Winter is looming, and many of us are braced for the arrival of frosty mornings and chilly nights. When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than being warm and cozy indoors. If your home is draughty, you’ve got heating problems, or you don’t want to spend a fortune on energy bills, there are ways of staying warm without breaking the bank. Here are some helpful hacks to keep you toasty this winter.
Insulating your home
Are you spending too much on central heating? Do you dread the gas and electricity bills arriving in the mail? If so, taking steps to insulate your home is a great place to start saving money and making your home warmer and cozier. If you’ve got the heating on, you want to retain that warmth for as long as possible. If heat is escaping through holes and cracks, you’re going to spend more without enjoying the benefits. There are various things you can do to improve your home’s insulation. Firstly, it’s a good idea to check if you are eligible for grants or financial assistance towards the cost of loft or cavity wall insulation. Secondly, have a walk around the house and keep your eyes peeled for gaps that could be contributing to heat loss. Often, plugging holes or fitting a brush on the bottom of the door can make a massive difference to heat retention. If you don’t have double glazing, it’s worth getting some quotes. Alternatively, you could buy inexpensive secondary glazing sheets, which you stick onto the window frame to provide an extra layer of insulation.
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Checking your heating system
It’s going to get colder over the next few weeks, so now is a good time to arrange a boiler check or hire trained plumbing technicians to give your heating system the once-over. If your radiators aren’t working properly or you have an ancient furnace, it’s worth seeking professional advice. Sometimes, you can save a lot of money and improve the efficiency of the system by replacing old water heaters with newer, more eco-friendly and energy-efficient units. Even if you have a modern boiler, it’s advisable to schedule annual maintenance checks, as this will reduce the risk of problems and save you money in the long-run.
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Making your home cozier
Even when you have the heating on, harsh winter conditions can make it difficult to get warm at home. If it’s snowing outside, and you’re chilly, invest in some extra throws and blankets and light the fire. If you don’t already have a fire at home, there are loads of options you could consider. You could go for a basic, rustic open fire, add some traditional charm with a log burner or opt for a modern, wall-mounted plasma screen fire. Take a look around and look out for flash sales in the run-up to the holiday period. Portable heaters are another option, but bear in mind that they are expensive to run. Keep heat in by closing internal doors and swap light cotton curtains for heavier materials.
If you’re worried about spending a fortune on energy bills, try and limit the number of rooms you use. If you never go in the guest room or you don’t use the dining room much, turn the radiators off and focus on heating the rooms you do use on a daily basis. Make sure you keep the doors closed to prevent heat from escaping.
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Setting a thermostat
If you have a thermostat, this can cut bills and enable you to stay toasty at the same time. When you use a thermostat, you can set a temperature, and the heating system will only fire up when the temperature falls below this figure. This means that your home will always be warm, but you won’t be paying for the radiators to be on permanently. In the winter, most people set their thermostat at around 20-23 degrees.
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There’s a chill in the air and the nights are drawing in. Winter is most definitely on its way. If you’re keen to create a cozy atmosphere at home this winter and you don’t want to worry about trying to keep warm on a budget, hopefully, this guide has provided you with some helpful hacks. Plug any holes and gaps to prevent heat loss and find out more about home insulation. Book a boiler check or seek professional advice if your heating system isn’t running as efficiently as it should be. Set a thermostat and add some cozy touches to your home. Layer cushions, blankets and throws on couches and beds, keep the doors closed, and light the fire.
