With the cold weather imminently approaching, you have most likely found yourself getting chillier by the day. If you’re finding that it is somewhat cold around the home and you are not sure why, you need to consider simple changes that could improve your comfort around the house. To start with, you need to make sure your homes insulation and heating is working as expected. If you do not have home insulation, or your heating is not working effectively, you need to consider installing insulation or replacing your boiler. If these two core elements are working fine but you’re still uncomfortable around the house, we recommend trying the below methods to keep yourself warm around the home this winter.
1. Hang Curtains
If you live in a house with blinds, but no curtains, it is time to hang curtains. Whilst homeowners have been moving away from hanging curtains in an attempt to make their homes more minimalist and stylish, curtains add value when it comes to keeping your home warm. A thick set of curtains will block out cold draughts from the window and will keep the warmth in the room, stopping heat from escaping. When you do hang curtains, we suggest that when you close your curtains, you push any curtain that covers your radiators behind the radiators so that the warmth produced by your heating is not blocked.
2. Replace Old Boilers
If your boiler is old, it’s time to replace it. Keeping your home warm is very much dependent on your heating system. Whilst regular boiler servicing and general heating maintenance will keep old boilers working, it won’t necessarily be working as efficiently as it could. If you think you need a boiler replacement but are unsure, do some research. You might find that your current boiler is extremely inefficient and needs replacing immediately. If you do opt for a new boiler, be sure to go with a reliable local plumber that you can trust.
3. Place Down a Rug
If your feet are cold, you are cold. Cold floors have a real impact on comfort around the home. Even if you have carpet installed, the floor can still be cold, especially if you have floorboards and not concrete flooring. By placing a rug in areas that you regularly stand, you will improve the floor insulation, helping your feet stay warm. This is especially worth doing in kitchens or hallways where you have tiles rather than carpet. On top of using a rug, wearing slippers is also advisable.
4. Use Draught Excluders
Using draught excluders will block cold air coming into your rooms. It will also block warm air from escaping. For a small amount of money, you can improve comfort in rooms by adding draught excluders around your doors and windows. Draught excluders for doors cost between £10-30.
5. Reflect Heat
Reflecting heat from the back of the radiator and back into the room will maximise the way you use your heating. To do this, simply add tin foil to a thin piece of card then place behind your radiators. This is a tried and tested method that really does improve comfort.
6. Set the Thermostat to a Temperature you Prefer
Setting the thermostat to a temperature that you find comfortable is a must. Many try to save money by setting the thermostat low, but if you’re cold and uncomfortable, you have to ask yourself whether it is worth being cold for? Now, that’s not to say you should set your thermostat exceedingly high, but choosing a comfortable temperature and sticking to it will keep you warm. There is an ongoing debate whether setting your heating on a timer or not is best. But if you’re aiming for comfort, it is definitely best to keep your heating on at all times. The heating will click on and off during the day because the thermostat will register temperature drops. But without a timer, you reduce the amount of time your home goes without heating which will improve comfort.
7. Apply Pipe Lagging
To make your heating and hot water more efficient, put lagging around the pipes. This will keep the warm water within the pipes as they travel around your property. Stopping heat escaping is the key to keeping your heating working as effectively as possible.
8. Hang Warm Pictures
Staying warm is as much psychological as it is physical. If you feel cold, you are going to be colder. Simple decorative changes can create a warm ambiance. Hanging canvas printing with warm tones can improve comfort. For tips on how to choose a canvas printing, read here.
9. Light an Open Fire
If you’re lucky enough to own an open fire, use it. This is the most primal method of keeping warm and it still works. An open fire will warm the whole room and will produce radiant comfort when nearby. It is also psychologically comfortable to be around. Remember to be safe when using an open fire and be sure to have fire alarms installed!
If you apply all 9 tips to your home, your comfort will most definitely improve. Now, there are other methods you can stay warm, including wearing a comfortable jumper, using hot water bottles, buying a well-insulated duvet, drinking hot drinks, but the listed methods will help keep your home warmer and will make a positive difference this winter.
