Date Published 09 December 2024
Winter is here, and while it brings cosy nights by the fire and the excuse to drink hot chocolate on repeat, it also means battling draughts, frozen pipes, and sky-high energy bills. But fear not—we're here to share some practical (and slightly humorous) tips to winter-proof your home without emptying your wallet.
1. Draughts: Your Unwanted House Guests
Draughts have a knack for sneaking in, no matter how much you ignore them. The good news? You don't need to splash out on expensive solutions. A trusty draught excluder (or even a rolled-up towel!) can do wonders for keeping the chill out. Bonus points if you go for one of those sausage-dog-shaped ones—they're practical and adorable.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
Radiators full of air are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. If your radiators are colder at the top than the bottom, it's time to bleed them. Don't worry—it's not as messy as it sounds. All you need is a radiator key and a steady hand. Think of it as your radiator having a little post-Christmas detox.
3. Keep the Heat In (and the Bills Down)
Curtains aren't just for show. Closing them when it gets dark can help trap heat in your home. If you've got thin curtains, think of adding thermal linings—your living room will thank you when the frost sets in. And yes, hanging a blanket over the front door is a look, but it works!
4. Lag Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are every homeowner's winter nightmare. Pipe lagging (essentially a foam jacket for your pipes) can help prevent them from freezing. It's cheap, easy to fit, and will save you from defrosting your kitchen with a hairdryer come January.
5. Embrace the Power of Rugs
Cold floors make getting out of bed that much harder. Lay down a few rugs, especially on hard floors, to add warmth. Plus, you can pretend you're living in a luxury chalet instead of a semi in the suburbs.
6. Chimney Draft Stoppers
If you're not using your fireplace, a chimney draught excluder is a game-changer. No more icy air whistling through while you're trying to watch Strictly Come Dancing.
Winter-proofing your home doesn't have to cost a fortune or require hours of DIY. A few small tweaks can make your home warmer, your bills lower, and your winter a little more bearable.
Now, where's that hot chocolate?
