How to keep your house warm on a budget
Winter’s here, the nights are darker, and let’s be honest, no one likes shivering in their own living room. But cranking up the thermostat can make your energy bill skyrocket. The good news? There are some simple things you can do to help bring those costs down.
Here are some smart, affordable hacks to keep things cosy, no matter how chilly it gets outside.
What temperature should my house be?
Experts say your home should stay between 18°C and 21°C. That’s the sweet spot, warm enough to be comfy, but not so toasty you’re sweating in your jumper. Keeping your thermostat steady when you have the heating on saves more money than constantly blasting it up and down too.
Why does your home feel colder in the winter?
Ever wonder why your house feels like an icebox even when the heating’s on? Usually, it’s because your lovely warm air is sneaking out through gaps, windows and poorly insulated walls. Drafts around doors and windows are the main culprits, along with cold floors and thin curtains.
The fix? Stop the heat escaping before you even think about turning the dial up.
Cheap ways to keep your house warm
Keeping your home warm doesn’t have to mean cranking up the heating and watching your bills climb. With a few clever tweaks, you can make your space feel cosier without spending a fortune. Try these simple, budget-friendly tricks to keep the heat in and the cold out:
Seal those drafts
A few small gaps can make a big difference when it comes to losing heat. Spending a few pounds on draft stoppers and insulating tape for windows and doors could save you much more on your heating costs. They’re easy to fit too, just make sure they’re snug enough to block those sneaky drafts properly.
Wrap your home in warmth
Think of your home like you would yourself on a cold day: it needs a few cosy layers! Rugs, wall hangings and thermal curtains help trap heat and make rooms feel instantly warmer.
Direct heat into your home
Make your radiators work smarter, not harder. You can buy ready-made foil insulation to place behind your radiators, reflecting heat back into the room. You’ll make the most of every bit of heat you’re paying for.
Use heat wisely
It’s not just how you heat your home, it’s where you let that warmth go. Shut doors to rooms you’re not using, close curtains early to trap heat, and keep radiators clear so air can circulate properly. For a quick boost, use a space heater in the room you’re in for short bursts of focused warmth, perfect for chilly evenings. Once you’ve finished cooking, you can even leave your oven door open while it cools down to let that leftover warmth spread.
Rearrange your furniture
If your sofa or bed is blocking a radiator, that heat isn’t doing you much good. Shift furniture a little away from radiators to help the warmth flow freely through the room and you’ll notice your space heats up faster and stays toasty for longer.
Tips to keep your house warm without turning the heating on
Trying to stay warm without touching the thermostat? It’s totally possible! A few smart tricks and small daily habits can make your home feel much cosier, even when the heating’s off. Here’s how to trap warmth, make the most of what you’ve got and keep the chill firmly outside.
Trap and retain heat
Make the most of that free natural warmth while the sun’s out, open your curtains wide during the day to let sunlight flood in. As soon as it gets dark, close them up tight to stop the heat from escaping. Thick, lined curtains work best, but even standard ones make a difference when drawn early.
Use thermal fabrics
Think of thermal fabrics as your home’s winter wardrobe. Layer up your space with fleece throws, thermal curtains and flannel bedding to lock in warmth where you need it most. These little touches make a room feel instantly snug and you’ll barely notice the lack of central heating.
DIY heat sources
A few small comforts can go a long way. Candles, hot water bottles and electric blankets all add extra warmth when you’re settling in for the night; they’re simple, effective and inexpensive (just remember to use candles and electric blankets safely and never leave them unattended).
Feeling ready to take on the chill? Stay snug and safe with more winter home safety tips from Sheilas' Wheels.
Looking for home insurance? We can help with that too!
Sources:https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/take-control-your-heating-home/ https://www.britishgas.co.uk/the-source/beat-the-weather/warm-home-winter.html
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