoor fireplaces with ceramic Mexican chimineas over 20 years ago, says co-owner Liz Fenton.

Husband-and-wife team, Andrew and Liz have built their business on ceramic Chimineas. They have since developed and manufactured an Aussie Heatwave Chiminea. 

“Our chimineas are made in rural Victoria from the best quality cast iron,” says Liz.

“The Aussie Heatwave is a premium-quality, single piece casting with no joins, welds, moving parts or air vents.”

According to Andrew, the key to a quality outdoor fire comes down to its make.

“The real benefits are that they radiate much more heat over a wider area, are virtually indestructible and will last a lifetime and beyond. They are totally pyromaniac proof,” he says. 

“They look visually stunning in any outdoor setting and are the only chiminea that’s designed for safe use on timber decks. The quality is unsurpassed.”

Liz and Andrew have been in the business since 1999 and say they are proud to have developed a product that will last generations. 

“We love wood-fired cooking and heating. There’s nothing better than the cosy, relaxing atmosphere of a fire and the social interaction that it creates,” says Liz.

“It’s a product that brings instant gratification and happiness. It’s easy  back-to-basics in our fast-paced, high-tech world.”

Liz says they ship nationwide. 

Aussie Heatwave Chiminea. Call (03) 9561 2222 or visit chiminea.com.au