It’s a bit nippy out, and it has been for a while, we even saw our first sprinkling of snow not so long ago, even if it didn’t last! It’s the time of year where we just want to go home and put the heating onto 100% and cuddle the radiators, but unfortunately, that’s not always cost effective. We’ve put together some of our top tips on keeping you and your home toasty until it (hopefully) gets warmer when spring arrives in April, whilst also not having to take a loan out to afford the warmth.
Move your sofa
If your sofa is in front of your radiator then you can expect a very disappointing amount of heat to be omitted from that particular radiator. Doesn’t it always seems to happen that the sofa only really looks ‘right’ in the position that just so happens to be in front of the radiator? But this is one of the main things that’s going to stop your room from heating up. If you don’t want a total room rearrangement, then try just moving your sofa out the way on extra cold days where you need all the warmth you can get or just bringing it forward from the wall by a metre or so, it all makes a difference.
Additionally, having your curtains closed (especially long draping ones) over the top of radiators is a sure fire way to block the heat from warming up the rest of the room. Make sure that if your heating is on and your curtains go over your radiator, that they are open.
Cooking meals at home
You always get a bit warm when you cook dinner, that’s why we tend to have salads much more in the summer, because who wants the added heat in the house when it’s roasting?! Well, we can use that to our advantage in the winter months. It can be tempting to just get a takeaway or a ready meal and snuggle on the sofa until we feel warm, but if you get up and get your chef hat on, being on the move will not only keep the blood flowing and warm you up, but the extra heat from the hobs and the oven will make a huge difference and you’re hitting two birds with one stone here.
Hot water bottles
The award for the most underrated method of heating goes to the hot water bottle. This genius invention is not one to be underrated. For best results, we suggest popping a hot water bottle in your bed 30 minutes before hitting the sack and then enjoy the warm sheets when you get tucked in. Hot water bottles can also help you save on your energy bills if you turn the heating off earlier in preparation for your toasty retreat in bed!
Edit: The hot water bottle as we know it today was designed by this guy, Croatian engineer, Eduard Penkala. Thankyou Eduard, we salute you!
Checking for draughts
If you’re feeling a slight breeze in your home, then that could be a sign that your sealant could be broken. Drafts mean cold air will be entering your home, and bringing in the cold air means your boiler will be working extra hard to try and keep your house warm, costing you unnecessary money.
Check for drafts and find the best solution accordingly, it’ll save you money in the long run.
Layer up
It sound pretty obvious but putting on something warm is one of the best ways to ensure you don’t turn into an ice cube on a chilly winter night. But don’t just reach for a massive jacket! The best way round this is to layer up. The reason wearing multiple thin layers will keep you warmer than a single thicker layer is because warm air is trapped between the layers acting as an insulator. Try a long sleeved top, a thin jacket and then a fleece on top. Then, get the blanket and your fluffy socks!
All in the timing
Make sure to set your thermostat to kick in at certain times to help with energy efficiency. There’s no need to leave your heating on all day in an empty house. Set the timer for half an hour or so before you get home from work, or only for the time that you are guaranteed to be in the house. Every penny counts!
