With the news that UK energy bills are set to rise by around 50%, more and more households are looking for ways to keep their homes warm and cosy to see out the last remaining days of winter and the onset of spring.
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Avoiding putting the heating on has become a real issue for many people to avoid the already high utility bills and stave off the added expense for a bit longer. The following tips can help you look into ways to make your home warm and cosy without turning up the thermometer or racking up bills you can’t afford.
Dress in More Layers
The best way to keep warm and cosy without heating the house is to layer up with extra clothes. Dressing in loose layers will trap your body heat close to you, not escaping as quickly. Think vests and t-shirts underneath jumpers or jackets and fleece loungewear such as the ever popular oversized hoodies.
Reduce Draughts via Doors and Windows
If you want to avoid draughts, you’ll need to ensure that you have sealed your door and window frames well, using a high-quality silicone sealant. It’s important to remember that it’s not just the outside of the frame that needs sealing – there can be gaps on the inside of the frame, too. These gaps allow cold air in and let it escape from your home.
You can also get some draft excluders for doors to keep warm air in as well as protect against draughts, which is another way to prevent heat from escaping from your home.
Add Insulation to Your Home
Adding insulation to your home can help to keep you warm. This is a good idea for older homes that may have lost some insulation over the years. It’s also a good idea if you live in a big city and have a cold concrete building with little insulation. Insulation will help prevent the heat from escaping and make your heating system more efficient. If you can’t add insulation, add a reflective foil behind radiators on external walls to reflect heat into the room and stop the walls from absorbing the heat.
Layer Up Blankets
There’s nothing cosier than a snuggly blanket on your bed, and there’s no reason why you can’t have them on the sofa too. You might want to invest in a couple of fleece blankets or throws, which are ideal for keeping warm during winter.
Add Carpets or Rugs to Floors
One of the easiest ways to keep your home warm and cosy is to add carpets or rugs to your floor. Carpets and rugs help insulate the floor and provide a softer surface for you to walk on. You can use any carpet or rug that you want, but thicker materials are better if you have children and pets running around your house.
Leave The Oven Open After Cooking
If you’ve just cooked a delicious meal and need to take the temperature down, leave the oven door open. Leaving the door open will allow any excess heat to escape and give you peace of mind that your home won’t get too warm while enjoying your meal.
Move About
One of the best ways to keep your body warm is to move about. Even if you’re not physically exerting yourself, just walking around or making small movements can increase blood flow and keep you warmer.
Laura x