We’re always looking for ways to create a warmer home for less money especially during this time of the year. In this blog, we’ll help you achieve that with our handy tips.
It goes without saying that you should make sure you’re wrapped up before trying any of these ideas as it’s easier to heat a person than an entire house. So before tampering with the heating controls, get the sweaters and cosy blankets out and try these quick fixes for a warmer home.
Draught-proofing is the quickest, easiest and cheapest method for a warmer home. Research shows that draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you between £25 and £50 per year. Blocking cold draughts around the house means you’re not wasting money on heat which is leaking out of gaps in the windows, doors, chimneys and floorboards.
As much as bare floorboards look fabulous they can be responsible for up to 10% of household heat loss. If you’re not into the idea of carpets around your home, then investing in rugs during the winter will benefit you massively. These rugs will also keep your feet nice and toasty and leave you less reliant on your heating system.
Thick curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% and are a great way to insulate heat in your rooms. They can block cold air getting in and prevent warm air getting out just like draught excluders which sit along the draughty gaps under doors.
This next tip is so simple and cheap but so beneficial to achieving a warmer home; Close the doors of rooms you are not using to keep cosy in the ones you are in. You’ll notice the difference immediately.
Another easy tip along these lines is to open the oven door after you’ve finished cooking to help warm up your kitchen; consider this to be free heating.
Bleeding your radiators is a simple and cheap way to achieve a more efficient heating system and therefore a warmer home. Trapped air in your radiators causes cold spots and reduces the efficiency meaning a cold house and more expensive heating bills. ‘Bleeding’ your radiators is letting out the trapped air which has become caught inside, so they can work at optimum efficiency again.
We’ve written a step-by-step blog helping you to bleed your radiators here.
Radiator reflectors sit between the small gap between your radiator and the wall. Their job is to send the wasted heat produced from the back of the radiator into the room. Not only are these very cheap, but they’re also extremely easy to install and discreet.
Blocking your radiator with furniture can also hinder the radiators working at maximum efficiency for the room. Give the radiator space to spread the heat around the room, in turn giving you a warmer home.
Our Gas Safe Registered engineers are always on hand to keep your home as warm as possible, especially during the winter. Contact us for more information on any services we offer.