7 Ways To Make Heating More Efficient This Winter

Has the summer gone for good?

One word for our British summertime, at least for this year, could only be described as - absent. There was no such thing as the typical summery weather that we've known and come to love over the past few years. So, while you may not be ready to embrace the start of autumn already, it's coming and it's just around the corner. Then 'Game of Thrones' style - Winter is Coming (sure I laughed a little typing this).

There is a thing we’ve all learned last winter though: we can’t afford to go on without a proper heat management solution. If you’ve found that historically, your energy bill has gone through the roof - now’s the time to prepare for the next season.

source

Declutter

Before you crank up the heat, take a look around your living space. Is it cluttered with furniture, curtains, and other items blocking the airflow? Keeping your home organised and clutter-free is more than a stylish statement.

It can play a significant role in improving the circulation of heated air in winter. Indeed, there can be many obstructions to airflow inside your home, ranging from large items placed in front of radiators to cluttered areas that can absorb the heat.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to move your furniture around and remove the unnecessary to free up the air passage.

Service your radiators

This is a no-brainer. However... you’d be surprised to know that many homeowners still forget to maintain their radiators. Radiators are your home’s heating workhorses. So, you want to make sure they are in top condition for consistent, energy-efficient heating.

Thankfully, there’s still time to bleed your radiators before the start of the cold season. This will remove any trapped air, which could hinder their performance.

Service your boiler

It doesn’t matter how old your boiler is or if it is not under warranty anymore. Your boiler needs annual servicing to ensure it operates efficiently. With the majority of British homes still operating with a gas boiler, you can still reach out to British Gas engineers to arrange for professional servicing.

This is also the occasion to spot potential issues before it is too late and make repairs and replacements ahead of the winter season. Engineers are also trained to help you figure out whether it is time to change your boiler or not, especially if your old unit is not as efficient as it should be.

Upgrade your heating system

Most homeowners will be looking at switching to a new boiler if their current one is getting old. But, if you are considering a switch, why not look into better options energy-wise, such as heat pumps? Heat pumps are one of the most significant advancements in heating technology, extracting heat from the air or ground and distributing it throughout your home.

They are your best choice for consistent heating and reduced energy consumption, so now’s the right time to replace your old heating system with one of the most energy efficient heat pumps.

This would completely reinvent your heating system with a solution that is environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, and more convenient. Definitely worth investigating your options.

Improve your insulation

There is no denying that you can’t maintain a comfortable indoor temperature if your home isn’t properly insulated. While the main focus may be on draughts around the windows and doors, you may want to focus your attention on the hidden culprits.

You could be losing up to 30% of your heated air through the roof when the under-roof insulation isn’t effective anymore. Another issue is for homes with an adjacent garage, as the garage tends to be uninsulated.

This means that it will drop the temperature inside your home considerably. So, if you haven’t already, improving your insulation solution under the roof and in the garage will help reduce heat loss.

Add a warm focal point

While this may sound silly, the right decor can truly make your home feel warmer. You can use warm colours as a focal point in your interior design. Reds, oranges, and warm yellows can help create a cosy and warm atmosphere.

While this doesn’t mean you should redecorate your interior, you can certainly consider injecting some pop of strategic colours, such as adding a few bright red cushions on the sofa or using a warm yellow throw on the bed.

Control your humidity levels

How humid is your home? Let’s be honest, the average British home is either too humid if it's an old property or far too dry if it is a new build. We don’t seem to be able to manage humidity levels well inside our homes.

It can be beneficial to add a humidity sensor that you can adjust manually with a dehumidifier or a humidifier. Excess moisture can make it tough for the heated air to circulate through. While dry air is harder to heat and can feel colder than it is.

Hopefully, these few tips can help you keep your home cosy and warm this winter without breaking the bank.

Statement: Collaboration