The clocks go back this weekend, and there's a definite chill in the air! Many of us are noticing the house feels a little colder now, but with rising energy costs, we're also looking at ways to keep warmer without huge heating bills!
Comparing energy providers is always worth a shot - you can get a no-obligation quote from our Energy Comparison pages to see if you could save money.
If you're happy with the tariff you're already on, there are other things you can add to your home to help keep it warmer!
Thermal Curtains
Using your curtains to warm up your house in the winter is a relatively simple and cheap way to heat your home - low winter sun can keep rooms warmer during the day, and closing your curtains once the sun starts to set can help keep that heat in and stop internal heat from escaping. However, upgrading your curtains to thermal curtains could help keep your home 33% warmer! A thermal curtain over external doors can also help keep out drafts on a cold winter night.
You will need to measure the window or door you'd like to cover to make sure the curtains you purchase are adequate, and make sure you leave excess fabric in the width to accommodate handling and styling - this should be 1.5 times the hanging rod length as a minimum to look full.
We've bookmarked this Door Curtain*, which is both thermal and a blackout curtain, and available in a range of colours and sizes depending on your room!
Radiators
If you've put your heating on, it's only natural to want to make the most of the heat they are putting out. Make sure radiators aren't covered by furniture, as this can stop the heat from going into the room, but it's also important to consider heat escaping the other way. Radiator Insulation Foil* is designed to reflect heat back into the home rather than being absorbed by the wall it is mounted to. The manufacturer's testing found that 90% of heat is reflected! Make sure you measure before ordering to get the right size for the radiator, and recycle any offcuts!
Windows and Doors
Small gaps in windows and doors can let in a surprising amount of cold air, especially in older buildings, and the worst bit is, you might not realise the gap is there or the seal has perished until the temperature drops! Draft excluders to go along the bottom of doors are available in many shops, but did you know draft excluder tape is also a thing? This is available in the style of a window sealant that sits inside the frame, and also in the form of a wider tape*, which is ideal for windows and doors a like, and can help keep out cold air, moisture, and also dust!
Portable Heaters
If you're looking to add a heat boost to just one room of your home, a portable heater can help! A good heater that heats up fast can add a little extra warmth to an enclosed area throughout the day without needing to keep the heating on! We've picked out this Electric Heater*, which is compact and easy to store, quiet, and has built-in tip-over protection for added peace of mind. Plus, it comes with a remote control, meaning it's easy to turn on and off when needed!
Hot Water Bottles
Sometimes, the classics can't be beaten, and a hot water bottle can make a huge difference. If you don't fancy a heated blanket or foot warmers, a good old hot water bottle can help keep you warm and make getting into bed more comfortable, without needing to be plugged in. We've picked out this hot water bottle, which is actually a microwaveable wheat bag*! This makes it a lot easier to use, and a lot more comfortable when it goes cold than a water-filled option. Plus, this one is lavender-scented, making it extra relaxing at bedtime!
Editorial Disclaimer:
This blog is for general information only and is not advice or a recommendation. Please do your own research before making any decisions.
Links marked with * may be affiliate or tracking links, meaning we may earn a commission if you click through or make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
We are not responsible for third-party content and are not affiliated with third-party providers unless stated. We do not guarantee the accuracy, quality, availability, or suitability of any products or services. Information may change over time.