Tag: central heating

How to make your living room ready for the colder months

How to make your living room ready for the colder months

Getting your living room ready for the winter is an excellent idea if you want to feel comfortable, cosy, relaxed and safe during the colder months. It isn’t as simple as adding a throw or extra cushion to your living space if you want to enjoy ultimate warmth and cosiness. There’s more to it, which you can find out by reading the below.

If you want to improve your living room and make it ready for the colder months, here are some excellent tips.

Install a fireplace

There’s nothing cosier than a wood fireplace. Adding a fireplace to your living room is a great way to enhance the warmth in the space on cooler days. Switching on the fire when you and the family feel cold will allow you to leave the heating off yet enjoy ultimate comfort and snugness on those days when you daren’t venture outside.

Turning on the fire at the weekend when you have nothing else to do but relax is, of course, going to make you feel relaxed and comfortable in your space on the colder days.

Insulate the room

Another way to keep your home warm and the living room cosy this winter is to insulate the room. Insulation will help to maintain the warmth, which is ideal if you turn the central heating on for a few hours to heat the home up.

With insulation installed, you will ensure to keep the living space warm and comforting throughout the entire winter (even on the coldest days).

Add a rug

When the floor is warm, it helps your body remains warmer. Therefore, it makes sense to add a rug. Even if you already have carpet installed, adding a rug will further enhance the warmth of the floor.

Plus, the more soft furnishings you have in your living room, the warmer the room will remain. The soft furnishings maintain the heat, which is ideal when you want to keep the living room warm after turning off the central heating or lighting the fire.

More throws and blankets

Although throws and blankets alone won’t make your living room ready for winter, they will help alongside the other measures.

Again, these soft textiles will keep the warmth in the room. Plus, if you do get chilly while you’re in the living room, you can grab a throw and ensure to remain comfortable and warm. You should never feel cold or uncomfortable in your home, and having a blanket to keep you warm while the fire gets going will guarantee you’re as comfortable as possible.

Double-glazed windows

If your living room gets colder than normal in the winter, consider updating your windows. Double-glazing helps to regulate the temperature inside, which will help it feel warmer than it did previously.

It’s a good idea to install the double-glazed windows before the colder months hit so that you do not allow too much cold air into the home while they are being fitted.

Install smart heating

Smart heating is a great way to keep your home as comfortable and warm as possible without needing to be at home to switch the heating on. If you know your heating can take a while to warm the living room, it’s a good idea to install smart heating, so you can switch it on before coming home. Then, you can enjoy a warm living space when you arrive home and never have to worry about waiting to warm up.

A smart heating system can be controlled from your phone, meaning you can control it from anywhere. If it’s a particularly cold day, and you want to be warm when you walk in the door, switching it on an hour or so before you return home means the space will be inviting and ready for you.

Furthermore, it means that if you forget to turn it off, you’ll not waste energy as you can switch it off no matter where you are.

Using this guide, you can guarantee to find smart and efficient ways to make your living room ready for the colder months. When you know the winter is coming, that is time to prepare your space to ensure that you’re as comfortable, relaxed and warm as possible (even on those freezing cold days). Utilise as many of these tips as possible so that you can have the cosiest and most comforting space possible for those cold evenings and chilly winter weekends.

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Comparing different types of bio-ethanol fireplaces: Which is right for you?

Comparing different types of bio-ethanol fireplaces: Which is right for you?

Bio-ethanol fireplaces are perfect ways to bring warmth and ambience into the heart of your home. With their sleek design, they can easily become any room’s focal point and provide a cosy atmosphere and an efficient heating source. That said, it is good to consider some factors when choosing the right type of ethanol fireplace for your home. To make sure you pick the best one, here is a comparison between some of the most popular styles – wall-mounted fireplaces, tabletop fireplaces and free-standing fireplaces. 

Wall-mounted fireplaces are efficient, especially if you’re mindful of space and want to still enjoy all the benefits of using bio-ethanol fuel. They also look great in modern homes due to their clean lines and minimalist design. Tabletop fireplaces offer more flexibility when it comes to interior design since they can be placed virtually anywhere in your home. Finally, free-standing models are ideal for larger spaces since they take up quite a bit of floor area but provide an incredibly warm glow that will instantly become the centrepiece of any room.

