As the winter rolls in and the weather takes a steep turn for the worse, it may be tempting for many people to turn up the radiators as high as they will go, add some extra logs to the fire and boil the kettle for all the hot water bottles they need for the winter. However it is also important to see what else you can do to your property to help increase the temperature in your home without having to increase your heating bill.
Modern properties are getting better and better with insulating their walls and interiors so that our houses stay warm in the winter and stay cool in the summer, but it is still important to take a look at your home heating and give it regular maintenance (you could look here for more information). However, you could take a look at four of the ways you can help to reduce the cost of your heating bills this winter.
- Loft Insulation
There are certain schemes that you can look into online that provide free loft insulation for homeowners. As hot air rises, investing in some decent, high-quality loft insulation is always recommended as this will help your property to retain the warm air in the home. With a number of different types of loft insulation available, from foam board to sheep’s wool (humanely obtained), expanding foam, and more, it is a good idea to do a little research when looking at the best loft insulation for your property.
- Firepits & Warm Clothing
A fairly obvious choice but one that we don’t often make the most of. Throughout the year you don’t think very much about buying warm and woolly supplies for the wintertime, as most of us are busy working or trying to spend the 48 hours we get of sunshine soaking up as many rays as we can. Blankets and snuggies are extremely useful when it comes to staying warm in the winter. Another long-term investment you can consider is firepits from firms like Firepit Outfitter. These might be beneficial if you’re someone who loves to sit outside and enjoy the calm nights under the moonlight. So, wrap up to save some money this winter to get these essentials!
- Wall Insulation
While most properties if not all properties have some form of wall insulation, it is a good idea to check the state of your current wall insulation as it can break down over time. Wall insulation is a cheap and effective way of reducing your heating bill during the winter and is easy to install if you have a little bit of DIY experience. Needless to say, wall insulation is only effective if your heating systems are well-maintained and working at their optimal levels. A periodic check up of these systems by professionals from companies such as Castle Home Comfort Heating & Cooling (castlehomecomfort.com/service-areas/bondville/), especially as winter draws nearer, could help with efficient heating and consequent reduction in bills.
- Double Glazed Windows
When it first came out, double glazing was expensive to install, thick and unseemly and not always worth the money, but with recent technology double glazed windows have been getting smaller and more versatile to fit with the demands of modern society. Now double glazed windows are well worth the money, help to reduce both the costs of heating the property during the winter and also help to keep the home cool during the summer.
By reducing the cost of your heating during the winter, not only are you saving money but you also help to reduce your own carbon footprint, helping the environment. Saving money is one huge encouragement alone to reduce the amount of time your heating is spent on during the winter, but some people do like to know that they are doing their bit for the environment so it is all helpful. While other people may find it strange to adjust at first, soon every time you have visitors they will be perfectly fine with grabbing an extra blanket instead of turning the radiators up. Just make sure to keep warm this winter, no matter what way you do it.
This article was provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working with a number of firms in the property investment industry – including Nottingham based Chartered Surveyors Chartex, who were consulted over the information contained in this piece.
