Dark evenings, plunging temperatures – no matter how much we try to ignore it, there’s no denying the fact that winter is almost upon us once more. After the uncertainty of the Northern Irish summer (what ever happened to that elusive heatwave?), in some ways the arrival of winter is a relief – finally, a season that does exactly what it says on the tin. But in other ways, the prospect of months and months of cold, dark days can be somewhat depressing – not to mention worrying with the rising cost of home heating.
At a time like this, home is a bolthole to escape to at the end of a long day, somewhere to snuggle up away from wind and rain, a place to feel warm and comfy no matter what it’s doing outside. Whether it’s practical jobs to help reduce your fuel bills or decorating tips to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, there are lots of ways to winter-proof your home – and here are some ideas…
Insulate!
Extra insulation is a sure-fire way to make your home more energy efficient so make sure yours is adequate – it’s estimated that if every home in the UK topped up their loft insulation to 270mm, it would save £520m on home heating bills each year! (Source: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk). Insulating exposed pipes and your hot water tank also saves energy and money – there are even grants available to help towards the cost of home insulation, depending on your circumstances. New homes for sale or rent in Northern Ireland due to EU regulations now require EPC’s (energy performance certificates) – which we offer as a service.
Of course, not all forms of insulation are so obvious – adding heavier curtain linings, for example, can reduce the amount of heat lost from a room, as can the use of draught excluders in doorways etc. These little tips are especially important if yours is an older property as these are notoriously draughty.
Heat efficiently
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More than 80 percent of home energy use is for heating and hot water so it’s important to make sure you’re using your heating system in the most efficient way possible. If your current boiler is more than ten years old chances are it’s not as energy efficient as some of the newer models – which means it’s costing you money and upgrading is a good idea! Even if you’ve got a newer boiler, it’s important to ensure it’s serviced regularly for maximum efficiency.
Using thermostats for radiators and hot water also means you won’t waste energy unnecessarily – the ideal temperature for a living room is 21°C, for bedrooms it’s 18°C and hot water is best kept at around 60°C. Finally, don’t forget to use your heating timer to ensure it’s only on when you need it.
Wrap up!
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Sounds obvious but now is the time to quite literally feather your nest! Have your summer weight duvet cleaned and pack it away until next year, replacing with a higher tog one for chilly winter nights. Consider adding scatter rugs to tiled or wooden floors – you can buy sheets of non-slip backing to keep them in place and improve safety. Finally, accessorise your sofa with one or two cosy blankets or throws – perfect for curling up under. If you’re lucky enough to have an open fire, keep the log basket filled and the matches to hand for truly snuggly winter evenings!
The illusion of warmth
Just as important as creating actual warmth in a room is creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Colour and texture are key here; choose soft, earthy tones such as creams, browns and berry shades to offset the cooling effect of harsh winter sunlight, and add chunky rugs, cushion covers and throws for texture and depth. Lighting is important too – accent lighting in the form of wall lights and floor or table lamps will cast pools of light that emphasise the feeling of warmth much more than glaring ceiling lights. Candlelight will also give a cosy glow – and those featuring comforting, homely scents are ideal for creating an atmosphere that appeals to the senses.
