Simple Improvements to Keep in Heat & Save on Energy
With the winter season rapidly approaching, now is the best time to assess whether or not your home is staying sufficiently warm. If you had a difficult time staying warm last winter, it’s time for one or more updates to your home. Keeping your house at the proper temperature is not only essential to your comfort, but staying warm is also important for your health. Thankfully, there are simple updates that can be made to your place to ensure that it stays warm through even the chilliest of temperatures.
Need ideas for where to begin updating your home’s heating mechanisms? Explore five exceptional ideas for creating a cosy and comfortable home this winter.
Installing Loft Insulation is a Simply DIY Job Anyone Can Do. Image credit: CSE
Make Sure your Home is Properly Insulated
If you live in an older home that has difficulties maintaining a satisfactory temperature, you might need to update your insulation. Depending on the degree to which your home is lacking insulation, you might still feel chilly even when your thermostat is turned up to a high temperature. This is because up to 50% of the heat in your home can escape when you have improper insulation. Updating inefficient insulation will address the root cause of this problem.
If you live in a home that has older style loft insulation, it is possible to replace with new, efficient insulation as a DIY project. You will first need to measure the length and width of your loft. After recording the measurements, purchase the number of blanket insulation rolls needed to fit your loft. Installing the insulation is also quite simple, as it does not require many tools or extensive expertise.
Those who have insulation within the walls of their homes, however, will need to hire professional help in completing any updates. Since wall insulation is added by filling wall cavities with EPS foam beads, expert knowledge and equipment is needed for the job.
Is It Time You Ditched Your Old Inefficient Windows? Image credit: Kitson Windows
Replace Old, Draughty Windows
Do you feel a bit of cold air each time you walk by certain windows in your home? Are you stumped as to why your home cannot seem to hold heat in the cooler months of the year? If your answer is ‘yes’ to either question, it might be time to upgrade your windows.
You can choose to replace window frames or the glazing with energy-efficient designs. Energy-efficient glazing is added to modern windows, which helps keep more heat inside your home. In addition to a warmer home, windows with low-emissivity glass in particular carry added benefits. These windows are more environmentally-friendly, and reduce the cost of monthly energy bills.
Many Modern Fireplaces Are Beautiful & Energy Efficient. Image credit: Modus
Add Extra Sources of Heating
Another issue in keeping your home warm are your sources of heating. If you are finding it challenging to heat certain parts of your home with your current heating system, it might be time to explore added heating. Depending on your home’s individual needs, consider expanding or replacing your current source(s) of heating. Whether you add space heaters, an efficient wall mounted fireplace, or a brand new central heating system, new or updated heating elements could be the answer to keeping your home warm this winter.
Modern Technology Enables You to Control Your Homes Heat Anywhere. Image credit: Honeywell
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Thermostats that require manual adjustments make it challenging to stay comfortable. When going to bed, you may lower the temperature so that you can achieve restful sleep. However, upon waking, that same temperature that was perfect for sleep may feel frigid upon waking. The answer to this dilemma? A programmable thermostat. This simple and relatively affordable update can make a positive impact on your energy costs and comfort level in every season.
Getting Clean Solar Energy is Much Easier & Cheaper Than You Think. Image credit: NHPR
Explore Free Sources of Energy
Traditional sources of energy are no longer the only sources. With daily advancements in technology, there are new and different ways to power your home for little to no cost. One of the latest and most efficient options for residential property owners is solar energy. Installing solar panels is low stress, cost-efficient, and requires no permits or planning consent. While there is an initial investment to purchase and install solar panels, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Once installed, the energy captured and utilised by solar panels can keep your home at the perfect temperature year-round.
Additionally, solar energy is environmentally-friendly. When you switch to this method of heating for your home, you reduce your individual impact on the environment. According to the Energy Saving Trust, it is estimated that the average home solar PV system saves “1.5 to 2 tonnes of carbon per year.”
Feel Comfortable All Season Long
The arrival of chilly temperatures shouldn’t have to mean that you also feel chilly. Instead, make it a priority to review the needs of your home and fix the root cause of your home’s heating issues. With one or more quick and simple adjustments, your home can once again feel comfortable all season long.
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