Winter can be a stressful time for homeowners. To protect yourself from the risk of burst pipes, failing boilers, and soaring energy bills, it’s worth proactively addressing the challenges of the season by upgrading your house before winter arrives.
But which upgrades are worth making? Let’s consider a few of the important ones.
Efficient Heating
The more efficient your heating systems are, the less money you’ll have to spend in the long run. In some cases, replacing the boiler entirely, or installing a heat pump, might be worthwhile – especially if you can secure financial help from the government.
Other measures might be less expensive – but they can still make a difference. You might swap your thermostats out for programmable ones. You can control which rooms are going to be heated, and at what time.
You might also upgrade the radiators themselves. Larger radiators tend to distribute more heat – so pick one that’s big enough for the room. Column radiators often make an equally great solution for smaller and larger spaces.
Enhanced Insulation
Generating heat is one thing, but your home will also need to effectively retain the warmth, too. This is best done through insulation and draught exclusion. Make sure that there are no leaks around doors and windows. Often, you can make a door much more effective with the help of a strip of compressible rubber.
The most effective places for insulation tends to be the loft, (where strips of mineral wool can be laid), and the inside of cavity walls (which can be filled with foam). You might also swap out your window dressings, as heavy, thermal curtains can be hugely efficient when limiting heat loss.
Window Improvements
If there are any cracks in your windows, they need to be repaired – or the entire unit needs to be replaced. You can also apply reflective film to your windows, which will help them to retain heat.
Modern double-glazed windows work by trapping a layer of inert gas (typically argon) between two glass panels. If the seal around the unit breaks, however, this gas will escape, undermining the effectiveness of the window. If condensation appears between the panels, then you’ll know that the unit is ready to be replaced.
If your home incorporates many large windows, then you might consider investing in triple glazing, or specialised panels containing xenon and other gases. The larger the surface area, the more important that efficiency will be.
Cosy Touches
There are certain touches that will help your home to feel warm, cosy, and comfortable during winter, even if the technical impact on heat performance is negligible. Rugs, warm lighting, and heavy curtains can make a difference. You might also equip your bed with extra blankets and throws, so that you can remain toasty during chilly nights.
