Winter is here, and the heating’s on. You need the energy to heat your home, and every year there are fuel price rises.
Increasing energy prices are inevitable, heat/energy wastage doesn’t have to be there are lots you can do to save on heating your home by winter-proofing, increasing your homes energy-efficiency.
Double Glazing
The best insulator for the home is double glazing most homes these days have double glazing if your home doesn’t then maybe it’s time to consider getting new windows.
Category B double glazing could save you up to £140 a year (if you live it in a standard detached home)
Yes, you have to lay out some money, but double glazing can last up to 35 years most will last at least 20 years that’s a £2,800 saving on heating and this figure isn’t considering year-on-year energy price rises.
Curtains
Whatever Windows you have you should cover them with thick curtains which are a superb heat retainer. Open them in the day to let the warmth of the sun in free heat.
Gaps
Overtime windows and doors will let him will develop gaps between the window/door frame and the wall. These gaps will let in draughts and make your home colder. Check these gaps and fill as necessary with frame sealant.
Indoors gaps can be found in the floor, letterboxes and cat dog/flaps. Make certain gaps in the floor are filled with sealant your letter box’s covered, and a modern cat or dog flap with a magnetic seal’s fitted.
Wood Floor?
Carpets are better than wood floors for retaining heat. Wood floors are very popular in the modern home lovely in summer as they are cooler underfoot, but feel cold in winter. If you have wood floors, rugs provide insulation. The best solution for wooden floors is underfloor heating, although this isn’t a viable option for everyone.
Loft
Now your home’s well-insulated we need to take a look at the loft. If you have been up to your loft in winter you know how cold it is, lots of heat escapes through the loft. You will save lots of energy by insulating your loft. Insulation can be bought cheaply at your local DIY store and easily fitted alternatively there are lots of good insulation companies in Essex
Heating
Make sure your thermostat’s set correctly and at a consistent temperature, anywhere between 18 and 22 degrees is ideal. Set your radiator thermostats to your preferred temperature for each room. Turn off the radiators (via the valves) in any spare rooms you don’t use that often/at all. It’s pointless paying to heat unused rooms.
Heating your home slowly and consistently using the methods above is far more efficient than just turning up your thermostat when you’re cold.
Cylinder & Pipes
Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes with jackets and foam lagging both are cheap easy to fit and can be obtained from your local DIY store.
Finally make sure any pipes that are exposed to the cold (outside, in outbuildings, or the loft) are insulated. We get called out regularly in winter to defrost frozen pipes the most common cause of boiler breakdown. Insulating vulnerable pipes will keep your heating on and save plumber call outs.
Hi, I’m Terry the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Gas Services. Please get in touch using the Phone Numbers or Contact Form Below