Whilst you’re probably out making the most of the sunshine as it’s still around, it’s always important to think ahead.
This is especially the case when you can save a great deal of money by putting plans into action now rather than waiting.
As this is the case, how can you ensure your home is warm enough for the winter? The last thing you want is a cold a draughty household because you’ll have to turn up the heat, resulting in more expensive fuel bills.
Fortunately though, there are some cheap and easy measures for you to make the most of, so take a look at our top ten tips below.
1. Layer up
If you’re cold this winter, instead of turning up the boiler thermostat and paying more money on your heating bill, simply dress up in warmer clothes. Don’t walk round the house in shorts and a t-shirt; put on a warm jumper!
2. Deal with the draughts
Draughts can be a major issue when it comes to sorting out the efficiency of your home’s heating. The last thing you want is the warm air produced to be escaping your property through gaps between the windows and doors. There are plenty of draught exclusion products you can purchase from any decent DIY store.
3. Keep the bed warm
No one wants to get into a cold bed at night and you won’t want to wake up shivering either. So instead, make sure your bed has thick, warm bedding to keep you cosy. Also consider a hot water bottle to heat up the bed before you get in too.
4. Radiator reflectors
Radiator reflectors are simple and relatively cheap products that will help to reflect heat back into the room. They’re fitted behind radiators and you’ll instantly feel the difference of warmth in your home.
5. Keep the curtains closed
In the winter the darkness sets in much earlier than normal, so there’s no need to keep the curtains open. Instead, make sure to close them at night and you’ll keep your heat inside. Ensure curtains aren’t covering radiators either.
6. Bulk up the curtains
Staying on the curtain theme, you can invest in some much thicker curtains during the winter and these will act as great insulators. In fact, you could reduce your heating bill as much as 20% in the winter.
7. Close up the chimney
Chimneys are rarely used for their original purpose nowadays of heating the home and instead act more as a decorative focal point. They’re notoriously draughty so if yours isn’t in use, make sure to block it up.
8. Turn down the thermostat
How high is your thermostat set? Did you know that turning it down just a single degree could save you £65 a year on your bills? And you won’t even feel a difference in your household’s temperature.
9. Turn off unused radiators
There are probably quite a few radiators in your home, so it’s important not to have them all on at once. You can control each radiator with its own valve, so make sure you’re not heating up unoccupied rooms.
10. Boiler service
Your boiler is incredibly important for providing your home with much needed heat and hot water throughout the year. But if it’s not efficient you’ll be wasting hundreds of pounds on your bills. A boiler service will ensure it’s running optimally and pre-warn you of any problems.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]Your heating accounts for around 60% of your annual energy bill.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]270mm of loft insulation can save you up to £200 a year on your heating bill.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]A boiler aged over 15-years could be wasting you £310 a year on heating bills.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Electricity usage in the home has increased 2% annually over the last 50 years.[/tweetable]