- Make sure your home is draught-proofed. Sealing gaps in your windows and doors using draught excluders or sealant can prevent warm air from escaping your home, reducing your heating bills in the process.
- Insulate your pipes. This is a quick and inexpensive way to reduce heat loss, especially in areas where pipes may be exposed.
- Install an intelligent thermostat. This can automatically adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule, helping you save on energy bills and avoid unnecessary heating.
- Replace your blinds or curtains. Thick, lined curtains or blinds can help keep your heat in during colder months while also adding to your decor.
- Install carpets using underlay. Carpets and underlays provide an extra layer of insulation to your flooring, keeping your home warmer and more comfortable.
- Change your furniture around. Moving furniture away from radiators and heaters can help increase heat circulation in your home, making it feel warmer and reducing your heating bills.
- Improve your loft and roof insulation. Proper insulation can help prevent heat from escaping through your roof and loft spaces.
- Install more floor insulation. This is especially useful if you have a concrete floor, which can be cold and difficult to insulate.
Make your home draught-proofed
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to insulate your home is to make it draught-proof. Drafts can creep in through gaps around windows, doors, and pipelines. Use a sealant like caulk or weatherstripping to cover any cracks, gaps, or holes. You can also use door seals and draft excluders to reduce the amount of cold air coming into your home. Pro tip: A great way to find areas that need to be sealed is to use a lit candle and hold it near any suspect drafts. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft.Insulate your pipes
If you have pipes running throughout your home, particularly in colder areas like the basement or garage, insulating them can be a cost-effective way to keep the heat inside your home. You can purchase foam tubes designed for pipe insulation at most hardware stores. These can be easy to install yourself, and they are an inexpensive option that can save you money in the long run. Pro tip: Burst pipes can be costly to repair, so investing in pipe insulation can pay off big time.Opt for an intelligent thermostat
Installing an intelligent thermostat is a relatively low-cost solution that can help you save money on your energy bills. These smart thermostats allow you to set automated temperatures for your home. Some even have learning capabilities that can adjust the temperature based on your behavior, helping you save energy and money. Pro tip: Some energy companies offer rebates or discounts on smart thermostats, so check with yours before making a purchase.Revamp your window treatments
Your curtains and blinds can play a significant role in how much heat stays inside your home. Heavy curtains or blinds can act as an additional barrier to keep the cold air out and the warm air inside. You can also purchase window insulation kits, which are designed to fit over your windows and create an air pocket that acts as insulation. Pro tip: Look for curtains with thermal backing, which are specifically designed to provide insulation.Install underlay with your carpets
Carpeted floors can be an excellent insulator, particularly if they are laid on top of underlay. Underlay can help trap air pockets between the carpet and the floor, acting as an additional barrier between the cold ground and the warm air inside your home.- Choose a thicker underlay for better insulation.
- Consider eco-friendly options like wool or felt underlay.