So, the clocks have gone back, there is a distinct chill in the air and it’s dark before we know it now…yes, we are well and truly on our way into winter folks. With the colder weather on its way it is important to take steps to look after your home and ensure that you stay cosy through the chillier months ahead so below you will find some of our top tips:
Turn down your heating by one degree. Turn it down in winter you might ask?! Believe it or not, turning your thermostat down by just one degree can save you up to 10% off of your energy bills and actually helps to heat your home more efficiently than at higher temperatures.
Open your curtains! OK, so we might not get much sun until the spring but any sunlight we are lucky enough to have should be taken advantage of.
Shut the doors – keep the heat inside of the rooms you are using and avoid heating empty spaces.
Keep your boiler on a timer – by using your boiler and heating regularly you can check that all is running smoothly and avoid and unexpected issues or breakdowns. Make sure you have your boiler serviced regularly too as this will increase its lifespan and help you get the most out of your heating and hot water systems.
Stop draughts – To stop any chills from draughty doors (which can be particularly common in period properties), why not add an internal curtain across them or use a draught exclude along the bottom? These can be picked up inexpensively in places like Dunelm or IKEA and only take minute to put into place.
Be aware of and avoid condensation. Condensation builds up when warm air hits a cold surface. As we breathe out a litre and a half of water just by sleeping, it is of course no wonder that we find condensation over the windows when it’s cold outside, however, if this is not managed and is left to build up this can then lead to black mould forming.
In order to minimize condensation, natural ventilation should be achieved as often as possible and this is even more important where modern double glazing systems and improved standards of draught proofing have been introduced as these result in less air movement within houses. The following points are simple but extremely effective in keeping condensation and humidity levels at a low inside of your property:
• Make sure you open your windows as much as possible and that extractor fans are used where applicable.
• It is important to clean windows and window sills regularly also (ideally with a mild bleach solution to get rid of and prevent any mould growth).
• Do not dry wet clothes on heaters – air them inside of a room with the door closed and the window open or fan on.
• Do not block ventilation! (Do not cover air vents, over fill cupboards, put furniture right up to an outside facing wall…etc)
• Do not cook or shower without having extractor fans on
• Keep window and trickle vents open – it might sound bonkers during the winter but ventilation is needed in your home to get rid of moisture, even when it’s cold.
And that’s all there is to it! Winter is a wonderful season and I for one love getting wrapped up in a blanket at home so let’s all make sure we’re nice and warm as we begin to wind down and begin thinking about all things festive…