How to keep your home warm in winter
As the temperatures drop, and the colder months approach, many of us are looking for ways to stay warm and cosy at home without breaking the bank. Fortunately, you can take several easy steps to keep your home warmer and drier during the colder months.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Use good quality curtains
One of the easiest ways to get free heat is by opening your curtains in the morning to let the sun in and closing them at dusk to trap the heat in. This helps regulate your home’s temperature and reduce your heating bill.
You can visit our Curtain Bank for free double-layered curtains if you need good quality curtains. Curtains can be made to your specific measurements.
Try not to dry your clothes inside
Drying your clothes in poorly ventilated rooms during Winter could make your house damp and lead to mould growth. Having wet clothes indoors can also lead to excess condensation.
If possible, use a dryer or hang clothes outside on a day that it isn’t raining. If this isn’t possible, try to keep a window open or use a dehumidifier. Keep an eye on condensation that may develop on windows.
Wipe condensation
Moisture can build up on your windows, and as the day heats up, this moisture will evaporate into your house and lead to dampness, making it harder to heat your home. To prevent this, wipe condensation off your windows every morning, and invest in a squeegee or a “Scoopy” to catch it.
You can purchase a Scoopy here,
If you’re looking for ways to reduce moisture in your home, check out this blog.
Ventilate your home
It is essential to ventilate your home daily, even in winter. Open windows on opposite sides of your house for at least 10 minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate.
Use your heat pump wisely
If you’re using a heat pump to heat your home this Winter, be mindful of how long you have it on and at what temperature.
It is recommended that during the colder months, you set your heat pump to around 18-22 degrees, and only use it in the rooms that need heating. Although this seems low, having it on a higher setting won’t actually heat up your room any faster.
It’s not wise to leave your heat pump on all day either. If you can, schedule your heat pump to activate 15 minutes before you get home.
For more tips on how to make the most of your heat pump, check out this blog https://bit.ly/3UJUJOe
Assess your heating
Depending on your home’s layout and insulation, radiant heat (bar heaters, log burners) may be more efficient than convection heat (fan heater, oil column heater).
Get in touch with our heating experts for advice on how to best heat your home with the resources you have.
Use dry firewood
If you’re using a log burner, only use dry firewood to prevent excess moisture build-up.
Use cold water for washing
Hot water can account for up to 30% of your power bill. Try to use more cold water to wash clothes and dishes, and take shorter showers in winter.
Keep furniture away from external walls
To prevent mould from growing, keep a gap between your furniture and external walls.
Use a double door sausage
Use a double-door sausage that moves with the door to prevent drafts between heated and unheated parts of your home. You can purchase one through our website here.
Keep doors closed
Keep the doors to your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry shut to reduce condensation and dampness in these areas.
Avoid using unflued gas heaters
These heaters can emit up to 1 litre of moisture every hour, leading to dampness in your home. They are also expensive to run and can release dangerous gases, so always use them with a window open and preferably only use them in emergencies.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your home warm and dry during the colder months while saving money on your heating bills.
Not sure where to start?
You may be eligible for a free Home Energy Check (HEC). Our qualified experts can give you tailored advice on how to make the most of your available resources.
Give us a call for more details at 0808 438 9276. Or, get in contact for a no-obligation quote.
You may be eligible for subsidised insulation
As a charitable trust, we can provide 80-100% subsidised funding to eligible homeowners with assistance from the Kiwi Warmer Homes programme.
Get in contact with us for more information and to check your eligibility.
