It’s possible to have a warmer home for less money by making some changes and keeping the property maintained. You may not even have to heat the home in some cases, and just yourself. From topping up insulation to making the home cozier, here are some hacks that really work.
Maintain the Heating System
The main concern when it’s colder is the home’s heating system. It’s no fun being in a cold home for long, and it can cause physical and mental problems. Maintaining the heating is the first priority as it means you will spend less on bills through higher efficiency. However, there are some common furnace problems that can arise at any time, and you don’t want them in winter. So, either learn to spot and fix these or call a professional whenever you get the chance.
Insulate for a Warmer Home for Less
Insulation is another major factor when it comes to keeping the home warm. Insulation should be checked every few years for signs of deterioration and reinstalled about every 20 to 30 years. The loft is the most crucial, as around 25% of heat is lost as it rises up and out. Quality insulation will help reduce this, and it doesn’t end with the loft. Other areas for insulation include the floor, walls, and even the windows. Combined, you can make substantial energy savings.
Learn to Use the Thermostat
Using the thermostat correctly is a massive help that will increase energy efficiency in your home. And that means you will potentially pay less. Rather than just turning up the dial and waiting for the home to get warmer, set the temperature on the thermostat that you want. Once the heat in the room gets there, the heating system will automatically turn off. It will only come back on to maintain the temperature. This is the single most effective method of efficiency.
Try Personal Heating Devices
As we all know, it can be expensive to even turn on the heat sometimes. However, there are other devices you can use instead of or alongside your heating. Some will help boost room temperature, and others will keep you warm. Some of the most effective include the following:
- Space heaters are excellent for temporary use, such as in the office.
- Thermal devices offer warmth when moving from room to room.
- Electric blankets keep you warm when reading in another room.
- Patio heaters offer excellent warmth when sitting outside for a while.
- Hand and feet warmers can help when sitting on the couch and watching TV.
A space heater can be a lifesaver when you need a quick way to heat up a small room like a study, and you can move these from room to room. Personal heating is also a massive help when you don’t want to turn on the heating, such as electric blankets and USB hand warmers.
Move Furniture Away from Radiators
It isn’t uncommon to find radiators blocked and people wondering why the home is cold. Radiator heat needs to radiate, hence the name. This is often an oversight when people decorate and don’t consider that they need the radiator to heat the room. If you find your home isn’t as warm as it should be, look around and see where there are radiator blockages. Common ones are chairs and bookshelves, but also radiator covers (why?) and even longer curtains.
Get a Warmer Home for Less with the Sun
We all love summer sun because it keeps us warm and means we don’t have to use the heating. But even in winter, the sun can be pretty hot as it comes through double-glazed windows. It is usually strongest just after sunrise and for a couple of hours. If positioned right, a room can increase by around 5 degrees with help from the sun. This makes it much more tolerable and uses less energy when working from home or just relaxing on a day off.
Try Cozying Up Your Favorite Spot
Feeling warm depends on having enough heat, but there is a psychological aspect to it as well. A cozier home will make you feel warmer and help you relax more. We spend about 10 hours a day outside of the home for work, and coming home to a cozy space is a Godsend. Easy ways to do this include throws and cushions on the couch, rugs on hard floors (or installing carpet), and using a mixture of light and heavy materials. Having a favorite spot also enhances this.
Summary
Maintaining the heating system contributes to a warmer home for less money in the long run. Of course, personal heating devices are a great alternative. And the sun will also contribute heat.
