Budget-friendly tips for a warmer home this winter

Posted on: Wednesday, January 11, 2023

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Energy bills have reached an all-time high, and to no surprise, the majority of us are on the lookout for ways to help save some money on hefty bills. Even more so as the cold, winter months set in, and more people are working from home now than ever. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your heating – without having to crank it up any higher!

 

Switch to a smart thermostat

A thermostat controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your boiler. Older thermostats coupled with older heating systems are likely to degrade over time and lead to problems like the home overheating. Updating your thermostat will allow far greater accuracy in thermostat-to-boiler communication, which prevents energy from being wasted. The benefits of smart thermostats are endless. From monitoring energy usage through your phone, to higher efficiency and effective heating control – this smart home trend will someday be a home staple.

 

Position your furniture for minimum heat interference 

You might not have considered rearranging your furniture to help heat up the home, but the layouts of the rooms could be blocking your heat flow. If any beds, sofas or shelves are obstructing your radiators, try redesigning your layout so that the room is more open and easier to heat.

 

Add a shelf to the space just above your radiator

If you add a shelf just above your radiator, you’ll find it functions exceptionally well as a shield. The shelf will help distribute the warmth from the radiator into the room more evenly, allowing the room to heat up efficiently. 

 

Close up cracks in your window frame

Even the tiniest gaps can allow your home’s heat to escape, which is why you shouldn’t ignore any cracks in your window frame. To prevent heat being lost, you can easily seal any cracks with a precise line of caulk.

 

Invest in rugs 

Uninsulated floors are often the culprit for heat loss in a home, and adding a few fluffy rugs is an effective and cheap solution to this problem. Not only will an extra layer of insulation prevent warm air from escaping, but you will also benefit from the fluffy barrier separating your feet from the cold kitchen tiles in the mornings. 

 

Stop your chimney from causing draughts. 

Although your fireplace might be one of your home’s most beautiful features, it could also be one of the reasons you keep feeling a draught. You can block your chimney with a chimney balloon or even an old pillow if it’s causing a chill. However, do some research first and proceed with care, as an inadequately blocked chimney can lead to overheating.

 

Check your radiators

You should check your radiators regularly in the winter as they are being used more often. If you can feel any cold spots on your radiator, it might be time to bleed it as this indicates that there is trapped air inside. Pockets of air can prevent the warm water in your radiator from circulating properly, and as a result, you could end up using more energy than necessary when trying to heat up the house.

 

Contact us 

If you’re looking to sell your property for a more energy-efficient home or would like more advice, contact your local Guild Member today.