|

Winter is not quite over yet, there are still a few weeks of frosty temperatures coming our way. If you are feeling the chill inside your home – try these 5 simple tips to keep the cold air out and the warm air in:

1. Use Curtains – In the day time, open your curtains to make use of the free heat from the sun. The sunlight will do wonders in warming up your home and help keep the space bright and cheerful! Once the sun sets, close your curtains to create a layer of insulation and keep the warmth inside your home throughout the night.

2. Use Timers for Heating –Think ahead and have your heat programmed to turn on at least 30 minutes before you are due to get up in the morning. Programming the heat earlier, at a lower temperature, is more economical than turning the heat on when you get up, at a higher temperature. Remember that a boiler heats up at a constant speed – whether you set it to 20°C or 30°C. Lowering your thermostat by 1 degree can save you upwards of 10 per cent on your energy bill. Remember to lower the temperature by a few degrees before you leave the house if you will be out all day.

3. Keep Heat Sources Clear – Keeping radiators and air vents unobstructed will allow for proper air circulation through your home. It might feel cozy having your couch directly in front of a radiator, but this actually allows the couch to absorb heat – and prevents the radiator from heating the rest of your home. Curtains and clothing that is left out to dry will also absorb heat.

4. Put Up Wall Coverings – The air in your home heats up a lot faster than the walls do. In a poorly insulated home, the inside of the external walls can be several degrees colder than the air. One simple way to warm up your walls is by hanging pictures, mirrors, tapestries or even a poster. A framed picture hung on an external wall is around 1.5°C warmer than a bare wall. By installing hung items, you are adding an extra layer of insulating air and raising internal surface temperatures. If it suits your tastes, a decorative rug or tapestry does wonders warming up a wall.

5. Keep Warm While You Sleep – Do you feel cold at night? It could be because you are positioned close to an external wall. Ideally, your bed should be as far away as possible from cold walls and drafty windows. If space is an issue, and you are forced to be by a window, having a substantial headboard will make you feel much warmer. Instead of cranking the heat, consider a heated blanket and cozy pajamas for those extra-chilly nights.

Staying warm in the winter is important. Ensure that any air leaks are taken care of. A drafty house is harder (and more expensive) to heat. Want some more tips on taking care of your older home? Perhaps you are ready to make a change? Feel free to give me a call at 416.960.9995; I am always happy to help.