Energy bills are projected to rise by 65% in October and many people are looking to cut back over the winter months. To help you save on your bills this winter, you may schedule a heating service to make your heating system more energy-efficient. Regular residential heating services may also help identify any mechanical issues with your heating system that potentially affect its functionality and efficiency.
It is estimated that 23% of Brits will go without heat this winter, so without solely relying on heating your home, there are some small changes you can make to try and stay warm.
With this in mind, Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture and Choice shares five interior hacks you need to be adding to your home to help reduce your energy bill this winter.
- Reposition your living room furniture
The placement of furniture in your home can play a huge part in retaining heat during those winter months. To increase warmth in your living space, keep furniture away from column radiators to allow the radiator heat to travel freely around the room.
If possible, place your furniture against internal walls during those colder months, to avoid being in close proximity to cool air travelling through the external walls.
- Add in warm furnishings
Adding warm accessories into your home is an inexpensive and energy-efficient way to prevent the loss of heat during winter. Thick curtains will help reduce cold drafts coming from your windows by creating a barrier that will limit air flow from windows. Try opting for curtains with a thermal lining for added heat retention. It is especially important to keep your curtains closed during those cold nights as this will prevent heat loss while you sleep.
Don’t forget about other decorative accessories such as fluffy cushions and throws that can be added to your sofa. They not only make your living room look nice, but they will keep you warm on those cold winter nights.
- Add some shelving to your radiator
Adding a shelf just above your radiator not only looks great but it can help to distribute the radiators heat more effectively and evenly. Rather than heat rising straight up to the ceiling, the shelf acts as a barrier and helps to shift the heat around the room much more freely.
Using a shelf above your radiator include a number of benefits, one being the extra heat, so be mindful what you put on the shelf.
- Place a rug in your room
Bare wooden floor can result in up to 10% of heat loss in your home, especially if they aren’t properly insulated. Adding a thick rug to your space will help to stop any warm air from escaping through the floorboards and create a cosy, warm feel underneath your feet.
Keep in mind how much traffic your room will get and how quickly the rug may become worn. If it’s a busy area, try opting for a more hard-wearing rug.
- Don’t forget a draft excluder
While most UK households will use the heating when they need it, another efficient way to help your home retain some heat is by using a draft excluder. Place your excluder at your front door as this will block cold air from entering your home.
A draft excluder can also be used for internal doors, garage and conservatory doors and even your windows. They now come in an array of different fabrics and styles so you can opt for one that makes your home feel inviting and cosy. Then the application of garage door draught excluders is a straightforward DIY project. They are easy to install and usually come with detailed instructions. For a reliable product, I’d suggest checking out this option from https://lowenergysupermarket.com/product/garage-door-bottom-brush-draught-excluder/.
