If you’ve ever faced a winter like the one we did – moving into our house during the infamous “Beast from the East” blizzard, after relocating from the balmy south to somewhere considered ‘the north’ by anyone south of Suffolk – you know the kind of cold that makes you question your life choices. Then you’ll know that keeping your house warm is one of your top priorities come the turn of Winter!
The weather up here is substantially chillier than it ever was down south. It was definitely not ideal when trying to settle into a new home, especially with a heating system that seemed to be having an existential crisis. We had it cranked up to full blast, yet the house stayed as frigid as the arctic tundra outside.
That first winter made one thing very clear – this home needed serious work if we were ever going to survive the next cold snap.
From Beastly Cold to Snug Sanctuary: Dad’s Tips to Heat Your Home This Winter
Fast forward a few years and a lot of lessons learned (some the hard way), and we’ve managed to transform our drafty abode into a warm, welcoming nest. It wasn’t a single silver bullet that did the trick – instead, it was a series of bodge jobs that slowly became beautiful solutions.
Here are some of the best ways we managed to heat-proof our home, from emergency fixes to proper renovations.
Grab a cuppa, get cosy, and let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Seal Window and Door Gaps to Reduce Heat Loss
You wouldn’t believe how much of a difference sealing a few gaps can make. Our house has more windows than it does walls, and it felt like the wind had a VIP pass straight through. The drafts were practically gale force, and it became clear that window seals were busted all around.
Enter my newfound friend: caulk. I can proudly say I am now more adept with caulk than I ever thought possible. Seriously, the amount of cold air coming in was criminal.
We sealed every nook and cranny, added draft excluders (door snakes, anyone?), and put up thick curtains to boot.
Did you know up to 40% of heat is lost through windows? Yeah, me neither – until I felt it firsthand. Sealing the gaps in the windows and doors is a simple fix that made a world of difference.
Home Insulation Tips Beyond Just the Loft
Increasing loft insulation was step one, but that alone wasn’t going to be enough. If your house is anything like ours, it needs insulation everywhere – not just in the loft. The floors were another culprit. We even ended up installing underfloor insulation to keep the heat from escaping. I won’t lie, lifting the floorboards and installing insulation wasn’t exactly my idea of fun, but it worked wonders (and I will forever remember the look of terror on my kids faces as the floor was completely bare and devoid of carpet.)
According to the Energy Saving Trust, proper insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, which makes a significant difference during those colder months. “Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep your home warm in winter. It not only saves energy but also helps lower heating bills significantly.”
If you’re lucky enough to have underfloor heating, you’re already ahead of the game. For the rest of us, any extra insulation is worth its weight in gold.
Layer Up Before Turning Up the Heat
I know it’s tempting to blast the heating the moment you feel a chill, but layering up first is the easier (and cheaper) solution. In our house, everyone has their own Oodie – basically a wearable blanket – and they’ve been an absolute game changer. Something that I’ve vowed to get new ones of this Christmas period and I know the wife has already got one in mind as one of the kids “Christmas gifts for dad“.
- Extra Long Wearable Blanket Hoodie
- 2-IN-1: Transforms into a cushion once you have finished wearing as a cosy wearable blanket, for easy storage. Simply use the foot pocket to fold the blanket away
- Comfortable Material: The hooded blanket is made of Sherpa and solid flannel. Wearing it freely, you can wear it for housework and move freely. It is the best choice. The practical hood design is large and practical, and it will keep warm and comfortable no matter how low the temperature is.Enough to cover, cover your feet,super soft and warm.
Thermals, extra thick socks, slippers, and even dressing gowns are winter essentials around here. Winter mornings are tough enough without the icy shock of your feet hitting the floor. I’d be in my fluffy robe, a pair of ridiculous wool socks, and thermals – before we even think about turning the heat on. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Be Reserved with Your Heating
Using your heating wisely is a bit of a fine art. It may be tempting to keep it on all day, especially when it’s bone-chillingly cold, but trust me, your energy bill will thank you if you don’t.
