Seven easy hacks to keep your home warm without putting the heating on
With these expertly recommended advice, stay warm this winter without breaking the bank.
Ofgem’s latest energy price cap came into force on October 1, rising from £1, 568 to £1, 717 for the typical person paying by direct debit. The ten percent increase, according to the energy regulator, will add an additional £12 to Brits’ average monthly bills in yet another blow, according to the regulator.
Meanwhile, households in the UK are expected to experience an icy chill as singles figured temperatures rise. This winter will be as bleak as the previous, making it obvious that thousands will have to choose between staying warm and paying the ultimate price. The majority of experts agree that mold-free homes should be kept between 18C and 21C to avoid problems like frozen pipes.
There are a few ways to stay warm this winter without reaching for the thermostat.
Move furniture
The heat from your radiator might lose if your sofa is pushed against the wall. When your heating is on, moving your furniture so that it doesn’t suffocate the heater will help you feel the benefit as well as help prevent mold growth.
“Moisture can get trapped behind your furniture, and without proper ventilation and airflow, the moisture can create mould and mildew on your furniture”, experts over at Wayfair UK explained. Moving your furniture an inch from the wall will allow airflow to be created to prevent mold from developing in your home.
Heat the body
The adage, “Heat the Body Not the Home,” doesn’t apply to completely turning off the heating, as this could lead to expensive issues in the home. However, without spending a fortune, you can get some extra warmth by using items like electric blankets and hot water bottles.
Running a 100W electric blanket for an hour would only cost 2.5p, according to Chelsea Brown of Opera Beds, under the current price cap. This will cost you only 20p per night if left on overnight for eight hours.
She claimed that keeping your body temperature between sleep cycles can improve overall sleep quality. You can find your preferred time to keep your body warm and stay in a deep sleep cycle for longer by choosing a shut-off period of six to twelve hours. Even after the blanket is turned off, the heat will remain in the bed.
You can pick up an electric blanket from most supermarkets, bedding stores, and online retailers. For a double bed, Amazon currently has a Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket for just £25.
Draught-proof the home
If the hot air is immediately expelled from the house, turning the heating on can seem counterproductive. A candle and a candle that is close to the edges of your window can be used to check for “leaky spots” in the house where hot air can escape or cold air can enter.
If the flame flickers or is blown out, you’ve just spotted a draught. To draught-proof the home, you can pick up special tape that keeps the cold out. A 15m strip of the insulator tape will set you back around £8 from Toolstation.
Additionally, draught excluders can be installed at the base of your door to stop some areas from becoming too cold. For around £10, these can be purchased from a number of retailers, including Dunelm.
Insulation
Insulation can save you a lot of money over the long run, even though it may cost a little more than draught-proofing. Funeral Guide experts claim that having your loft properly insulated can save you around £150 annually on energy bills.
In a statement sent to the Mirror, a spokesman for the company said, “Investing in proper insulation pays off by reducing energy consumption and keeping your home warmer for longer.” “It’s a wise move, especially in the face of rising energy prices”.
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Optimise your heating system
Keeping the home energy efficient requires regular maintenance. Make sure you regularly bleed your radiators to remove any trapped air, which allows the hot water to circulate smoothly.
A smart thermostat can also improve the accuracy of your heating control. With this technology, you can set your heating to turn on or off as needed and turn down when you’re not using your phone.
Curtain hack
One way to maximise the natural heat we get (yes, even in window) is to take advantage of sunlight. Make sure your curtains are open so that the sun can enter even in the most shady areas, especially those with south exposure, where the sun is strongest.
“Once the sun sets, close your curtains to trap the heat inside”, Funeral Guides recommends. Thermal curtains that are thicker than traditional ones offer better insulation and prevent heat loss through windows. Even simple adjustments like this can significantly increase energy consumption in your home.
Sweater weather
You’re probably going to dislike this advice if you grew up in a family that told you to “put a jumper on then” whenever you complained about being cold. Wearing warm clothing like fluffy socks and wool jumpers can make you feel a little more comfortable if you’re a little more sensitive than most people to the drop in temperatures. Add a soft throw or blanket to keep warm while watching movies on the couch.
We recommend: Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket Charcoal, £32.99 here
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Source: Mirror
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