How to keep your home warm during winter

It seems like everyone is asking this question all the time, and I know the topic has been covered hundreds of times on thousands of sites. BUT, this one might be different.

Home heating is, of course, a big topic here in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. Our homes are built to stay warm, so come summertime, we’re all sweltering with every door and window open, wondering why our home feels as hot as the furnaces in hell. Okay, exaggeration.

But during the cold months, why won’t your home hold onto that all-important heat? To answer this question, it’s important to understand the two aspects to home heating.

First, there’s the heating system itself, a way of generating heat in the first place.

But then you also need to make sure that your home is equipped to hold onto that generated heat, otherwise it will all go out the window (literally).

The tips I’m about to reveal below could help you make your home a warmer place this winter, while also saving on energy costs (something that everyone wants right now).

It’s gonna get lengthy, so I’ve added a handy table of contents for you to use to navigate your way around.

Table of Contents

• Check you have enough insulation
• Maximise your heating system’s efficiency
• Prevent draughts
• Consider double glazing
• Use radiator reflectors
• Take the atmosphere into account
• Take advantage of the weather
• Invest in a great blanket

 

Step 1: Check you have enough insulation

Most of us have some insulation in our loft space, but it’s probably not doing its job, particularly if your home was built in the 90s or earlier. Back then, insulation requirements were lower than they are now. New builds now need a minimum of 27cm of insulation in the loft. Most older homes probably have 15cm or less.

Loft insulation comes in different forms, so it’s worth checking that the insulation you have or what you’re planning to install, is the best type for the job. If, like me, you’re working on a tight budget, then it’s worth taking note of the differing loft insulation prices and what you get for your money.

 

We decided to add insulation to the loft in our previous house. The insulation that was up there was basically torn up newspaper shoved into the walls and between the joists. Safe to say, it didn’t do very much and the upstairs was usually fairly cold.

We (well, Jay) installed rolls of fibre glass insulation between the joists to try and keep more heat in. This type of insulation is fairly cheap, but he did say it’s one of the worst jobs he’s ever had to do.

We did a LOT of DIY in our last house, so for him to say that it was a horrible job, it must have been bad. If you want to attempt this yourself, you should wear full protection, including a face mask.

Another option is a more environmentally friendly option, like recycled glass or sheep’s wool insulation.

It’s not just about loft insulation, either. You can insulate basically anything in your house, including the walls and floors. When you insulate your floor, you’re stopping any heat generated by your boiler from being lost into the room below (or the ground). In old houses, it can also stop cold air from coming up between the floorboards.

 

Step 2: Maximise your heating system’s efficiency

My second tip is to maximise the efficiency of your heating system. An efficient heating system should provide adequate heat using the least amount of energy possible. Sounds simple, right?

This efficiency can be achieved in a number of ways, including regular maintenance, upgrading to energy-efficient models, and using programmable thermostats.

When it comes to using a programmable thermostat, you have much more control over your heating, which could actually mean you use less energy to heat your home.

With the smart thermostat, you can set your heating system to work at specific times. You can programme it to heat your home just before you wake up or return from work, thus saving energy that would have been used to heat the house when no one is home.

Scheduling regular maintenance of your heating system is another crucial heating tip. Regular maintenance ensures that your system operates at its maximum efficiency. It involves tasks such as cleaning or replacing filters, checking for leaks, and ensuring that the system’s components are in good working condition.

By regularly servicing your appliance, you can identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach not only saves you money on costly repairs but also extends the lifespan of your heating system.

When your boiler isn’t serviced regularly, it might not run in the most efficient way, so be sure to stay up to date on your annual service.

 

Step 3: Prevent draughts

Draughts are the ultimate efficiency killer in your home.

These allow any heat that’s been generated and pushed out via your radiators to head straight back outside. They also bring more cold air in and are the equivalent of leaving a window open, which you would never do in winter.

Draught proofing involves finding gaps where the air is getting in and sealing them. Draughts get in around windows and doors, so be sure to seal these areas off properly. Even think about your letterbox and catflap and how those can be draught proofed.

Fabric draught excluders at the bottom of doors can be effective (and they look nice), or thermal curtains are a great idea for any windows or patio doors.

Old and period properties often get draughts from the floorboards too, so if this sounds familiar, I’d invest in a large rug that covers the majority of the floorboards. It will stop that cold breeze from coming through.

 

Step 4: Consider double glazing

I think most homes these days have double glazing, or even triple glazing. These windows are extra efficient at keeping the heat inside your home, so if you haven’t already made the switch, then do consider it. 

If you’re worried about the cost, there might be some government funding grants that you can apply for to help you out, particularly if your home has a very low EPC rating.

 

Step 5: Use radiator reflectors

Remember when Edwina Curry went viral for suggesting that people use these in the cost of living crisis? 

They’re certainly not a solution that will save you hundreds of pounds every year, but when used in conjunction with other solutions, they can make your home a little warmer.

We’re all told that the majority of our home’s heat is lost through the roof and the windows/doors. But actually, a large percentage also goes through your walls, including those where the radiators are.

Radiator reflectors work by reflecting heat back into the room to reduce the amount of heat that exits through the wall. While it may seem like a small change, applying one to every radiator in your home could make a big difference.

 

Step 6: Take the atmosphere into account

Another factor to consider is the look of your home.

Could the atmosphere be making it feel colder than it is? You could actually give the illusion that your home is warmer than it is by installing orange-hued lights rather than white-hued ones, setting candles and fairy lights around, and investing in a few comfortable soft furnishings, such as knitted throws and faux fur rugs

Even investing in thick curtains could help take the edge off (and reduce draughts).

 

Step 7: Take advantage of the weather

During a heatwave, we’re told to keep all the curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to prevent heating your home up too much.

Well, in winter, use this heat! It’s free, after all.

By opening your curtains during the day, you allow sunlight to heat your home naturally. Similarly, closing your curtains at night helps to retain the heat generated during the day.

 

Step 8: Invest in a great blanket

Everyone needs a great blanket as a staple home accessory. They serve multiple uses: protecting the sofa from the dog, keeping you warm during movie night, acting as a decorative throw.

A blanket is just as necessary as a sofa, a bed, or a decent set of pots and pans. If you don’t have a thick, fuzzy blanket that you can hide under when the cold weather hits, then you’re never going to be able to get cosy during the winter months.

There are plenty of options and what you choose is entirely up to you. Just make sure that it’s thick enough to keep the cold out, soft enough that you’re able to get comfortable and preferably big enough that you, your family and the cat can all get snuggled up underneath!

 

Could your home be warmer?

You have a great heating system. You’ve taken into account energy saving methods, but is there anything else you can consider ahead of the winter? I’d love to hear from you if that’s the case.