If you’re planning to improve your home this winter, you might want to consider some changes to help keep out the cold or keep in the heat. It’s not as expensive as it sounds, because this can add value to your home, and save money on energy bills. Here are some suggestions.
Getting your fireplace checked
It’s important to get your fireplace and heaters checked before using them this winter. Not only can you prevent accidents if they’re faulty, but you can avoid using your homeowners insurance and stay safe by taking this caution. Faults such as air leakage can also mean an addition to your energy bills without making your home much warmer. You want to ensure any fire or heaters you use are efficient and give you the best value for money.
Double-paned (or double glazed) windows
Suggested edit: Explain what is a double-paned/double-glazed window first.
If you’re heating your rooms in winter and are still feeling chilly, single-paned windows may be the culprit (especially if you live in an older home). Keep the heat from escaping and look into double-paned windows. They can help prevent the build-up of condensation, and all the heat from escaping. This means you won’t have to switch the heating on as much, or as high.
The benefits don’t end in winter either. When summer finally arrives again, your windows will help to keep your room cooler on warmer days and can block out some outside noise too. Enjoy the year-round benefits.
Loft insulation
Loft insulation (insulation used in the roof area) is another way of stopping heat from escaping from your home. The more improvements you make to keep heat inside, the warmer your home will be in winter, and you won’t need to switch on the heating as often. So if you get loft insulation and double glazing (if you haven’t already), it will make more of a positive impact on your home than if you get either of these on its own.
If you’re trying to be more environmentally friendly, loft insulation helps with this too. If you need any more convincing, it also helps with noise reduction and increases the value of your home.
Solar panels
This is another option that seems expensive but can save money in the long term. It doesn’t just reduce your electric bills, which means cheaper heating if you use electric heaters, but is also better for the environment. It may take time to recoup the money you’ve invested, but for anyone concerned with climate change, it’s recommended.
Getting a smart thermostat
If you rent, your landlord may not allow you to make some of these changes, but you may still be able to improve the way your home is heated by having a smart thermostat installed. This is a less dramatic change in your home and allows you to set your heater from a smartphone (even if you’re out and about).
Whether you buy or rent, you can help to improve your home and reduce your heating costs this winter and beyond. For homeowners, these changes can also raise the property value. You’ll need to use your fireplace or heaters less often but should still remember to have them checked first.