You might think it’s slightly early to think about how to keep warm over the winter months, however now is the best time to start planning! Companies and trades specialising in energy use, ventilation and heat usually get very booked up in the colder months, so ensure your home is prepared for the cold weather by thinking ahead.
It’s also important that you check your home each year and don’t get complacent, as new builds will take time to settle and older properties can need regular maintenance to reduce heat loss.
How can you check your home is efficient?
Air tightness testing
It’s a good idea to consider having air tightness tests done in your home before the cold weather kicks in, as this allows you to identify whether there are any bad draughts in your home. If air leaks and draughts are identified, you can then get these addressed before winter and ensure that by the time the cold months come around, you won’t be losing any heat or energy.
Thermographic surveys
Thermographic surveys determine any hot and cold areas in your home and can see if there are any air leaks coming from certain areas, such as windows, in your home. Each survey gives you the opportunity to make practical changes if improvements are necessary, for example, installing double glazing.
Review current certifications
When you bought your property, you should have received an energy rating and the results of a property survey. Refer to the results to see if any recommendations were made at the time that were non-essential, but may be becoming more necessary as time goes on.
Do you own or are buying a new build?
Typically, you are more likely to be affected by insufficient air flow and heat loss in older buildings as all new builds must meet minimum standards and certification should be presented to advise you on the energy ratings. As an energy conservation company, we often complete extensive thermographic surveys and air tightness testing in new build developments to ensure they are suitable for sale.
This is a priority for both us and property developers, as well as for anyone buying a new build. While you should be able to buy a new build in confidence, should you feel unsure, you can contact us to test readings and confirm that you have no issues that could be lowering the temperature of your home.
Everyday tips to keep in heat
If your home is keeping in heat in an efficient way, there are other everyday ways you can stay warm in winter to have better control on your energy bills:
Keep doors shut
Having doors open around the home can cause draughts to flow between rooms, making it feel colder. Shutting the doors of the room you are in will contain the heat and not allow it to escape.
Wrap up warm
If you want to save on heating bills, the easiest and cheapest way to do this is to wrap up warm. Wear a couple of extra layers, such as a jumper and thermal socks, and snuggle up in a blanket to keep warm. Maybe treat yourself to a cup of tea or hot chocolate too!
Double glazing
If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to invest in double glazing. Although the initial outlay may seem expensive, the money you can save through using less energy to heat your home makes it well worth the investment. They also have the benefit of being more soundproof than single glazed glass.
Service your boiler
Boilers are notorious for giving up the go just in time for the freezing weather to begin, so now is the best time to look at getting yours serviced to ensure that all is in good working order. Signs your boiler may need to be serviced, repaired or replaced include unusual noises, a strange smell and increasing fuel bills.
Book our services
If you‘re worried that as winter approaches you may start to feel the cold because your home isn’t as energy efficient as it could be, get in touch with us with us and we can help determine how you can reduce heat loss in your home. In turn, this will also reduce your energy bills.