How do bio-ethanol fireplaces compare to traditional wood burning or gas fireplaces?

Bio-ethanol fireplaces are a great alternative to traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces. They’re much more efficient and eco-friendly, as they don’t produce any smoke, soot or other pollutants. Additionally, there’s no venting or chimney installation where bio-ethanol fireplaces are concerned, making them easier to install than traditional fireplaces. They also provide a cleanly burning flame that is both visually appealing and safe for indoor use. Furthermore, bio-ethanol fireplaces can be used in almost any room of the house without the need for additional ventilation systems.

What size of bio-ethanol fireplace would best suit my home’s space and décor needs?

To choose a bio-ethanol fireplace for your home, you should consider both the space available and the décor needs. A larger fireplace would be more suitable if you have a spacious living room. However, if your home has limited space, a smaller model may be better suited to fit into the existing décor. You should also consider any other items of furniture already present in the room and ensure that they won’t be overshadowed by the fireplace. Additionally, it’s important to consider how much heat output you need from your fireplace, as this will determine which size is best for your needs. Finally, when selecting a bio-ethanol fireplace for your home, make sure to choose one with an attractive design that complements your existing décor.

Safety considerations when choosing a bio-ethanol fireplace

First, ensure that the model you choose is certified and approved by the relevant authorities. It’s also important to check if the manufacturer has included any additional safety features in their design, such as an automatic shut-off system or a flame guard. Additionally, ensure that the fireplace is installed correctly and securely, following all of the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Finally, always keep flammable materials away from your bio-ethanol fireplace and never leave them unattended when lit.

When choosing a bio-ethanol fireplace, consider the space size, your budget and how much heat you need. Ultimately, it’s important to select one that meets your needs and fits in with your décor.

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4 ways you could be wasting heat at home

4 ways you could be wasting heat at home

Are you feeling the cold even though you’ve got the heating on? It’s possible that you’re wasting heat at home without even realising it. This not only makes your home uncomfortable, but it also leads to higher energy bills and a negative impact on the environment. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common ways you could be wasting heat at home.

1. An old-age boiler

An old boiler can be a significant source of heat wastage in your home. Boilers that are over 15 years old are often less efficient than modern ones, meaning they use more energy to heat your home. Additionally, an old boiler is more likely to break down, which can lead to costly repairs or the need for a replacement.

The good news is, it’s easy to solve this waste of heat, by having your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified heating engineer. They can identify any issues and make the necessary repairs or suggest a replacement boiler installation if needed. Replacing an old boiler with a new, energy-efficient one can also save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

2. Ineffective insulation

Poor insulation is another common way that heat can be wasted in your home. Insulation helps to keep the heat inside your home, preventing it from escaping through the walls, roof, and windows. If your home is poorly insulated, you may notice that it’s difficult to keep it warm, even with the heating on.

To avoid this problem, you can install insulation in your home. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as insulating your loft or cavity walls, or by installing double-glazed windows. Not only will this keep your home warmer, but it can also reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint.

3. Diabolical draughts

Draughty windows and doors are another common source of heat wastage in the home. Gaps around windows and doors allow cold air to enter your home, making it more difficult to keep it warm. This can be particularly noticeable on windy days, when the cold air is more likely to enter your home.

To make chilly draughts a thing of the past you can use draught excluders around your windows and doors. These are affordable and easy to install, and they can make a big difference in keeping your home warm. Additionally, you can seal any gaps around windows and doors using silicone sealant or caulking.

4. Radiators that have been blocked

Radiators covered by furniture can prevent the heat from circulating around the room, leading to cold spots and wasted energy. If your radiators are covered by a sofa or other piece of furniture, the heat may be trapped, making it harder to keep your home warm.

The good news is, this is really easy to rectify; simply make sure that your radiators are not covered by your couch or whatever. This will allow the heat to circulate around the room, making it easier to keep your home warm.

