As we move towards the end of autumn, temperatures continue to drop and signal that the cold holiday season is right around the corner. Plus, with scientists predicting the coldest winter in Britain in a decade, it’s important to start prepping your home as early as now. Contrary to popular belief, keeping your house warm doesn’t have to be expensive all the time. From closing your windows to moving your furniture around, here are some tips to help you get through the chilling autumn season.
Adjust your curtains
Sometimes, the best solutions are often the most overlooked. During the day, don’t forget to take advantage of the natural heat by opening your curtains and letting the sunlight in. Once it gets dark, you can close them to provide another layer of insulation and keep the warm air inside.
Make sure the boiler is in good shape
During this time of the year, boilers start to become your best friend. You’ll likely have your boiler on overdrive this Christmas, so safety should be your primary concern. In fact, if you’ve been using the same boiler for more than a decade, it may even be high time to replace it. Consider a condensing boiler, as it uses less energy to generate heat. Additionally, HomeServe suggests getting boiler coverage for extra protection. That way, you save on damages and repair expenses in the long run, and your central heating stays efficient throughout the year.
Close unused chimneys
One of the most significant issues you will have with an open fireplace is your chimney. An open chimney tends to take the heat right out of your house. If you have one and it’s not in use, make sure its flue and draft are both shut tight. If you have the resources, Homebuilding & Renovating recommends blocking your chimney with a fireplace insert insulation to prevent even more heat from coming out. Just remember to take it out if you decide to use it again.
Move furniture away from the heat
It might feel nice to have your favourite sofa nestled directly in front of the radiator or fireplace, but you could be compromising comfort for aesthetic purposes. Instead of warming your home, the furniture may end up absorbing all the heat. By moving your chairs away from the heat source, hot air can circulate more freely. The same thing applies to your curtains, wet clothes, and other bulky decorations.
Leave the oven open
Although it sounds like a recipe for disaster, leaving the oven open can be safe and beneficial. After all, The Happy Foodie suggest that autumn is the season for baking. So once you’ve finished whipping up that apple pie for your festivities, don’t hesitate to leave the oven open very slightly to take advantage of that leftover heat and let it circulate around the room. Of course, this tip should be taken with caution and by no means are we saying you should keep your oven the whole day. When the cold air starts seeping in the house, turning on your furnace isn’t always going to be enough. You have to know how to turn your place into one giant insulator. And with the above tips, you should be warm and cosy in no time.
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