Real estate expert shares five smart ways to keep the cold out of your home
Temperatures have dropped dramatically in recent weeks.
And because we’re all trying to keep our household costs down, there are some clever ways to keep warm at home WITHOUT turning on the heating.
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From the obvious to the often forgotten, real estate expert Joshua Houston shares five handy ways to keep your home warm and cozy.
“This week, much of the UK is set to experience temperatures not seen for months,” he said.
“It is important that people are not faced with surprises and that it is warm enough in their home.
“With these tips you can prevent cold outside air from entering your home.”
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First, curtains.
“Windows are a common place where the cold from outside enters your home, through small gaps that allow air to enter,” Joshua explains. Household quotes.
“Close your curtains especially at night, because that’s when it’s coldest.”
This simple method creates an extra layer of warmth, because a kind of insulation is created between your window and curtain.
“If you can afford it, consider investing in heavy curtains. They will do an even better job of keeping out the unwanted cold,” he added.
Another addition to home decor that can make a big difference is rugs.
“Your floor is a place in your home where heat can be lost and it can feel cold,” he continues.
“On cold days you may notice that it is not comfortable to walk on the floor because your feet freeze.
“Therefore, place carpets in places where there is no carpet yet. This creates an insulating layer between the bare floor and the room above.”
Also make sure that your home is well insulated. Don’t forget the pipes, the attic, the crawl spaces and the space under the floorboards.
“Loose insulation is great for this and is also a cheaper form of insulation. A large bag costs around £30,” explains Joshua.
“It is easy to place in the smaller spaces of a loft and keeps the cold out, but also the heat in.”
How to save on your energy bill
SWITCHING ENERGY SUPPLIERS may seem like a hassle, but luckily it’s quite easy to change suppliers and save a lot of money.
Shop around – If you have an SVT deal, you’re likely to be throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket.com, uSwitch or EnergyHelpline.com to see what deals are available to you.
The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals. This means that you pay a fixed amount, usually for a period of 12 months.
Switch – Once you have found one, all you need to do is contact the new supplier.
It is useful to have the following information, which you can find on your invoice, at hand and to pass it on to your new supplier.
- Your zip code
- Name of your existing supplier
- Name of your existing contract and how much you payA current meter reading
Your current supplier will then be notified and the switch will be initiated.
It will take up to three weeks to complete the switch and your power supply will not be interrupted during that time.
Another trick that you might find obvious is to keep your interior doors closed as much as possible.
“Households often gather in one room in the evening, usually the kitchen or the living room,” he says.
“This means that you only need to heat a small part of your home. By closing the doors, you keep the heat in and the cold out.”
And finally, avoid unnecessary draughts where possible.
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes as they can let in cold air if they are not closed properly.
“Sometimes that’s not always possible, like with your mailbox, but at least you can secure it at night when no mail is being delivered,” Joshua concluded.
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