How to Keep the House Warm in Winter
As the chill well and truly sets in, keeping the house warm and cosy becomes a top priority. From draughty windows to inefficient heating systems, there are various factors that can make maintaining heat in your home a challenge during the colder months.
But before you crank up the heat, there are a few cost-effective ways to keep your home warm. In this blog, we share some practical and budget-friendly tips on how to keep the house warm in winter to ensure you stay snug all season long. Let’s get straight to it.
5 ways to keeping the house warm
Keeping your home warm doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. You can implement a few practical and cost-effective solutions to help trap heat and minimise energy waste. Here are five key ways to keep your home warm and cosy.
Bleed your radiators
If you have radiators in your property and they have cold spots, even when your heating is on, trapped air could be stopping them from working effectively. This is because the trapped air acts as an insulator and prevents the hot water from heating the entire radiator, which leads to heat loss and higher energy consumption.
Bleeding your radiators is a straightforward process that involves releasing the trapped air. Using a radiator key (which you can find at most DIY shops), gently open the bleed valve – which is usually located at the top of your radiator – until you hear a hissing sound and start to see a steady drip of water. As soon as you see water, close the valve.
This simple task can ensure your radiators function optimally and distribute heat evenly throughout them. If you find that after bleeding your radiators they are still cold in some areas, you may need to balance your radiators.
Install reflector panels
A significant amount of heat from your radiators can be absorbed by the walls behind them, however installing reflector panels can make a big difference in how effectively your radiators heat your home. They work by reflecting the heat that would otherwise be lost through the walls back into the room.
Typically available as a thin sheet or foil, these panels are easy to install. Simply cut them to size and attach them to the wall behind your radiators. By reflecting the heat back into the room, you can feel the benefit of warmer air circulating more effectively. They are a simple addition that can boost energy efficiency without breaking the bank, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home.
Draught proof your home
Draught proofing your home is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to winter proof your home. Cold air can seep in through gaps around windows, doors, and even letter boxes, and this can compromise the warm air inside. Fortunately, draught proofing your house is an easy and inexpensive task.
Start by identifying the areas where draughts are most prominent in your home. Some common culprits may include:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Letterboxes
- Keyholes
- Chimneys (when not in use)
Then, invest in draught-proofing solutions like weather stripping, sealant, and draught excluders to help seal these gaps and keep the cold air at bay. Taking the time to properly draught proof your home not only helps keep your home warm, but can also help you save money on your heating bills in the long run.
Install pipe-lagging
Pipe-lagging is a type of insulation that is often overlooked. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution that involves insulating your hot water pipes with foam tubes. Exposed hot water pipes can lose heat as they transport hot water throughout your home. However, with pipe-lagging, you can minimise heat loss and enjoy hotter water for longer.
These insulating tubes can be found in most DIY stores and can also be easily fitted without using any special tools. Once installed, it will help lower your overall energy usage as it reduces the strain on your heating system, potentially leading to savings on your energy bills.
Utilise thermal curtains
Thermal curtains can make a noticeable difference in keeping the house warm in the winter months. They act as an additional layer of insulation for areas like windows, which are one of the primary sources of heat loss in a home.
These curtains are designed with a special lining that traps heat and prevents it from escaping. They work particularly well in rooms with large windows, or north-facing homes. By simply closing your curtains, it helps maintain a cosy temperature in a room, reducing the need for excessive heating and lowering your energy consumption.
Check if you’re eligible for funding
Ensuring your home is energy efficient is the best way to keep your house warm during winter and cool in the summer. You can do this by installing energy-efficient measures to your home, such as adding loft insulation or putting effective heating measures in place. There are several government schemes and grants available to eligible households to help offset the cost of these upgrades, making it much more affordable to invest in a warmer, more energy-efficient property.
The ECO4 scheme is the most notable government scheme in the UK. It provides funding for various energy-saving improvements, such as cavity wall insulation, internal wall insulation, and even solar panels. With this grant, you can create a more comfortable living environment, reduce heat loss in the colder months, and save money on your energy bills.
It’s crucial to check if you’re entitled to this funding, and you can check if you qualify with our handy online tool in less than 60 seconds. If you are eligible, we can help you explore the financial support available to you and provide you with expert guidance on the energy-efficient measures you’ll benefit the most from.
Speak to us today for more guidance
We hope our tips on how to keep your house warm in winter helps you stay cosy during the colder months. These simple and cost-effective solutions are easy to implement and can make all the difference in maintaining a cosy temperature in your home.
If you’d like more advice on ways to heat your home, or you’d like more guidance on the support available to you, don’t hesitate to contact our team today. We’re a government-backed and Trustmark-registered company with over 30 years experience in delivering energy-efficient measures to households across the country, so be sure to speak to us to learn more about how we can help you.
FAQs around keeping your home warm
What is the best heating system for keeping a home warm?
The best heating system depends on your home’s size, insulation, and energy efficiency needs. Gas central heating remains the most common, but air-source or ground-source heat pumps offer energy-efficient alternatives. Underfloor heating is also another option that provides even warmth.
What is the most efficient way to heat your home?
You can optimise your central heating by installing a smart thermostat, allowing for precise temperature control and scheduling. Combine this with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to regulate individual radiator output, boost energy efficiency, and potentially lower energy bills.
What are some common areas in a house where heat loss occurs, and how can they be addressed?
Heat most commonly escapes through windows, walls, and your roof. Some common ways to combat this is draught proofing, installing loft insulation, and ensuring double glazing in your windows to help reduce heat loss.