By following these straightforward tips, homeowners can keep their homes warmer while saving on heating costs during the colder months.
Keep warm without turning up heating with decor that ‘traps in heat’
As the winter chill sets in and temperatures begin to drop, many homeowners are looking for ways to keep their homes cosy without cranking up the heating. With a cold snap predicted this weekend, energy-saving solutions are the talk of the town.
Paul Brewster, CEO of Flooring Hut, has offered some expert advice on keeping your home nice and cosy while also cutting back on energy expenses.
His guidance centres around smart decisions and minor modifications to ensure your home remains toasty without having to switch the heating on.
From piling up rugs to sealing crevices, Brewster’s top suggestions are an easy way to create a comfortable, energy-efficient home.
Here are Paul’s five expert tips to fend off the winter chill.
Five expert tips to keep your home warm this winter
1. Add rugs for extra warmth
Not only does a rug add a homely touch to any room, it can also help to trap in heat, which can make your room feel cosier and more comfortable.
Rugs are especially great for providing extra insulation on hard surfaces like tiles, hardwood, or laminate. If you have wood floors, consider investing in a thick rug to help trap heat and create a cosier environment.
Wool rugs work particularly well, but if a new rug isn’t an option, layering blankets or even cardboard underneath can do wonders for insulation.
Seal gaps and cracks in flooring
Sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots, helping your home stay warmer for longer.
Even small gaps between floorboards or near walls can let heat escape, but sealing these cracks is an easy, cost-effective fix. Use a wood filler that matches your flooring to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient throughout the winter months.
Use thermal curtains or draught excluders
Windows and doors are common culprits when it comes to heat loss. Thin curtains or blinds offer little protection from the cold, allowing warmth to escape and cold air to creep in, whereas thicker curtains will better insulate your room.
Another option is using draught excluders at the base of doors and along windowsills. Draught excluders, which can be purchased or easily made at home, are excellent at preventing cold air from entering while keeping warm air inside.
During the day, open curtains to let the sun’s natural warmth in, and close them in the evening to keep the heat retained inside.
Keep internal doors closed
While it can be tempting to leave doors open between rooms for a more open, airy feel, this lead to heat loss. By keeping internal doors closed, you’re helping to trap warmth in each individual room, maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout your home.
This is especially important in rooms with carpets or rugs, where warmth is more easily contained. Closing doors can also help you conserve energy by allowing you to focus on heating the areas that are being used most, rather than trying to heat the entire house at once.
Place reflective insulation behind radiators
Installing reflective foil behind your radiators will direct heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through walls. You can use tin foil for a budget-friendly solution that costs less than £2.
