When the afternoons begin to darken before you’ve even had a chance to get the tea on, and there is a nip in the air you didn’t feel yesterday, the allure of a warm, comforting home becomes irresistible. The problem is, with energy costs the way they are, the idea of increasing the heating can be a little intimidating. The upside is that some small, thoughtful moves can get your home feeling cosy without your next bill being enough to make you grimace.
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Let Your Curtains Do the Work
Your curtains can be one of your best bits of help with keeping the cold out. Open them wide in the morning and let all the sunlight pour in, then, as the light starts to die, close them up to keep the warmth in.
Stop the Draughts
A chilly breeze that creeps in under the door can undo all your heating efforts. Draught excluders are inexpensive and can make a surprising difference. For an extra layer of defence, consider updating older doors or windows. Modern options are far better insulated, and local door installations can help ensure they’re fitted to keep warmth in and cold air firmly out.
Layer Your Flooring
Cold floors will suck the warmth out of a room in no time. Placing rugs not only makes the space softer to the eye but also provides insulation for the feet. For wood or tile floors, this comes especially in handy for the rooms you’re spending the most time in.
Use Your Heating Wisely
It’s not always necessary to heat the entire house to the same level. Keep the rooms where you spend the most time warm, and keep doors closed to keep the warmth indoors. Install a programmable thermostat to help you regulate the timing so you’re not heating the house when no one is there.
Embrace Soft Furnishings
Covering your house with throws, blankets, and cushions adds a homey feeling to the home. As well as being easy on the eye, they will keep you feeling cozier without needing to resort to so much heating. It is worth keeping a throw to the side on the sofa or the end of the bed on cold evenings.
Cook and Heat at the Same Time
If you’re doing some baking or hob cooking, keep the kitchen door ajar so the heat permeates the house. After the oven has been switched off, leave the door slightly open so the remaining warmth seeps into the room. Simple measures of this type can shave some minutes off the time your heating has to operate.
Insulate Where You Can
There is probably no better insulation than loft insulation to retain warmth, but if this is not possible for the moment, even small measures can do some good. Insulating your hot water cylinder, closing up gaps under skirting boards, or installing thermal blinds are all good practical measures. These will help you to create that cosy home feeling.
Indulge in the Comfort You’ve Built
The advantage of making these changes is seeing the impact they have on your daily life. If it’s snuggling up on the couch with a cup of tea or bedtime with the kids tucked up in a room that is warm and cosy, you will feel the rewards in comfort as well as money. By blending a few clever habits with a few insightful home changes, you will keep your space warm and friendly throughout the winter without ever needing to worry about what comes through the letterbox by way of a bill.
