Top Tips to Help Keep You Warm in Winter

While big steps like loft insulation and double-glazing can significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency and,therefore, help keep the heat in, there are many less costly and less disruptive measures to keep you warm this winter.

In the following blog, we’ll explore some of the best tips to keep warm this winter that won’t break the bank. Some measures are even free. Let’s begin!

One of the best ways to keep warm is to simply get into good habits like closing doors. By closing doors throughout the day, but especially in the evening time, you can, of course, help keep the heat in. 

Also, if you’re opening windows (e.g. to air out the space, which is important), be sure not to leave them open for an unnecessarily long period of time.

2. Wear Extra Layers

Layering up is no substitute for turning the heat on when needed (especially if you have individuals living in your home who are more vulnerable to the cold, such as a baby).

With that said, where possible and safe, popping on more layers (i.e. not just one thick item of clothing) can help keep you warm. Along with wearing several thick pieces of clothing, such as a dressing gown and an extra jumper, you may want to have a blanket or duvet around you when sitting on the sofa, for instance.

However, as touched on, you should still turn the heating on on especially cold days. Wearing extra layers is suited to allow you to keep your heating on for less time on cold but not very cold days. 

3. Bleed Radiators

There are also measures you can take to improve and better maintain your heating system. For example, you should bleed your radiators (or hire a professional to bleed them) annually as the weather starts to get cold or sooner if necessary. In some cases, a household may bleed their radiators twice a year, regardless.

Bleeding radiators are a process that involves removing air pockets from within radiators, allowing them to heat up more evenly and effectively. As a result, bleeding radiators can improve your heating system’s performance and help keep you warm in the winter.

If undertaking the work DIY, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a T. If in any doubt as to what is involved, hire a professional. On average, it costs between £70 and £100 to have 5-10 radiators bled or £100 and £150 for 10-15 radiators.

4. Power Flushing Your Heating System

Note: You cannot undertake this work DIY. Instead, you musthire a professional to have your heating system power flushed.

Another step that can improve your heating system is having its power flushed. Power flushing a heating system involves professionally utilising water and chemicals to flush your central heating system at high speed and low pressure in order to clear it out of sludge, rust and debris.

It is best to have your heating system power flushed once every five to six years or more often if necessary. Those with high-end heating systems may find a power flush every eight to 10 years will be sufficient.

On average, it should cost somewhere in the region of £300 and £500 to have a heating system power flushed.

5. Adding Draught Excluders

You should also consider fitting draught excluders in suitable parts of your home (i.e. gaps around windows and doors). Draught excluders can help improve how well-sealed rooms are, preventing draughts from entering and keeping these spaces warmer.