Winter is fast approaching and keeping your home warm becomes essential in creating a comfortable living environment. For first-time buyers or young adults navigating the various methods to effectively heat your home without breaking the bank can seem daunting. This guide explores seven straightforward and effective ways to keep the warmth in and the cold out this winter season
Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter
1. Purchase Thick Curtains and Rugs
One of the simplest yet effective ways to keep your home warm is to fit thick curtains and rugs. Heavy curtains create an additional layer of insulation, keeping the heat inside your home. During the day, keeping them open lets the natural sunlight and warmth into your key living areas. The opposite should be done at night as closing your curtains at dusk helps retain the heat within the room. Similarly, thick rugs on your floors can help prevent heat loss, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors.
2. Draught-Proof Your Doors and Windows
Drafty windows and doors can be a significant culprit of heat loss. To combat this, use weather stripping and glazing gaskets to seal any gaps between the door or window and its frame. Replacing your window seals is a low-cost and highly effective solution to stopping cold air draughts from entering the room. Light a candle and hold it near the door or window to check for drafts – the flame will flicker in draughty areas!
For support in choosing the correct door or window glazing gasket, please contact our helpful and knowledgeable team. You can give us a call on 01425 617722 or send your enquiry via email to sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk.
3. Adjust Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can be your best friend in maintaining a comfortable and warm environment. Setting the thermostat to 20°C while you're at home and awake, and lowering it by 1°C or 2°C degrees for 8 hours a day (while at work or asleep), can save about 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
It is also worth installing a smart thermostat that will learn your schedule and adjust heating temperatures accordingly. These devices can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to make adjustments as needed even if you are out of the house.
4. Keep Interior Doors Open
Keeping interior doors open helps circulate warm air throughout your home. This is particularly effective if you have a centralized heating system and equally heat all of the rooms in your house. By allowing air to flow freely, you prevent cold spots and maintain a more even temperature in all rooms.
However, in homes with smart radiator valves it may be worth closing doors to rooms that are not heated. This will help trap the cold air into these unheated rooms, maintaining a warm and stable temperature in your key living areas.
5. Use Portable Space Heaters
Space heaters can be a great way to heat a room quickly. However, they should be used wisely and only when necessary as they can be expensive to run for prolonged periods. Always follow safety guidelines, keeping the heater away from flammable materials and turning it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
6. Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation in your walls and loft is considered one of the most important factors for heat retention within your home. Adding insulation might seem like a big task, but it’s a one-time investment that pays off by drastically reducing your heating bills. It is also essential to insulate your hot water tank and exposed pipes to reduce heat loss in your central heating system. This will prevent them from freezing and reduce the strain on your boiler.
Similarly to heavy curtains and thick rugs, sufficient underfloor insulation will help minimise heat being lost through the floor.
7. Service Your Heating Systems
Ensure your heating system is in good working order by having it serviced annually. This can help prevent breakdowns during the coldest months and ensure it’s running efficiently. Replace filters regularly to maintain airflow and efficiency.
Staying warm during the winter doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By implementing these seven straightforward tips, you can significantly increase the warmth and comfort of your home. Remember, small actions like sealing drafts and adjusting your thermostat can make a big difference.