As the chill of winter sets in, it’s inevitable that energy usage in your home will increase due to heating needs. Therefore, it’s crucial to evaluate your home’s efficiency in retaining heat and subsequently keeping energy expenses at a minimum. Here are some practical methods to ensure your home stays warm while also keeping energy costs low during the winter season.
- A fresh start: If you've been considering moving recently, a new build property is likely to be an advantageous way to save money and keep warm this winter. A large variety of new build properties are available right now, and all are built with new heating systems, meaning they're more energy efficient - Reducing carbon emissions and your energy bills in the process.
- Have you bled your radiators? Occasionally, cold air can get trapped inside radiators, preventing them from filling with hot water and heating up. If the top of your radiator is colder than the bottom, this is likely the case. You can easily bleed your radiator to let out the trapped air, allowing hot water to circulate properly.
- Wrap-up: Rather than cranking up the heat and using more energy, think about adding more layers to your attire. Wearing more clothes to keep yourself warm is a more economical option than having your heating system on all the time. Plus, it’s a great reason to buy a new snug Christmas sweater.
- Home Insulation: Just as it’s important to keep yourself warm, insulating your home is equally crucial in maintaining a warm environment during winter. Key areas in your home such as the loft, walls, and floors can greatly benefit from insulation, as it minimises heat loss from your property. If you have a hot water cylinder, remember to insulate it as well - to a thickness of 75mm.
- The cost of insulating your home may vary based on the size of your property, but it’s an effective long-term investment that can significantly reduce your heating bill.
- New build properties are built with higher levels of insulation, meaning your new home could be energy efficient right off the bat.
- Double Glazing: Double-glazed windows consist of two glass layers with a gap in between, forming an insulating barrier that minimises heat loss and cold air intrusion in your property. Double glazing is an option for all kinds of windows and is a worthwhile long-term investment for energy cost savings.
- Draft Excluders: If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home, draft excluders are a great solution. They are readily available in most hardware stores and can effectively seal gaps in doors and windows.
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Maintaining your boiler: An inefficient boiler can have a significant impact on your heating bill, so it’s essential to keep your boiler in good condition by having it serviced regularly, ideally once a year and preferably during the summer. Also, check your thermostats; even with an optimal heating schedule, an outdated thermostat can cause delays in heating up your property or lead to overheating, resulting in wasted energy.
For more tips on how to stay warm and keep your property heated this winter, check out the government’s regularly updated advice page. If you’re thinking about moving next year or just exploring your options, get in touch with your local branch to speak with the local experts.
Your Move E-Marketing Executive
