10 Practical Tips for Staying Warm and Cosy This Winter
As temperatures drop, the battle between staying warm and keeping energy bills in check begins. While major upgrades like insulation are crucial (as we discussed in our last post), there are dozens of immediate, low-cost actions you can take right now to boost your home’s warmth and make it through the coldest months feeling cosy, not cold.
Here is your essential guide to a warmer, more efficient winter.
Optimise Your Thermostat and Radiators
The best way to stay warm is to use your current heating system as efficiently as possible.
1. Drop and Layer
Reducing your thermostat by even one degree can cut your heating consumption by up 10%. Instead of fighting for a high room temperature, wear an extra layer—a thick sweater, woolly socks, or a fleece blanket. Aim for a comfortable working temperature, usually between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.
2. Lower the Flow Temperature
If you have a modern condensing boiler, try lowering the flow temperature (the temperature of the water sent to your radiators) to around 60 degrees Celsius. Your house will take slightly longer to heat up, but the boiler runs more efficiently for more extended periods, extracting more heat from the combustion process. This saves fuel and reduces the overall CO2 emissions.
3. Free the Heat
Ensure radiators are not blocked by furniture (especially heavy sofas or bookshelves) or covered by long curtains. These items absorb or deflect heat away from the room’s centre. For maximum effect, place radiator reflector panels (foil-faced material) behind radiators mounted on external walls to bounce heat back into the room.
4. Bleed Your Radiators
If the top of your radiator is cold while the bottom is hot, you likely have trapped air. This prevents the radiator from heating efficiently. Use a radiator key to release the air until water starts to flow, then carefully release the key—it’s a simple fix that significantly improves heat distribution. Better still – book a powerflushand really optimise your radiators!
Master Your Home’s Natural Insulation
Your windows, curtains, and floors are powerful allies in keeping heat inside.
5. Work with the Sun
Use the sun as a free heater! Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during the day to capture solar gain. As soon as the sun goes down, close those curtains immediately to create an extra layer of insulation against cold window glass. Use thick, thermal-lined curtains for the best results.
6. Conquer the Draughts
Drafts are heat thieves. Simple foam or rubber draught-proofing strips can be applied easily around window frames and door edges. Use a thick fabric “sausage” (or draught excluder) at the base of external doors. Don’t forget older homes often have chimney draughts—use a chimney balloon or cap when the fireplace is not in use.
7. Floor Power with Rugs
Up to $\text{10\%}$ of heat can be lost through uninsulated floorboards. Placing large rugs, especially on wooden or tiled floors, adds a crucial insulating layer underfoot, making the room feel noticeably warmer and cosier.
Essential System Checks
For safety and peak performance, remember these essential check-ups:
8. Get Your Annual Boiler Service
As detailed in our boiler service guide, an annual boiler service is non-negotiable. A certified engineer will ensure your unit is operating safely and efficiently, and, importantly, is not producing dangerous Carbon Monoxide (CO). An efficient, clean boiler is a warm boiler. (If you’re near Leeds, contact us to book your boiler service)
9. Check Your Hot Water Cylinder Insulation
If you have a traditional boiler system with a separate hot water tank (cylinder), ensure it is well-insulated. A thermal jacket should be at least $\text{75 mm}$ thick to prevent standing water from losing heat, providing hot water when you need it without wasting energy to reheat it.
10. Use Your Extractor Fans Wisely
Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms are necessary to remove moisture (preventing mould), but they also pull warm air out of the house. Run them only as long as needed, and ensure they are switched off once their job is done.
By implementing these 10 easy tips, you can transform your home into a warm, efficient haven this winter without incurring massive heating bills.
