04 Nov Keeping your home warm this Winter
The nights are drawing in, the temperature is dropping and most of the UK is getting ready to hunker down for the winter. Before you get into hibernation mode, make sure your home is prepared for the challenges that winter weather brings. We’ve put together a list of things that will help you to protect your home and keep you warm this winter.
Remember, if you are looking to buy or sell a home in Colnbrook, make sure you call us on 01753 683000 or email us.
Check your roof
It’s time to get your roof checked for damage and have any repairs done before winter comes.
The cold weather can take a toll on homes, especially those surfaces which are exposed to the elements. With winter comes RAIN (ok, in the UK that could equally be the summer) and with plummeting temperatures comes ice. Water can seep into gaps in the roof and freeze, causing costly damage to your home. Make sure you check up on those tiles before they break and you have water dripping into the house from damaged surfaces.
Get smart with gas and heating
The energy crisis has made us all think more about our gas and heating needs. Servicing your boiler regularly will help keep it running efficiently, conserving heat in the process! You can also save money by catching any faults early; so, make sure you speak to a qualified professional about your options. The world of gas boilers is highly nuanced, so make sure that you speak to a qualified professional about any work you need doing in your home.
Insulate
Your roof/loft is one of the cheapest, most effective ways to keep your home warm in winter. Ensuring that your roof is in good condition and well-insulated can save you a significant amount on your energy bills for the year. Make sure also that you know what kind of insulation you have in your walls. Many homes now have insulation in the cavity of the wall and if not, you may be eligible for a grant from your local council to have this work completed.
If you have a hot water tank, make sure it is properly lagged – or insulated. This will keep the water warmer for longer and reduce your heating costs. If used correctly, insulating an uninsulated water heater could save you around £150 per year – but even just upgrading your tank’s old jacket can help cut down on expenses.
Furniture
How many of us have our sofa in front of our living room radiator? We’d wager, quite a few. When your radiator is on, the back of the sofa will be absorbing all the heat and very little will be able to ‘radiate’ around the room. Moving your sofa away by a few inches will enable the hot air to circulate freely. Many UK residents use their radiators to dry clothes, try standing an air dryer next to the radiator so that that heat is circulating into the dryer as well as throughout the room.
Curtains
Save money and time by making the most of free heat from sunlight. Open your curtains during daylight hours to take advantage of this free resource, but be sure they stay shut at night so you don’t lose any warmth! Make sure there aren’t any leaks or gaps in order for air movement around insulation layers to help maintain a comfortable temperature inside all year round.
Exclude draughts
Sometimes the simplest of things are the most effective. Ensuring that your home is draught-free could save you £25 per year on your energy bills. Self-adhesive draught excluders are inexpensive and will make sure that your cosy evenings aren’t ruined by gusts of icy air around your feet. They are cheap and easy to install and available from all good DIY stores.
Get in touch
If you are looking to buy or sell a property in and around the Colnbrook area, we are the leading independent estate agents in Colnbrook and are location experts. So, contact us on 01753 683000 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.