Ways to Keep the Heat in Your Home

In the cold winter months when summer seems like a distant dream, you can find your heating bills quickly skyrocketing. This is a problem for families all over the world, but there are a number of things you can do to stop them getting totally out of control. 

Adjust Your Thermostat

If you have a thermostat that works on a timer, make sure you keep it adjusted throughout the year so you are not heating up your home when there is no one there. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and make alterations as necessary. As well as this, simply turning your thermostat down by one degree can save you as much as $100 a year which can end up going a long way.

Add Layers

Rather than turning up your heating every time you get cold, layer up in some warm thermals. Even if you are just buying them from the first time, this is an investment that can end up lasting for years and years. Also think about adding that extra blanket to your bed when winter really starts to take hold.

Service Your Boiler

If your boiler is not regularly serviced, it can end up not performing as well as it should. There are a range of companies who can provide you with valuable advice and boiler services. Though this may represent an initial cost, you will find yourself saving money in the long run.

Insulation

Cavity wall insulation can save you around 15% on your fuel bills, which is all going to add up over time. Loft insulation can end up being even more important. Because heat rises, up to 25% of your home’s heat can end up being lost through the roof. If you have an old home, this can end up being higher. The initial investment will end up paying off over the years.

Clear Radiators

Make sure your radiators are doing the best job they can by removing anything that is obstructing them. This includes furniture items that are in front, or any washing you usually hang on them. If your radiators are heating up other objects, they are not doing their primary job of heating up your home.

Thick Curtains

During the nighttime hours, stop your home losing valuable heat by installing some thick curtains and keeping them closed. Not only will your home retain heat, you can also keep out any prying eyes! But, always make sure you open them when the sun is shining so you can invite as much natural heat into your house as you possibly can. 

Keep Your Doors Closed

At nighttime in particular, keep your doors closed and use draught excluders to close off any little gaps that are allowing breezes to get through. When you come to use your living room the next day, you should find that it is much warmer. 

Portable Heater

If your family gathers in the living room every evening, you can save money by using a portable heater in one room rather than heating up the entire house. 

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are another common winter issue that you will want to avoid if possible. One of the most effective ways that you can do this is by using a foam layer called lagging. As well as this, you should also remove any vegetation that is surrounding the pipes which may cause damage.

Check Your Fireplace and Chimney

During the warmer months, your fireplace is likely to have been completely neglected. When you come to needing it again, you want to ensure that everything is working properly. Start off by checking that the chimney is clear of any debris or hire a professional to do this for you if it has been some time since it has been checked. Make sure that everything is clear and stock up on some fresh wood so you are all ready to go.

Clear Out the Gutters and Drains

Though this may be a frustrating job that no one really wants to do, clearing out your gutters and drains is an essential task that should be done before the real cold sets in. All kinds of debris like leaves and mud can cause drains to become blocked and this can then have the knock-on effect of causing leaks in the roof and walls. You don’t want this to be happening in the middle of winter, so you are better off taking proper preventative measures now.

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