TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER

Rising bills, colder weather… we’ve heard all about the trials facing us as we move into the winter months. What can we do?

While there are many ways to ensure your home is well insulated and warm, like insulating your loft, we’ve put together some cost effective, simple, and quick ideas that can help you to keep your home warm this winter.

Add additional layers

When you’re looking to save money on your heating, keeping additional soft furnishings around the house can make all the difference!

Think about throws, weighted blankets, and warmer bedspreads to keep you cosy on those cold evenings.

Draught-proofing

Can you feel a draught?

From poorly sealed frames to single glazed windows, there are a myriad of areas around the home that could be bringing the cold into your home.

Draught-proofing and sealing is an easy and economical way to keep the heat in, and a quick fix before the cold sets in.

Areas you should check and draught-proof for winter:

• Windows
• Doors
• Loft hatches
• Chimneys
• Keyholes
• Floorboards
• Letterboxes
• Cat flaps/dog doors

Get Your Radiators Ready

Getting your radiators ready for winter should be one of the top items on your list. Bleeding your radiators is a fast and simple task to get them working at their best again - you won’t need to call a plumber to do it!

Think about where your furniture is currently positioned – are you obstructing your radiators? Warm air needs sufficient space to circulate around all furniture in the room.

Place key pieces of furniture like beds and desks near radiators to benefit from the warmth, with a gap to allow the air to circulate, and keep them away from windows to minimise feeling a draught.

Invest in Rugs

A rug is a speedy simple solution if you can’t seal your floorboards or have flooring that is classically colder underfoot.

A good rug can really make a difference. A wool rug is the best choice if your room is dry and not humid, as the fibre has insulative properties. If there is moisture present in your home, or for a more humid room, a synthetic rug is a better alternative.

Service Your Boiler

Before the winter sets in, ensure your boiler is working efficiently. If a boiler is ageing or defective, it will work harder to bring your home up to your preferred temperature – this will increase your heating bill.

To guarantee your boiler is in top condition, it is recommended a service every 12 months.

Take Advantage of the Sunshine

While winter isn’t known for an abundance of sunny days, on the rare days it isn’t overcast, capitalise on the free solar energy.

Any sunlight will naturally heat up the room, so keep your curtains open until the sun begins to set.

Close your curtains overnight to keep the warmth in!

Keep the Oven Door Open After Cooking

Utilise your culinary skills for more than making food! When you’ve switched your oven off after cooking, don’t shut the door – let the heat radiate out into your kitchen for as long as the heat lasts.

Disclaimer: avoid leaving the oven open if you have pets or small children, to avoid potential injuries.