Smart thermostats allow you to heat more efficiently, so you’re not heating your home when you don’t need to. Leaving your heating to kick in 30 minutes before you arise is more helpful than switching it on to maximum when you’re already chilly. Leaving your thermostat set to a fixed temperature instead of turning it up and down throughout the day can also reduce wasted energy.
Layer up – but not just your clothing
Dressing warmly is a given, of course, but insulating your home is just as important. Thick curtains, close-fitting rugs and draught excluders all help to stop heat loss. Thermal-lined heavy curtains stop warm air from escaping through the windows, while rugs give a secondary layer of protection to hard flooring. If you have a draughty doorway in particular, a thick material draught excluder can stop cold air sneaking in around the bottom of the door. It’s a small change, but one that’s a big help when it’s cold outside.
The magic of warm lighting
There’s something in winter that makes harsh, bright lights even harsher than usual. Soft, warm lighting is cosier, and curiously enough, it also warms a room up. Substitute cool-toned bulbs with warm white bulbs and put a few lamps or candles around to provide that cosy, snug glow. Battery-operated candles are a wonderful substitute if you love the flickering without concern for an open flame.
Keep the heat where you need it
It’s easy to forget unused rooms, but to heat a space you’re not in is just a waste of energy. Close doors to trap heat in places you’re in, and if you’ve a spare bedroom or unused dining room, turn down the radiator rather than heating an unused area.
Small gaps, big issue
Gaps around doors and windows can be small yet leak a surprising amount of heat. One quick check is to put a hand around window frames and doors – if you detect a draught of cold air, it’s time to seal them up. Self-adhesive draught strips are cheap to buy and simple to install and make a huge impact in keeping warm air in and cold air out. Letterboxes and keyholes can also be sneaky draught sources, so a simple escutcheon or a letterbox brush can put a stop to it.
Enhance insulation
Windows are also one of the biggest heat loss areas and, if you have substandard ones, you’ll never be warm enough in your house. Double glazing is a permanent option that not only keeps heat in, it keeps the noise out too and is more energy efficient. Getting new windows is not always possible in the short term, though – thermal curtains or secondary glazing film can give a short-term boost of added insulation.
Smart heating, smarter bills
Smart thermostats allow you to heat more efficiently, so you’re not heating when you don’t need to. Leaving your heating to kick in 30 minutes before you arise is more helpful than switching it on to maximum when you’re already chilly. Leaving your thermostat set to a fixed temperature instead of turning it up and down throughout the day can also reduce wasted energy.
Make the most of free heat
One of the simplest ways to keep your home warm in winter is to take advantage of the heat you already generate. Keep the oven door open after you’ve used it to enable heat to circulate around the kitchen. Let the sun do the work for you by keeping curtains open during the day to take in natural heat, closing them when night approaches to trap it in. All these little routines reap rewards without costing you a penny.