With the cold weather expected to last another couple of months at least, you will probably need to take steps to ensure that your house is toasty and warm. There are many simple things that you can do to make sure that your home is protected against the harsh and extreme weather. We’ve put together some tips and advice to help you stay warm!
Ensure you have thick curtains.
Thick curtains will prevent the cold weather seeping in through your windows, which is an extremely common problem in UK homes. If you are turning on your central heating, keeping the curtains closed will help to trap the warmth in your home so the heat is not wasted. This means that you won’t run up a huge energy bill as you won’t feel the need to keep turning the temperature on the thermostat up.
You can buy thermal curtains, or add a thermal lining to your existing pair of curtains. Which method you choose will depend on your personal circumstances. For the DIY option, you will need time and patience whereas buying a new pair will cost you money.
Invest in an efficient radiator.
If your radiator has seen better days, it might be time to invest in a new one! There are many things to consider, like the size of the room and the required heat output. The colour and size will also play an important role in your decision, as you will want to them to work with the décor and layout of the room. There are a range of electric radiators available, in different shapes, colours and sizes. These products have been carefully designed for efficiency and reliability, so you can heat your room in style!
Arrange your furniture strategically.
The location of your furniture plays an important role in how well the room is heated. If you block the radiators with sofas, chairs and beds, you will prevent the heat from reaching other areas of the room. Try to leave these areas clear so that the heat can circulate evenly around your home.
Another great tip is to keep your seating away from the windows if possible. They often let drafts or cold air in from outside which means that you will definitely get chilly if you are sat right next to it!
Programme your timer.
Many people believe that leaving their heating on all day will improve the way you warm your home but this isn’t actually the case. Not only will you run up an expensive energy bill but you will also reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Instead, you should try setting a timer on your thermostat so it only comes on when you need it. The recommended temperature is between 18 and 21 degrees, so try a few heat settings to see what suits you best!
Check your home’s insulation.
Poor insulation is one of main causes for heat loss, which can cost the owner hundreds of pounds in energy bills. If you think this applies to your home, you will need to check the insulation in your roof, walls, floors, windows and doors.
Look out for areas with condensation, drafts, mould or different temperatures to the rest of the room. These are all signs that you need to call in a professional as soon as possible.