10 Ways to Keep Your House Warm in Winter
No matter what time of year, there are always things you can do to your home to keep you warm and toasty, whilst also reducing your heating bills.
Here we bring you the ten top ways that homeowners, landlords and tenants alike can keep their house warm this winter.
Let's start with the obvious, but important one...
1. Improve the insulation
Insulation is key to keeping your bills down, while helping your house stay warm in winter and cool in the summer. Your roof and loft should be insulated, along with either cavity or solid wall insulation. You may also want to think about insulating your floor.
Landlords, in particular, should be aware of different types of insulation, ahead of forthcoming energy efficiency regulations. As of April 2018, it will be illegal for landlords to rent out properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G. Those that need to make improvements to their properties should start as soon as possible.
Which leads us on to the next point...
2. Get a new boiler
Homeowners should think about installing a new boiler. Especially if your current boiler is over 10 years old.
If you're a landlord and you're worried about the energy efficiency of your rental house ahead of the new rules, now might be the best time to think about replacing your boiler. Older boilers can not only be temperamental and unreliable, but they are generally less energy efficient too. Avoid being hit by the new laws by looking at Boiler Guide's comparison tool.
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3. Double/triple glazing
All properties lose heat through their windows, but double or even triple glazing can keep your home warmer and quieter, as well as reducing your energy bills. Double glazed windows have two sheets of glass with a gap in between, which traps the heat in, making your house warmer, more comfortable and energy efficient.
Although triple glazed windows have three sheets of glass, they aren't always better than double glazed options, so always assess the best choice for your house. Again, landlords should consider changing their windows if the house does not reach upcoming energy efficiency requirements.
4. Hang heavy curtains
If you don't have a lot of money to spend on energy efficiency improvements, there are cheaper options for you to consider. One of the easiest ways to keep your house warm is with heavy curtains.
Find curtains with thermal lining, or line your current ones yourself with cheap fabric. Putting thick curtains up in every room will protect your house from losing heat through the windows. And remember, drawing your curtains at dusk will help to keep the heat in when the cold nights set in.
5. Draught-proofing
One of the cheapest and most efficient ways to save energy and money is by draught-proofing your house. If you have any gaps around windows, doors and floors, cold air will be let in and the heat will be let out. To effectively draught-proof your house, block up any unwanted gaps that let cold air in.
This way, you will save the warm air in your home and therefore use less energy.
6. Programmable thermostats
Whether you're a homeowner or a landlord providing a home to tenants, it is a good idea to use programmable thermostats throughout your house. These tools allow you to set on and off time periods for your boiler and select different temperatures in your home at different times of the day.
This means that your house will be heated up when it needs to be, and you can save money when you don't need the heating on.
7. Insulate your pipes
If you don't already, it is a good idea to look into insulating the pipes throughout your house. This will reduce the amount of heat lost, so you spend less on heating water up and the hot water stays warm for longer. Slipping pipe insulation around any exposed hot water pipes is easy if the pipes are accessible, and you can often complete the task yourself.
8. Insulate your hot water tank
Similarly to pipe insulation, using a hot water tank jacket on an uninsulated tank will save energy and money. All jackets should be at least 75mm thick, which will cut heat loss by more than 75%. Hot water tank jackets cost around £15, and you'll be pleased to know that it would take less than six months for the fuel saving to pay the jacket off. Not only is this an easy way to keep your house warm this winter, but it is cost effective too.
9. Keep your doors open
The debate over whether you should keep your doors open or closed has been going back and forth for some time, although it is widely believed that keeping the air flow going is important for your house.
Make sure that your internal doors are open throughout your home and you will keep the warm air moving through. If your doors are closed, the air flow process becomes slower, which uses more energy than allowing the heat to circulate. Although you may want to keep the warmth contained, you will be better off allowing the heat to flow through your home.
10. Floor coverings
An easy and fairly cheap way to stop heat escaping through the floor (and to keep your toes warm!) is with floor coverings. This could be a nice cosy carpet or a rug in rooms that have wooden/linoleum floors.
Although this won't make as much difference as floor insulation, it is still a simple way to keep your house warm. If you're a landlord that provides furnished accommodation, consider putting rugs in your house as the winter arrives - I'm sure your tenants will appreciate the thought.
With the colder months now on their way, it is a good idea to start putting a plan together now that will keep your house warm in the winter. And remember, spending a bit of money now could save you in the long run.
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