Winter is upon us! The heating is likely on, and the nights are drawing in. The drop in temperature is starting to make our homes chilly you have possibly started to notice a build-up of condensation. Heating your home can be costly, so finding other ways to keep your home warm in winter will not only cut costs but will help the environment. In this article, we have put together some tips for what you can do to help keep your home warm and cosy during the cold season.
Make use of your curtains
Even in the winter, the sun can be warm during the day, so make the most of it! Whenever possible, keep your curtains open and let in the natural sunlight. When it becomes darker, close the curtains as they act as an extra layer of insulation, keeping the warmth in your rooms. Ensure they are completely closed without any gaps, keeping any cold air or drafts out. This will also reduce any condensation.
Set the timer on your central heating
You will have the option of setting a timer on your central heating. Try to set it so that the heating comes on about half an hour before you get up in the morning, but make sure it is at a lower temperature as opposed to turning it up high. This will allow enough time to heat your home and is also cost-effective. Your boiler heats up at a constant speed regardless of whether you set it at 20 C or 30 C. Avoid keeping your heating on low all day, you will be paying for heat when you don’t actually need it.
Keep the radiators clear from obstructions
As tempting as it is to push your sofa up against the radiator, you should take into consideration that it will be absorbing the heat that could be heating your home. By moving furniture away from the radiator, you are allowing the warm air to circulate more freely.
Increase your insulation
A large percentage of heat is lost within the home through the roof.
You can easily resolve this problem by adding loft insulation and also by checking your walls. The initial cost of adding loft and cavity wall insulation may seem a lot to pay out, but after a while, you will notice a decrease in your energy bills, and will soon make up for the extra expense. Why not check your energy supplier? There are often insulation schemes available, and if you are eligible, it is worth applying.
Wrap up your boiler
If you have a hot water tank fitted, it will usually have a layer of insulation over it. If it is old, replace the ‘jacket’ to a newer version, and you will benefit by saving money.
Keep the dial down low
There are different opinions on what heat setting you should have your thermostat set at. The World Health Organisation at one point recommended a minimum temperature of 21 C, but since then the Public Health England changed that to 18 C. Research has shown that by turning your dial down by 1 C could cut your energy bills up to 10%. By simply setting the temperature to 18 C, you will save money and keep your home consistently warm.
Keep draughts out
Draught excluders are a great idea and the perfect solution to keeping cold air from seeping through gaps in your doors. You can also use self-adhesive rubber seals and place them around your doors and windows. Put them in place before the really cold weather starts.
Upgrade your Windows
If you have old windows, there is a strong possibility they are not energy-efficient. By installing double or triple glazing, you will not only benefit from keeping the cold out, but you will also be reducing your energy bills.
Conclusion
There are several ways that you can prepare for the cold weather. Not all options need to be costly, and you will eventually start to notice savings.
