6 Tips for a Warmer Home this Winter
As the colder weather is on its way and energy costs are rising faster than ever before, it’s never been more important to know how to keep your home warm this winter.
Whether you own or rent your property in the Cotswolds or the Vale of the White Horse, finding ways to reduce your costs couldn’t be more vital this year. With this in mind, the team here at Perry Bishop have 6 helpful tips for you to put into practice so that you can stay toasty without breaking the bank.
1. Bleed Your Radiators
Check your radiators to see if they feel colder at the top than at the bottom. If so, there may be some cold air trapped inside which is stopping hot water from filling the radiator and preventing it from heating up. You can fix this problem by bleeding your radiator to release the trapped air. The hot water will be able to start flowing inside again, and that will allow even heating of the radiator to heat the room more effectively.
2. Keep The Top Of Your Radiators Free
It can be tempting to put your damp laundry on your radiators to dry, but if you allow the top of your radiators to become covered with clothing (or indeed, any other items), the warm air won’t be able to flow, and that will stop the heat from circulating. Use a clothes airer instead or dry your laundry outdoors whenever possible.
3. Add Effective Draught Proofing
Make sure to draught-proof any areas where cold air could be creeping into your rooms. Draught excluders can be purchased for use with your doors, and you can buy foam self-adhesive tape to apply to your windows. Think about your keyholes and letterboxes too. You can buy items in DIY stores that will block out any cold air coming through these small gaps.
4. Consider Furniture Positioning
Move furniture items such as sofas and beds away from your radiators so that the flow of warm air won’t be blocked. Whenever possible, put thermal curtains up at your windows and doors too. This will help keep the warmth in your rooms.
5. Insulate Your Property
If you own your own home in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse, make sure you have sufficient insulation in your loft, under your floors and in your external walls as well as around the hot water cylinder. If you’re a tenant, it’s worth speaking to your landlord about insulation.
6. Service The Boiler
If the boiler in your property is inefficient, your energy bills can take a serious hit, so make sure you’re getting it serviced once a year and that your thermostats are frequently checked too. If the thermostat is old, it can sometimes delay the heating up of your home, or alternatively, could heat it to a higher temperature than necessary.
Follow our tips, and you should find that your home feels warmer this winter. If you’re interested in buying or renting a more energy-efficient property, get in touch with your local Perry Bishop team today.
We care about property. We care about you.