Easy ways to keep your home warm in winter

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.

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Aesthetically pleasing ways to warm up your home right away

Every homeowner craves a warm, cosy and welcoming home all year round. There’s no better feeling than stepping into your house and feeling the soothing sensation of a relaxing, well-insulated and mindfully decorated atmosphere. When it comes to making your home everything you need it to be and more, it’s so important to put warmth and comfort first. So, how do you achieve a sensationally snug home and still maintain amazing aesthetics? Check out the following four methods and your home will have everything it needs to feel toasty all year round!

Have new windows installed

New windows will always create an instant feeling of warmth in your home, especially if your previous windows weren’t particularly energy efficient. You can also choose from a wide range of modern and aesthetically pleasing windows that suit the style of the rest of your home. Choosing a reputable company such as Window Nation will ensure that your window installation is completed to the highest of standards and the final results are everything you could have imagined and more.

Get a new fireplace

Fireplaces can be such a welcome addition for any homeowner hoping to achieve a whole new level of warmth in their home. There’s something about the aesthetic of a fireplace that not only brings physical warmth, but it also gives off a cosier feeling. Whether it’s a traditional wood-burner or a modern wall mounted fire display, there are so many beautiful options for you to explore for your home.

Add cosy accessories

If you’re hoping to elevate the cosiness of your home and want to bring a sense of warmth whatever the weather, you need to add an abundance of cosy accessories to enhance your space. From warm, thick blankets to heavy, lined curtains, you can instantly upgrade the warmth of a room with accessories and soft furnishings. Don’t be afraid to go bright with your colour schemes too, as this can help to boost the comfort levels even higher.

Choose warm paint colours

Another way to instantly warm up your home is to choose wonderfully warm paint colours that help to improve the overall atmosphere of your abode. Some shades can create a colder, and less welcoming, environment, so make sure you explore options that bring a high level of warmth. A few of the cosiest paint colours you can choose include olive green, navy blue and burgundy. If any of these shades are appealing to you, it may be worth trying them out in your home

As you can see, there are so many ways in which you can instantly warm up your home and create an environment that feels wonderfully welcoming to you in every way. Whether you’re adding cosy accessories, installing new windows or investing in a modern fireplace, there are so many fantastic options to create a terrifically toasty abode no matter how chilly it is outside. Hopefully, you can start implementing these ideas so that your home is always as warm, welcoming and comfortable as can be!

Beat the chill without breaking the bank: Money-saving tips for a warm winter

Winter’s icy grip can send heating bills soaring, making it a challenge to stay both warm and financially comfortable. But fear not! There are plenty of clever and cost-effective ways to keep your home cosy without sacrificing your budget.

1. Embrace the power of insulation

Draught-proof your home: Identify and seal any gaps or cracks where cold air can sneak in. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows, caulk around window frames and skirting boards and install draught excluders at the bottom of doors.
Insulate your loft and walls: Proper insulation is a long-term investment that can significantly reduce heat loss. Consider adding more insulation to your attic or upgrading existing wall insulation if possible.

2. Make the most of natural heat

Let the sunshine in: Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to warm your rooms naturally. Keep your windows clean, inside and out, to make this most effective.
Close curtains at night: Prevent heat from escaping through windows by closing curtains or blinds as soon as the sun sets.

3. Smart heating strategies

Lower the thermostat slightly: Even a small drop in temperature can make a difference to your energy bill. Consider using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away from home or asleep.
Layer up: Instead of cranking up the heating, put on extra layers of clothing. Wear warm socks, jumpers and blankets to stay cosy indoors.
Use a timer on your heating: Only heat your home when you need it. Set a timer for your heating system to switch on just before you wake up and switch off shortly before you go to bed.
Bleed your radiators: Trapped air in your radiators can prevent them from heating efficiently. Bleeding your radiators regularly can improve their performance.

4. Embrace alternative heating

Invest in a heated throw or electric blanket: These can provide targeted warmth without heating your entire home.
Utilise a hot water bottle: A classic and cost-effective way to stay warm in bed or on the sofa.
Use a fireplace or wood burner (if you have one): Burning wood can be a more cost-effective way to heat your home, but ensure you have a properly installed and maintained fireplace or wood burner.

5. Lifestyle tweaks for warmth

Cook more meals at home: Cooking releases heat into your kitchen, naturally warming your home.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity generates body heat, helping you stay warm from within.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can make you feel colder, so drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

6. Don’t forget the energy saving tips

Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs: LED bulbs use less energy, produce less heat and last longer, helping to reduce your overall energy consumption.
Turn off appliances when not in use: Even when switched off, many appliances – like televisions, games consoles and stereo systems – continue to draw power, wasting both energy and money.

By implementing these simple and cost-effective money-saving tips, you can enjoy a warm and comfortable winter without breaking the bank. Remember, every little change can contribute to significant savings over time. So, snuggle up, stay warm and enjoy the season!

Price Points: Reusable hand warmers

Are you getting out into nature over the Christmas period? It’s been forecast to be a lovely day on Christmas Eve, and we’re planning on going for a walk somewhere. It’s going to be sunny, but chilly, so we’ll need to dress up warm. Padded jackets, thermals and reusable hand warmers should do the job!

You can buy really cheap, single-use hand warmers that coast about a pound for two, but that’s unnecessarily wasteful. I like the idea of the natural ones that you can simply pop into the microwave just before you go out and stick one in each pocket and have toasty hands for a couple of hours… the average length of time of one of our Christmas walks.

Huggable avocado handwarmer: £9.00, Urban Outfitters
Place a cup of water + huggable in microwave – Heat for 1 – 1.5 minutes (Heating time will vary depending on wattage) – Do not exceed 1.5 minutes – Let stand for 30 seconds before use
Content + Care – Polyester, buckwheat, lavender
Wheat & lavender reusable hand-warmers: £9.50, Etsy
These natural wheat and lavender filled hand warmers can be heated in the microwave. Or used as a cold pack from the freezer (pop in a freezer in a sealable bag for 2-3 hours). 100% cotton medium weight fabric. Filled with cleaned wheat and premium dried lavender.
Coopa quick-charge hand warmer: £29.99, Amazon
It takes only 3-4 hours for a full charge by using 18w charger. What’s more, it charges your iPhone to 50% in just 30 minutes.
It can provide up to 15 hours of heat.
From 95°F to 131°F, there are 3 levels of heat to choose from.

shop reusable hand warmers

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