As we approach the colder months, many areas of the UK are now reaching lows of three degrees, making this time of year the perfect time to start winter-proofing your home. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to keep out the cold to stop you shivering over the winter season.
Double Glazing
The majority (93 per cent) of UK homes have some form of double glazing and that is because it is one of the most efficient ways of keeping out the cold. The benefits of double glazing include better insulation, reduced energy bills and less condensation, all of which are key during the winter months. With so many trendy styles available for double-glazed windows such as sliding sash windows from Quickslide, there isn’t any need to compromise the aesthetic of your home either.
Invest in Thick Curtains
Thin curtains won’t do much for insulating your home, especially when temperatures outdoors drop below freezing. Investing in thicker curtains will work wonders for keeping each room nice and toasty during the evening, as the thicker materials help to stop hot air escaping and keep cold air from getting in through the window. However, if you don’t want to splurge on curtains, simply be mindful of when you open and close them. During bright daylight hours, keep them wide open to allow the heat from sunlight to enter your home and close them as soon as the sunsets.
Photo by claregaskin
Don’t Block Your Radiators
A common mistake many homeowners make is to place furniture in front of the radiators. However, by doing this you are trapping the heat behind the furniture and obstructing it from dispersing throughout the rest of the room. This can be caused by something as simple as placing your clothes on the radiator to dry. Once covered, the radiator has to work twice as hard to achieve the same amount of heat within the room as when the heater is not obstructed, causing not only a colder room but also a higher heating bill. Try readjusting the furniture to allow for the heat to flow.
Photo by jesslaversdesign
Upgrade Your Bedding
Another helpful tip is to invest in bedding made of more insulating materials. For example, flannel bed sheets instead of cotton/linen, feather duvets (or hollow fibre for a vegan-friendly option) instead of synthetic duvets. Also, make sure that your duvet has a tog value of between 11 and 15 for further cosiness and warmth through the night. These simple swaps for the winter can make your home much more comfortable.
Photo from britseco.se
Add Insulating Furnishings
For those with hard wooden, ceramic, or tiled flooring, it’s likely that your home gets extremely cold during the winter as temperatures drop. However, by adding in rugs, pillows, throws or fabric wall hangings, you can add a lot of warmth to you home. Interiors such as faux fur rugs, woolly cushions or cushion covers and thick woollen or cotton fleece blankets. The fibres that make up these materials are able to trap body heat better than other synthetic fibres.
With these easy steps, you can ensure that your family and home will stay snug all the way through to springtime.
