With rapidly rising energy costs increasing the utility bills of individual homeowners and threatening the closure of thousands of small businesses, energy efficiency has never been such a pressing issue in the United Kingdom. Luckily, there are some easy ways to keep our homes and businesses warm throughout the winter months and save on heating bills without breaking the bank:
Look at getting new curtains designed for heat retention – Perhaps the cheapest and easiest way to keep your property warm in the winter is to invest in high-quality curtains which are designed to retain heat. By using thick, heavy curtains (and drawing them at dusk), you can reduce the amount of hot air lost via your windows by up to 25%.
Consider a more renewable and sustainable source of heat transfer – By replacing your existing heating system with a more environmentally-friendly alternative like an air source heat pump, which works by converting cold outside air into hot air and water for the home, you can make significant savings, do your bit for the environment and keep your property warm through the winter. While investing in renewable heat can be fairly expensive, this is sure to save you money in the long run.
Have the correct insulation, especially in places that can leak heat – Properly insulating your property is one of the most efficient ways to keep warm in the winter and reduce energy outgoings – this is especially true in the UK, which has some of the most poorly-insulated housing stock in Europe. When insulating your property, try to focus on those areas that are most likely to ‘leak’ heat – installing interior and exterior insulation in problem areas such as your roof, walls, or loft can have an instant effect on the warmth of your property, especially in those wet and punishing winter months.
Installing triple-glazed windows is an effective way to stop heat loss during winter – Because your windows are usually the primary source of draughts in the home and workplace, it’s essential that you install triple glazing if your budget allows. If you don’t feel like bringing a contractor into your property, you can easily start the job yourself by applying weatherstripping to the windowpanes and filling any cracks or holes with sealant. When combined with suitable interior/exterior insulation and thick curtains, triple-glazed windows can go a long way in retaining heat and helping to keep your home comfortably toasty through the winter.
