Keeping Your Home Warm During the Colder Months

As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to fall, you’ll probably already be thinking about how to keep your home warm and cosy. While cranking up the thermostat might seem like the obvious solution, there are many other steps you can take to make your living space more comfortable and energy-efficient this winter.

Draught-proofing and basic insulation

One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s warmth is by tackling draughts, as these sources of cold air can cause significant heat loss and discomfort. 

To seal the gaps, you can use draught excluder tape or adhesive strips around window frames and door jambs. You can also install brush seals at the bottom of exterior doors. Another effective and cheap method is to install a draught excluder cushion at the base of doors.

Insulating your home is also crucial. Consider insulating your water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage. You can buy pipe insulation foam from most DIY stores.

Optimise heating controls and household routines

Taking control of your heating system is key to keeping your home warm without wasting energy. 

Most modern boilers have a timer, so you should set your heating to come on only when you need it. Instead of leaving it on all day, a better strategy is to programme it to switch on a little before you get up in the morning and turn off before you go to bed. You can also use a smart thermostat, which allows you to control your heating remotely from your phone and learn your heating habits over time. 

When you use your oven or hob, make the most of the residual heat by leaving the oven door ajar after you finish cooking. By opening your blinds and curtains on sunny days, you can also use natural sunlight to warm your rooms.

Upgrading your exterior doors

Exterior doors, along with your windows, are a significant weak spot in your home’s thermal envelope. Old, thin or poorly fitted doors can be a major source of heat loss.

You might want to consider installing a new front door made of a composite material, which offers superior thermal performance compared to older wooden doors. When it comes to your garage, you can also consider replacing your old, draughty one with insulated electric garage doors, which can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

For those not ready for a full replacement, a simple step you can take is to check the seals around your existing door frames and replace them if they are worn out.

Budget-friendly habits and small upgrades

You don’t need a huge budget to make your home warmer this winter. 

One of the most effective and cheapest solutions is to move your furniture. Placing your sofa or a large cabinet in front of a radiator will block the heat from circulating around the room, so moving furniture away from the heat source will make a huge difference.

You could also consider switching out your lighter window drapes for a set of heavy, thermal curtains. By doing this, you’ll create an extra layer of insulation at your windows, preventing warmth from escaping and cold air from seeping in.