Being frugal with your money can be hard in the winter, especially when it gets very cold. With the rising energy and heat prices, it can be difficult to justify turning the heating on if you are on a budget. There are lots of different ways you can keep or produce heat in your house, here are a few tips and tricks for a warm house without turning the heating on.
1. Windows
There are lots of different ways that the windows in your house may be costing you heating. First of all, make sure all your windows closed completely. It can be easy to forget that one of your windows gapes a little in the summer but in the winter you need to have sealed windows to retain heat. Curtains can be an incredibly important feature for winter heating, a set of thick heavy curtains will block any air coming through and will instantly make the room warmer, just remember to open them to let any quick bursts of sunlight in. If you cannot afford a set of thick curtains then a cheap shower curtain has great material that will keep the cold air out, and the warmth of the sun will heat your house without you having to open them.
2. Shut that door
Surprisingly, having any open doors in your house will make your house colder. An unused room with an open door, like the bathroom or a spare room, will cause air to circulate in that room. This means that the heat that is in the house will have to travel further before it reaches you. Close all doors and create a barrier between you and the bitter winds outside. If you find that the doors in your house are especially drafty, you’ll be amazed how much an old fashioned draught excluder will stop that chill from entering your room.
3. Make your own heat
A great way to make your house feel warm is it expose yourself to the bracing outdoors. Wrap up in layers and go for a brisk walk to the shops and come back to your house for a piping hot drink. You’ll be surprised how much this works if you are very cold, the transition from freezing cold to room temperature will make your house seem like a sauna.
However, occasionally the heating does need to go on and it is always best to make sure you have quality heating in place for when that happens. Places like Castle Home Comfort (who can be found here https://castlehomecomfort.com/) are there to help make sure your heating system is functioning efficiently because this can help you keep your monthly costs down. Just know that if you have tried all the tips and tricks and you are still cold, it is more dangerous to leave the heating off than spend a few pennies. Cold houses often lead to burst pipes and that’s a whole other problem. Make sure that your heater or boiler is insured as well, Energy Helpline provide quotes on heating insurance, as there is nothing worse than finally resorting to turning the heating on, only to find that it is broken.
Heating in the winter can cost a lot, especially if you turn it on casually. The next time you want to turn your heating on, make sure that you couldn’t warm up the house by yourself and think about those extra pennies you’re saving.