We set our heating to come on in the mornings and evenings, making sure the house was warm when we needed it most. Whether you have a home heating oil system, air pump system or have a gas boiler that’s long overdue for servicing, using your heating wisely can make a big difference.
The trick is to be efficient and strategic – don’t let your hard-earned cash evaporate into thin air.
Quick Tip: Set your thermostat to a slightly lower temperature than usual and wear an extra layer. Even a 1-degree reduction can save up to 10% on heating bills annually.
Concentrate Your Heat Where It Matters
Let’s be honest – no one uses every room in their house at the same time.
Concentrate your heating efforts where they actually matter. Keep the doors closed in rooms that don’t need heating, and focus on keeping your main living spaces and bedrooms cosy. I installed smart thermostatic radiator valves in the kids bedrooms and the offices and have a Hive thermostat to ensure we’re not using too much in the way of energy during my smart renovation of the house.
Focus on the areas you use the most, and save yourself some stress and cash.
Lined Curtains: Your Unsung Heroes
With our house’s ridiculous number of windows, curtains were an absolute must. We opted for thick, thermal-backed curtains, and honestly, I can’t believe the difference they made. They work wonders for keeping the heat in during winter and keeping it out in summer – who knew curtains could be so versatile?
Plus, they add a bit of extra cosiness to the place, which is always a bonus when the weather outside looks like the day after tomorrow.
Pro Tip: Make sure your curtains are long enough to touch the floor and wide enough to cover the entire window frame, but not cover the radiators. This helps to prevent drafts from sneaking in around the edges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Drafts: Even the smallest gaps can cause major heat loss. Don’t underestimate the power of sealing every possible draft.
- Over-Reliance on Electric Heaters: While electric heaters can be handy, they’re not the most cost-efficient solution. Use them sparingly.
- Neglecting Boiler Maintenance: A poorly maintained boiler can be less efficient and cost more to run. Regular servicing is key to keeping it running smoothly.
Pro-tip: Don’t forget to update rooms where necessary to keep everything running properly, from stainless steel washroom equipment to hot water taps.
The Renovation Journey Reward
Transforming our home from a drafty icebox into a warm sanctuary didn’t happen overnight. It took patience, a lot of caulk, and more than a few “what have we gotten ourselves into?” moments.
However, every bit of effort paid off in the end. Fixing broken damp seals, sealing window drafts, adding thick curtains, layering up ourselves – it was all about combining small steps to make a big difference.
Winter might be settling in, but your home deserves warmth without breaking the bank. Use these tips to help keep that heat where it belongs – inside your home.
And if all else fails, there’s always the trusty fluffy socks and a cuppa to get you through the worst of it.
Stay warm, fam.
Quick Checklist: How to Keep You & Your House Warm Today
- Seal gaps around windows and doors.
- Layer up with thermals, socks, slippers, and Oodies.
- Time your heating to come on only when needed.
- Focus heating on main living areas.
- Use thick, thermal-backed curtains.
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FAQs
Q: What temperature should I set my thermostat to in winter?
A: Ideally, keep your thermostat set between 18-21°C during winter for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. Lowering it by even 1 degree can help you save up to 10% on heating bills.
Q: How often should I service my boiler?
A: It’s recommended to service your boiler annually. Regular maintenance ensures it runs efficiently and safely, and it can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
Q: Are thermal curtains really effective?
A: Yes, thermal curtains can significantly reduce heat loss through windows. They create an extra layer of insulation, keeping the warmth in during winter and reducing drafts.
Q: How can I find the biggest heat leaks in my home?
A: One of the easiest ways is to walk around on a windy day and feel for drafts near windows, doors, and any other openings. You can also use a thermal imaging camera to identify hot and cold spots.
Q: Is underfloor insulation worth it?
A: Absolutely. Underfloor insulation helps prevent heat loss through the ground, keeping your floors warmer and reducing your overall heating needs.
