12:00 AM 12th October 2024
lifestyle
How Can I Make Sure My Home Is Winter Ready?
Becky Lane Co-founder and CEO of Furbnow.
Solar panels and shadescpaing
After three consecutive harsh winters, people are more conscious about their fuel bills than ever. Coupled this with the winter fuel allowance being scrapped and a 10% hike in energy bills recently announced by Ofgem and homeowners are worried. It means the typical annual dual-fuel bill paid by direct debit will increase by £149 from £1,568 to £1,717.
As a result, more of us are likely to use less energy than we need this winter and ration our energy.
While they are helpful, we can’t just rely on budget gadgets to keep us warm such as electric blankets and thermal curtains. Homeowners need to start prioritising their comfort and look to save energy for the longer term. By strategically planning your upgrades, you can ensure maximum efficiency and comfort throughout the year and into the future.
My advice is don’t wait for temperatures to plummet. Tackle any leaks or poor insulation now to reduce the impact and ensure you are winter ready.
Leeds Homeowner
Here are my top 7 tips to ensure your home is ready for winter:
1.Turn down the dial if you can: Every degree you turn your thermostat down can save approximately 10% on your energy bill so consider trying to reach a temperature that’s comfortable and aim for one degree lower. However, if you have a health condition that could be made worse by the cold, you shouldn't set your thermostat lower than 21°C. Remember also that the weather changes daily and so too should the temperature on your thermostat setting.
2. Comprehensive home assessment: Undertaking a home energy assessment will identify potential issues like drafts, leaks, or inefficiencies that could become problematic in the later winter months. This whole house approach will give the solution suited to your property and break it down over time so it's not overwhelming, helping you to prioritise where the most heat is escaping.
3. Improved insulation: This is crucial for maintaining warmth and reducing energy costs during colder months. Proper insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces can significantly impact a home's energy efficiency. This will also make your home cooler in the summer.
4. Seal the gaps: Air sealing is the process of sealing gaps and cracks in the building’s structure, whether that’s around windows, doors or tending to cracks in the wall. By doing so homeowners can reduce energy loss and improve indoor air quality. This can have knock-on effects too for your own health, with less draughts and breezes you can avoid aches and pains or coughs and colds.
5. Energy-efficient windows: Upgrading to double or triple-glazed windows can drastically reduce heat loss and drafts, keeping the home warmer in winter. The warmer summer months are also the ideal time to do this, reducing disruption. If your windows are already in good shape, then draught proofing them to avoid heating the street is a great step.
6. Heating system maintenance and upgrades: Ensuring heating systems are in top condition before winter arrives is essential. This might include servicing existing systems or upgrading to more efficient models, like heat pumps.
7. Proactive planning and contractor scheduling: Tackling upgrades now allows homeowners to avoid the winter rush, potentially securing better rates and ensuring work is completed well before cold weather sets in. These considerations cover the major aspects of winter preparedness, focusing on keeping the home warm, reducing energy costs, and ensuring all systems are functioning optimally before the cold season arrives.
If you’d like to discuss your home’s energy efficiency performance with the experts, give Furbnow a call today 0330 165 6147 or click here. We survey, plan and manage your improvements - so you don't have to.
Becky Lane is the co-founder and CEO of Furbnow. She is also a Board Member at the Sustainable Housing Action Partnership – a not-for-profit organisation promoting best practice on the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable housing.