Have you been keen to learn more about how to keep your house warm in winter conditions? If so, you are by no means alone. The good news is that there are many ways to do it. Recent research in Ireland conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute has shown that rates of energy poverty have fallen from 28 per cent in 2015 to 17.5 per cent in 2020.
Furthermore, financial support for those who are struggling with limited incomes has likewise increased. It is currently estimated that more than 372,000 low-income households throughout Ireland are now receiving some type of financial incentive.
AD Services is on your side if you are looking for ways to reduce your energy bills while remaining cosy when the temperatures outside begin to fall. In addition to services such as kitchen extensions and new builds, we offer a compendium of advice regarding how to keep your house warm in the winter months.
To keep things simple, AD Services have compiled ten sure-fire suggestions and explained what each method has to offer.
Modernise Your Insulation
One of the most common causes of a chilly home involves the presence of outdated cavity wall insulation. A great deal of heat can be lost if this insulation is no longer effective. This is even more relevant in terms of the insulation found within your loft. Whether you are planning a loft conversion soon or you suspect that the associated insulation is no longer functioning as it should, we would advise hiring a professional.
The Use of Curtains
Curtains around your windows can provide an excellent thermal barrier against cold temperatures. Once it becomes dark, close your curtains. Not only will you enjoy more privacy, but the chances are high that your home will retain a significant amount of heat.
How to Keep Your House Warm in Winter with Timed Thermostats
Professional construction companies in Cork now recommend using electronic timers in conjunction with boilers, thermostats and central heating systems. This makes sense when we consider that some rooms may be heated when they happen to be unoccupied (particularly during the overnight hours).
They are designed to provide you with zoned heating controls. This is another way of saying that some rooms can be programmed to remain warmer than others. Furthermore, your energy bills will be dramatically reduced over time; providing an additional return on investment.
Consider the Location of Your Furniture
Some people place their furniture in front of radiators when designing their rooms. The problem here is that larger accessories such as armchairs and sofas can limit the amount of heat that would otherwise circulate to other areas of the room. Knowing how to keep your house warm in the winter should therefore involve changing the layout of your furniture before the season begins
Check the Condition of Your Boiler and/or Hot Water Tank
One preventative step associated with common house extensions will involve analysing the status of your boiler and/or hot water tank. Older models may not possess the proper levels of insulation. In turn, this may cost you up to €125 each year in terms of energy bills. However, house extensions are not the only reason to examine the status of your boiler.
Be sure to examine the condition of your boiler when creating a house maintenance checklist. If new insulation does not seem to positively impact the warmth of your home, a more modern unit may be required. When might an upgrade be necessary?
Boiler Upgrades
Most experts agree that boilers may need to be replaced if they are more than ten years old. Newer models are much more efficient, and they can provide you with a steady supply of heat. You may be able to save as much as €300 each year because of reduced heating costs. Appreciating how to keep your house warm in winter could therefore involve a slight investment and yet, there is no doubt it will pay off from a long-term perspective.
How to Keep Your House Warm in Winter by Adopting a Bit of Frugality
Take a moment to think about whether you would be able to notice a temperature change of 1°C throughout your home. Most people wouldn’t be affected. However, even turning your thermostat down a single degree (such as from 19°C to 18°C) may be able to reduce your monthly energy bills by as much as ten per cent. Once again, these temperatures can be lowered even further when referring to rooms that are unoccupied throughout most of the day. Experiment with this method for a month to better appreciate the short-term savings that it can provide.
Upgrade Your Heating System to Include Thermostatic Valves
Thermostatic valves have become commonplace when performing modern kitchen and bathroom extensions. Their main purpose is to provide you with a more accurate means to control water temperatures within the bath and the shower. However, these systems can be employed in conjunction with most radiators.
Thermostatic radiator valves will allow you to program how much heat is required depending on the time of the day (similar to the centralised thermostat controls mentioned earlier). Simply stated, you will not be throwing money away when heating certain rooms.
Another interesting feature of these valves is that many come equipped with standalone software that can be accessed via a dedicated smartphone app. You can therefore monitor and actively control the temperature of your home even while out and about.
Check for Draughts
Appreciating how to lower your gas bill should also include a bit of common sense. The fact of the matter is that a great deal of heat can be lost because of draughts; particularly if you happen to live in an older home. Draughts are commonly found in these areas:
- Around the periphery of your windows.
- The borders of your door.
- Within attics and lofts.
Common signs include sudden cold breezes, unexplained rises in humidity and even the presence of mould. Thankfully, many do-it-yourself kits can help to draught-proof your home in no time at all. Rubber strips can be placed around your door and plastic film is often used to provide an additional thermal barrier to your windowpanes.
If you suspect that a great deal of heat is being lost through your windows, it could also be wise to invest in double-glazed configurations. Double-glazed windows use the insulative properties of air that is trapped between two separate panes. Most modern homes are now equipped with double glazing.
Purchase Low-Cost Radiator Panels
These panels are designed to reflect the heat that is emitted by your radiators. As a result, rooms will remain warmer for longer periods. Panels can also be excellent additions within areas of the home that are prone to become colder than others (lofts and garages are two common examples). Reflective panels are lightweight and can be installed without any previous experience.
Smart as Opposed to Hard
Knowing how to keep your house warm in the winter months does not require a great deal of effort. Many of the suggestions outlined above can be carried out within relatively short periods. The good news is that AD Services are pleased to provide you with several different options if you wish to keep the winter at bay.
Have you recently noticed mounting energy costs? Are you concerned about what the coming winter may have in store? In either case, please take a few moments to contact one of our team members directly. We will be happy to schedule a no-consultation at your convenience so that you can better appreciate your options.
