With winter on the horizon, now is the time to make sure your home is ready for the colder months
With temperatures starting to drop, it’s easy to reach for the thermostat. But there are alternative methods to maintain warmth in your property for extended periods whilst spending less.
One specialist is encouraging householders to implement “three simple updates” immediately. Initially, according to Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds 2go, focus on your windows.
“Surprisingly, a lot of heat in your home can be lost through your windows,” said Chloe, an expert in thermal blinds and curtains. “Thermal blinds and curtains help reduce escaping heat by trapping air within the fabric while reflecting energy back into the room.”
Chloe explained that thermal blinds not only assisted in decreasing dependence on central heating and lowering energy costs, but also enhanced comfort levels by maintaining steady indoor temperatures.
Chloe said: “Keeping blinds closed at night and on overcast days locks in warmth, while opening them during sunny winter periods allows households to take advantage of natural solar heat.”
In contrast to expensive property improvements, thermal blinds can be fitted rapidly, with certain options requiring no drilling whatsoever. Specialists concur that draughty windows represent a primary cause of elevated energy consumption.
Thermal blinds and curtains serve as an affordable solution, minimising heat loss and enabling households to control energy use more effectively while avoiding the expense of major home improvements.
“Thermal blinds aren’t just practical – they’re a home investment that pays for itself,” added Chloe. “They’re especially useful now, as families across the UK look for ways to reduce their heating bills without compromising on comfort.”
Something else worth considering before the cold snap truly arrives is your household heating system. Your boiler forms the heart of any central heating setup, and making sure it’s running efficiently before demand soars is crucial. An annual check-up from a qualified engineer can spot potential problems, boost safety and keep energy consumption in check.
“Simple maintenance steps, such as bleeding radiators to remove trapped air and checking system pressure, can also improve circulation and ensure consistent warmth,” said Chloe. Lastly, examining your property’s insulation and draughtiness now, while temperatures remain relatively mild, is sensible.
“Even the most efficient boiler cannot compensate for a draughty home,” said Chloe. “Heat escapes through gaps in windows, doors, chimneys, and even floorboards, driving up bills and leaving rooms feeling cold.
“Sealing around frames, fitting excluders and blocking unused openings helps to reduce heat loss, creating a warmer and more comfortable environment, as well as helping to combat condensation and damp. This is something I’ll be doing now, to ensure a warmer winter in my home.”