An interiors expert has revealed four simple ways to make our homes feel warmer and to combat the increasingly dropping temperatures this winter with these easy hacks
Heating the home is on many of our minds, specially as the temperature is set to drop further and even hit minus figures in the next couple of weeks. Yet warming your property can prove challenging as temperatures approach single digits, and it can be made worse when the home isn’t insulated or radiators aren’t functioning effectively.
As the chill of winter takes hold, many homeowners across the UK find themselves relying heavily on their heating systems, only to still feel a persistent cold in their homes or to see large heating bills when they haven’t felt the benefit. Our homes might be poorly insulated or even have small problems with everything from floorboards to where our curtains are placed, but an interiors expert has revealed four ways to make our homes feel warmer and to combat the dropping temperatures this winter.
The first is drafty floorboards, and whilst many of us will be no strangers to using draught excluders or keeping an eye on drafts from our windows, we don’t often look at the floor beneath us.
Chloe Barrow, an interior expert from Laura James, said: “Another hidden culprit is poorly insulated floorboards. We always remember to check doors and windows but floorboards are so often forgotten.
“Even a small draft can counteract the effect of central heating, making your home feel colder than it should.
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“To test for drafts, run a hand along gaps in your wooden floorboards. If you notice a chill, applying draught-proofing tape or sealant can be an inexpensive fix.
“For larger gaps in floorboards, consider using a floor filler or draught excluder to prevent cold air from seeping in.”
Another issue we could be facing could be down to our interior decorating and where we place items in the room, including our curtains.
Chloe said: “A common mistake we see is furniture or curtains positioned too close to the radiators.
“While it might seem practical to have furniture near a heat source, these items can actually absorb a significant amount of warmth that would otherwise circulate through the room.
“The same goes for long curtains, which can trap heat behind them, preventing it from spreading across the space.
“Instead, I would suggest rearranging furniture to leave a few inches between the radiator and nearby items, allowing heat to flow unimpeded.”
If you’re using heavy curtains to keep out drafts, Chloe urges to make sure they’re not draped directly over radiators.
She said: “They should end just above, so warmth isn’t trapped behind fabric. Although this isn’t necessarily the in-style way to have draping curtains, if heat is your top priority, this simple adjustment can improve your room’s warmth significantly.”
Another heat loss culprit can be the thermostat, with people not remembering to update their settings.
Chloe said: “This is a time many of us in the home and interiors industry know about, but it’s so often forgotten or not considered by the general public.
“Make sure to set a consistent, moderate temperature rather than constantly adjusting. A smart thermostat can offer more precise control, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature without using excessive energy.”
Those with period homes should also be conscious of heat loss, due to inconsistent insulation such as poorly insulated walls or loft spaces.
Chloe added: “Even with the heating on, a home can lose up to 35% of its warmth through poorly insulated areas.
“If you think this could be your home’s main culprit for a consistent chill, I recommend consulting with a specialist to assess your home’s insulation needs.
“If budget is a concern, many homeowners in the UK are eligible for grants or subsidies that make adding insulation more affordable.
“This is one of the best long-term investments you can make for a warm, energy-efficient home, so if you can afford it or think you’ll be successful in a grant application, I would hugely recommend going for it.”
