How to ensure that your house stays warm this winter

January and February are often the coldest months of the year here in the UK and with the current COVID-19 lockdown showing no signs of being lifted any time soon, it is important to make sure that our homes are cosy and warm. This is particularly true if you are older or have existing health conditions. To help you out, here are some suggestions on how to maximise the heat efficiency and retention of your property.

Deal with draughts

It is no use in having the best heating system in the world if you are losing all the heat it is generating. Check key spots in your house (such as doors, windows and chimneys) and try to block off any gaps where heat is escaping. For example, you could place draught excluders along the bottom of doors, use draught-proofing strips on your windows, and install keyhole and letterbox covers.

Have your heating system serviced

If you find that your radiators are not warming up as efficiently as they used to or as they should, then it might be a good idea to get your heating system serviced by an expert. Professional gas central heating engineers can assess your current system and advise you on how best to restore it to its full capacity, which could be a simpler job than you might expect.

Upgrade your boiler

For those who have had the same boiler for a long time, it might be a good idea to invest in an upgrade. A boiler’s energy efficiency tends to decrease as it gets older, causing an increase in energy bills and a higher risk of potentially dangerous malfunctions. It might involve a larger upfront cost to purchase a new one, but it will be better for your wallet and your comfort in the long run.

Install a fireplace

Is there anything as cosy as curling up in front of a roaring fire with a good book and a glass of wine? Whether you want a traditional fireplace or a more modern gas or electric fire, installing a fireplace can not only add atmosphere to your home but it is also an effective way to heat up a room. You might even save money by not having to switch on the central heating and warm up rooms that you are not in.

Furnish your house for warmth

There are plenty of smaller changes we can make that will help to keep our homes warm. For example having thick, insulated curtains prevents heat being lost through the windows, while rugs on a hardwood floor can help to keep your feet warm. Be sure not to put your sofa or other large items of furniture in front of your radiators, as this can stop the heat it produces from being able to circulate in the room. Similarly, installing floating shelves above a radiator can help to deflect heat around a room rather than it rising up to the ceiling. Plus, of course, you can add a throw or a blanket to your sofa that you can snuggle under during chilly nights!