There are many ways you could be wasting heat at home, leading to discomfort, higher energy bills, and a negative impact on the environment. By identifying these problems and taking the necessary steps to address them, you can keep your home warm and comfortable while also saving money and reducing your carbon footprint. Stay warm and save energy!

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How does a new boiler add value to a home?

How does a new boiler add value to a home?credit

A boiler is a critical component of a home’s heating system. It’s responsible for heating water, which is then circulated through radiators or underfloor heating pipes to warm the home. A new boiler is an investment that can add significant value to a home in multiple ways. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of installing a new boiler and how it can positively impact a home’s value.

Benefits of a new boiler

Investing in a new boiler can provide several benefits for home-owners. One of the most significant benefits is increased energy efficiency. Newer boilers are designed to be much more energy-efficient than their older counterparts, resulting in lower energy bills. A new boiler can also improve heating performance, providing a more consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the home.

Another significant benefit of a new boiler is its reduced carbon footprint. Older boilers tend to be less efficient, resulting in higher carbon emissions. By investing in a new boiler, home-owners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

The effect of a new boiler on home value

The value of a home is impacted by multiple factors, including the home’s heating system. Home-buyers are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency and sustainability when searching for a new home. A new boiler can significantly increase the value of a home by providing a more energy-efficient and sustainable heating system.

The ROI (Return on investment) of a new boiler can also be significant. Although the initial investment cost can be high, a new boiler can pay for itself in energy savings over time. Additionally, a new boiler can increase the resale value of a home, resulting in a higher ROI when selling the property.

Choosing the right boiler

Choosing the right boiler is essential to maximize the benefits and value of a new boiler. Home-owners should consider factors such as the type of boiler, size, and capacity and cost when selecting a new boiler.

There are several types of boilers; including combi boilers, system boilers and regular boilers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the home-owner’s needs and preferences. Additionally, home-owners should consider the size and capacity of the boiler to ensure it can meet the heating demands of their home.

Cost considerations should also be taken into account when choosing a new boiler. Although a higher initial investment may provide more energy savings and a higher ROI over time, home-owners should consider their budget and long-term financial goals when selecting a new boiler.

Cost of a new boiler vs expenditure

When considering the cost of a new boiler, it’s important to think of it as an investment in your home rather than just an expense. While it’s true that a new boiler can have a significant upfront cost, the benefits it provides can far outweigh the initial investment.

Cost considerations

While a new boiler can provide significant benefits, it’s important to consider the cost of installation when making your decision. The cost of a new boiler will depend on several factors, including the size and capacity of the boiler, the type of boiler you choose and the complexity of the installation.

In general, a new boiler’s cost is as follows:

• Replacement boiler – from £2,150*

• Boiler conversion – from £3,200*

• Boiler replacement with relocation – from £2,600*

*Prices shown are correct on Boiler Central as of 20/12/2022

Read more here, to find out how much a new boiler costs.

However, it’s important to remember that this is a long-term investment that will provide ongoing benefits. In many cases, the cost of a new boiler can be offset by the savings you’ll see on your energy bills over time.

ROI (Return on investment)

One way to think of the cost of a new boiler is to consider it in terms of ROI (return on investment). The ROI of a new boiler is the amount of money you’ll save on your energy bills over time compared to the initial investment cost. While it may take several years to recoup the initial cost, the ongoing savings can make it a wise investment in the long run.

In addition to the energy savings, a new boiler can also increase the resale value of your home. Home-buyers are increasingly interested in energy-efficient homes and a new boiler can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This can result in a higher resale value and a better ROI when selling your home.

Conclusion

A new boiler can provide multiple benefits for home-owners, including increased energy efficiency, lower energy bills, improved heating performance and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, a new boiler can significantly increase the value of a home, resulting in a higher ROI when selling the property. Home-owners should carefully consider the type, size, capacity and cost of a new boiler to maximize its benefits and value. By investing in a new boiler, home-owners can enjoy a more comfortable and sustainable living environment while also increasing the value of their home.

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