Now that the weather is turning colder, it is time to start thinking about how to stay warm and keep our homes protected from winter hazards. A little time spent preparing now, and a little money spent on home insulation will reap dividends later on when your home stays warm, efficient and a comforting haven from the colder weather. So how can you ensure that warm, toasty feeling?
Invest in energy saving insulation
Home insulation comes in many different formats, from traditional foam and fillers to newer forms of sustainable insulation, such as recycled mulch, rockwool, cotton or cellulose. A good place to install it is in the attic, as the heat in a house will rise and escape through a poorly insulated roof. Other places to add energy saving insulation is around hot water tanks and around pipes to avoid frozen water or burst pipes.
Draughty doors and windy windows
Some doors and windows, however well fitted, will still let in draughts. Fitting storm doors, double or even triple glazing will solve this problem, but will cost a lot of money. Instead, add a thick extra lining to your window curtains. For your front and back doors, try placing draught excluder along the bottom or fit heavy, full length curtains in front. Fit a spring-loaded letter box to the front door so that the wind cannot get through the flap and place felt along the edges of all exterior doors to help insulate them better.
Keep the energy in
Energy leaks can prevent a house or flat from being as energy efficient and warm as it could be during winter, plus they waste money . Turn off electrical appliances at night to save on the electricity bill and only boil enough water for your needs in the kettle. Place tin foil behind your radiators to reflect the heat going into the wall back into the room and bleed them for maximum efficiency. Turn the thermostat down one or two degrees – nobody will notice!
Safety first
Make sure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, and that you check the batteries regularly. We tend to put the heating on and to cook more often over the winter and to have real log fires and candles to add an inviting glow. Stock up on appropriate fire blankets and extinguishers, in case the flames get out of control. Plan an escape route out of the house and make sure your whole family knows what to do in the event of a fire.
Keep warm this winter!