Tips to keep your home warm this winter
Cold and dark months of winter are upon us, this means we will be spending more time indoors and turning our heaters up causing our energy bills to sky rocket.
Here are some tips to keeping your home warmer and more energy efficient this winter.
1. Install heavy curtains to stop heat escaping from your windows. Up to 40% of the heat escaping from your home in winter is from uncovered windows. To insulate your windows install heavy, lined curtains which extend below the window frame.
2. Install or top up insulation in your home. You can consume as much as 45% less energy for heating and cooling by having your home well insulated.
3. Seal gaps and cracks that let cold air in. Use weather stripping around doors and windows to seal up cracks and gaps and even a simple door snake for the bottom of doors.
4. Watch the temperature. Heat the rooms you are using to 21 degrees. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat on your heater, place a thermometer in your living room to keep an eye on the temperature. Think of putting on a jumper or using a blanket before you try turning up the heat.
5. Close off any rooms that are not in use. Keeping the doors to your living space closed is a great way to keep the heat where you want it. And if your heating system will allow you to, turn it off in empty rooms.
6. Let the sun shine through. Open up your blinds and curtains on sunny days. Especially north facing for the morning sun and west facing for the afternoon sun.
7. Keep yourself warm. A warm pair of ugg boots and a snug jumper (or snuggie if you prefer) could save you hundreds in heating and energy bills.
5. Close off any rooms that are not in use. Keeping the doors to your living space closed is a great way to keep the heat where you want it. And if your heating system will allow you to, turn it off in empty rooms.
6. Maintain your heaters. Get your heater professionally service at least every two years, this will keep it running more efficiently. Keeping heaters free of dust and cleaning any filters regularly will also help.
