Our nights are getting colder - how warm is your place?

The nights are getting colder so here’s some ideas that will help keep you warmer and more comfortable in the colder months and reduce your heating bills.

1. Trim trees blocking the sun: Maximise the amount of sunshine coming into your house in winter by trimming overgrown trees that are shading your house.
2. Close curtains as the sun goes down: Capture the heat of the sun by pulling curtains in the late afternoon. An insulated home will also help you hold this free heat for longer.
3. Block draughts: Add foam seals to doors and windows, make sure your curtains fit, use door draught stoppers and fit underfloor insulation where possible.
4. Check your thermostat: Have you got the temperature on your heater set higher than you need? Each extra degree of heat is costing you money so lower the thermostat to a level you’re comfortable with.
5. Dress for the season: It is winter so don’t heat to a level where you can lounge around in t-shirt & shorts. Put usual winter layers on and adjust your thermostat down to save money.
6. Turn off half an hour before bedtime: If you switch your heat off (or programme it to turn off) half an hour before you head to bed, the residual heat will keep you warm.
7. Throws for late night warmth: if you’re only planning on staying up for a couple of hours, keep a throw or blanket handy to curl up under instead of switching the heat on.
8. Limit electric blankets for pre-warming only: Once you’re snug in a warm bed your duvet or blankets should be sufficient to conserve your body heat and keep you warm through the night. If you’re still cold perhaps a warmer duvet is in order.
9. Check your ceiling insulation: Around 30-35% of heat is lost through ceilings so insulation is a good first step. If you already have insulation, check that it is sitting above the ceiling joists otherwise you might need a top up. Read more about Ceiling Insulation.
10. Switch to a heat pump: A heat pump is the easiest to use and most energy efficient form of electric heating available, and during winter, costs only around 28 cents an hour*. Read more about Heat Pumps.

Smart Energy Solutions gives free advice and estimates for insulation, ventilation, heat pumps and more for your home. Simply book a FREE Home Assessment or get a free no obligation estimate online or call us on 0800 888 766.

A warm home is a healthy home, so try these options to help.

*Source: EECA - Using a 6kW heat output heat pump, 8 hours a day for 6 months of the year.