One of the biggest problems in the winter is heat loss. You can have your heating system on for hours and create a warm home. But, as soon as you turn it off the temperature starts to drop as all the warm air escapes.
That means the heating needs to go back on. But, if your home was better insulated you’d be able to retain much of that heat and reduce the cost of your energy bills. That has to be worth considering!
In fact, your windows and doors can make a big difference.
Replacing Them
The first thing to consider, especially if your doors and windows are old, is to replace the entrance doors and your windows. New doors have high-rated double, or even triple, glazing. This effectively creates an air cushion between two panes of glass. This reduces the ability of warm air to leave your home, helping to maintain the temperature.
The same is true of your door. A new door doesn’t just offer better insulation levels, it should also fit perfectly and effectively eliminate any gaps that allow air in.
Of course, the fact that a new door looks good inside and out is simply a bonus!
You will need professional help to replace the doors and windows. However, if you’re replacing single-pane glass you should check to see if there are any grants available. This can help reduce the cost of replacing your doors and windows.
Letting The Light In
If replacing the doors and windows isn’t an option at this stage then there are other ways in which you can help the heat to stay inside your home instead of escaping through the windows.
Remove Screens
Screens are essential in the summer months to keep the flies and mosquitoes out of your home. However, these pests are not an issue in the cooler winter months, this means you can carefully remove your window screens and store them somewhere safe until the spring.
You’ll notice the house is flooded with light. Not only does the light help you to feel more positive, but it will also increase the temperature in your home, without costing you a cent!
Add Storm Windows
If you have single-pane glass then you can add storm windows to your existing frames. These are much cheaper than replacing the windows and they’ll create the same type of insulation through trapped air, that double glazing does.
Storm windows simply clip into place and can then dramatically reduce your energy bills.
Use Curtains
Removing the screens allows the light and heat in. However, it also allows the heat to escape easier, especially at night time as the evening cools. You can actually prevent much of this heat loss by investing in some heavy curtains for your windows.
This works on the same principle as the giant tapestries they use to hang in castles, it blocks drafts from coming in and helps to bounce the existing heat around the room. Again, after purchasing the curtains, (or making them yourself), this will cost nothing but it will reduce your energy bills.
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