Cost-Effective Ways To Keep Warm This Winter

So far, the winter temperatures have been below average for January.

No one wants to feel cold so it’s really important to make the best use of your heating when it’s on.

Here are 10 useful tips to help you get the most out of your heating this winter and keep the warmth in:

1. Insulation

Insulation is the most cost-effective way to make your home truly warm.

There is an upfront cost, but you’ll reap the benefits for the years to come.

Check the loft and make sure that the lagging is in good condition and there are no gaps or spaces, especially around the pipes.

Hot air rises and decent insulation will keep the warmth inside your home rather than letting it escape through the roof.

Insulation should be to a depth of at least 270mm, anything less needs topping up.

2. Use heating wisely

Try and use heating that brings the room to a comfortable ambient temperature and keeps it there rather than quick-fire heating that leaves no residual heat when it is turned off, like a fan heater.

If your house has ceiling fans, use them at low speed to suck up cold air and draw hot air down.

Don’t heat rooms that are not being used.

A Smart app can allow you to control the heating remotely so if you are late home from work, you can change the timer settings, so the heating isn’t on when no one is at home.

Equally, if it is very cold, adjust the timer so the heating comes on earlier to warm the house rather than just turning up the thermostat.

Different types of buildings need different heating systems. For public spaces like churches, town halls, offices, and schools, gas wall heaters are more effective. Companies like DRU are school, industrial, office, and church heating specialist that can upgrade your heating systems for better efficiency.

3. Special curtains

Some curtains are great at helping to keep a room warm,  just don’t forget to leave them open in south-facing rooms when it’s sunny during the day to bring in some natural heat.

Curtains should not obstruct radiators (which do tend to be below windows) as this just prevents the heat from penetrating into the room.

Likewise, move any furniture away from radiators into a different location.

Fit short thick curtains with a thermal lining for maximum benefit.

4. Draughtproofing

Older properties tend to be draughtier around the windows and doors and can lose a whopping 40% of the overall household heat through poor glazing and an inadequate seal.

New materials and lightweight thermally efficient glass – brands like Fineo glass – mean you can still have old-fashioned windows and period features but without 19th-century temperatures!

Fineo glass is the next generation of glazing, as thin as single glazing so perfect for sash windows but offers the energy performance of triple glazing.

Don’t forget the doors. If your house has a traditional layout, then keep doors closed in each room.

Use draught excluders for the front and back door if the seal is not perfect, or fit draughtproofing.

If your house has a chimney and you are not using the fireplace, then block it off as chimneys will draw all the heat out of the room and disperse it to the great outdoors especially when it’s windy.

Chimney balloons are inexpensive and unobtrusive, just remember to take them out if you do decide to light a fire.

5. Wear warm clothes in the house

The old mantra of ‘put a jumper on’ doesn’t just apply to children. Wearing warm clothes in the house will help keep you warm inside and get the most out of your heating when it is on.

Regular hot drinks, hot water bottles, and stylish fleeces for snuggling up on the sofa can make the home a really cosy place.

Staying warm doesn’t have to smack of austerity.

6. Cover bare floorboards

Floors can account for as much as 10% of heat loss, according to the National Energy Foundation.

If you love the look of bare wood, then use stylish rugs during the winter which will mitigate heat loss and help keep your feet warm.

7. Leave the door open when you shower/bath

After a hot bath or a shower, leave the door open.

Not only will the heat from the water warm your rooms, but it will also help increase your home’s humidity — something that makes the air feel warmer AND helps prevent painful winter-dry skin. Skip this step if you have damp home.

8. Drink hot drinks

Hot tea is a delicious way to feel warm from the inside.

9. Leave the oven door open

When you’re done cooking, leave the oven door open. The heat will flow into the kitchen and help warm up the room. Do the same with the clothes dryer and dishwasher, too unless you have small children or curious pets.

10. Get a hot water bottle

Tired of getting in a cold bed at night? Fill a hot water bottle (with hot water, of course!) and place it at the foot of your bed, underneath the blanket. It will help keep your feet warm.

Final thoughts

A few simple, budget-friendly steps can transform your home this winter.

Tt’s worth thinking about some longer-term upgrades like insulation for 2023 and beyond.

Not only will this keep your warmth in during the winter, but it will also uplift the value of your property when you come to sell.