Winter in the UK can be quite cold, and keeping your home warm is essential for comfort and health. There are several effective heating measures you can take to ensure your home stays cosy throughout the season. In this piece, we’ll discuss some of the important ways to keep your home warm this winter.
Insulate Your Home Properly
One of the best ways to keep your home warm is to ensure it is properly insulated. Insulation helps to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside. You can insulate your walls, roof, and floors to make a significant difference. Loft insulation is particularly important because a lot of heat escapes through the roof. Adding cavity wall insulation can also help. Even simple measures like using draft excluders on doors and windows can prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
Upgrade Your Heating System
If your heating system is old, it might not be working as efficiently as it could be. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient ones can make a big difference. Air source heat pumps are 300% more efficient and can heat your home more effectively. You might be short on budget and cannot bear installation costs that range from £2000 to £12000.
In fact, homeowners or private tenants who are on certain government benefits can apply for the air source heat pump grant under the ECO4 scheme. This can help you make a free upgrade to your heating system without breaking the bank.
This also allows you to set your heating to come on only when you need it, which can save energy and reduce your heating bills. Smart thermostats are even better, as they learn your schedule and adjust the heating automatically.
Use Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are a great way to keep the heat inside your home. These curtains are made from thick, insulated materials that prevent heat from escaping through your windows. They are especially useful for older homes with single-pane windows, which are not as efficient as modern double or triple glazing. By closing thermal curtains as soon as it gets dark, you can keep more heat in your home. During the day, you can open them to let in natural sunlight, which can also help to warm your home.
Bleed Your Radiators
Sometimes, radiators can get air trapped inside them, which makes them less effective at heating your home. Bleeding your radiators is a simple task that can make a big difference. All you need is a radiator key. Turn off your heating system, insert the key into the radiator valve, and turn it until you hear a hissing sound. This means the trapped air is being released. Once water starts to come out, close the valve. This will help your radiators to heat up more effectively and keep your home warmer.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Gaps and cracks in your walls, floors, and around windows and doors can let in cold air and let out warm air. Sealing these gaps can make your home much warmer. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. For larger gaps in walls or floors, you might need to use expanding foam. Don’t forget to check around pipes and vents as well, as these are common places where gaps can occur. Sealing these gaps can make a noticeable difference in the warmth of your home.
Use Rugs and Carpets
Bare floors can make your home feel colder, especially if you have hardwood or tile flooring. Using rugs and carpets can help to keep the heat in. They act as an extra layer of insulation and can make your home feel much cosier. Thick, plush rugs are especially good at trapping heat. If you have a large area of bare floor, consider covering it with a large rug or even wall-to-wall carpeting for the winter months.
Keep Furniture Away from Radiators
It might be tempting to put furniture in front of radiators, but this can block the heat from circulating around the room. Make sure your radiators are free from obstructions so that they can work effectively. If you have large pieces of furniture in front of radiators, move them away during the winter months. This simple step can help to ensure that the heat from your radiators is distributed evenly throughout your home, making it warmer and more comfortable.
Utilise Passive Solar Heating
Passive solar heating is a free and natural way to heat your home. During the day, open your curtains and blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible. The sun’s rays can help to warm up your home, especially if you have south-facing windows. Once the sun goes down, close your curtains and blinds to keep the heat inside. This method won’t replace your heating system, but it can supplement it and help to reduce your heating bills.
By following these top heating measures, you can keep your home warm and cosy throughout the winter. Proper insulation, an efficient heating system, and simple steps like using thermal curtains and sealing gaps can make a big difference. Stay warm and enjoy a comfortable winter in your home!
