1) Seal Gaps with Draught Proofing Techniques
One of the most effective ways to stay warm this winter is by draught-proofing your home. Gaps around windows and doors can let in cold air, causing your heating system to work harder and increasing energy costs. To prevent this, invest in draught excluders for doors and apply self-adhesive weatherstrips around window frames.
Gaps may also be due to poor installation. If you’re upgrading your windows and doors, it’s crucial to hire a professional who understands the technical aspects of the job. At Express Direct, we provide detailed fitting instructions for all our products, making installation easier for skilled tradespeople. However, if your installer isn’t familiar with terms like “toe and heeled” or lacks experience with fitting complex products such as bifold or sliding doors, we highly recommend using our sister company, Express Bi-folding Doors. They offer a comprehensive survey and fitting service to ensure everything is installed correctly.
Additionally, small cracks in floorboards and skirting boards can also contribute to heat loss. Use flexible fillers to seal these gaps and improve heat retention, making this an affordable way to keep your home warm.
2) Keep Radiators Efficient
With your windows and doors sorted, it’s important to ensure your radiators are working at their best. Over time, air can get trapped in your radiators, preventing them from heating efficiently. This is especially noticeable when radiators feel hot at the bottom but remain cold at the top.
Bleeding your radiators is a simple and quick task that can make a significant difference in how effectively your heating system works during the colder months. By using a radiator key to release the trapped air, you allow the hot water to circulate properly, improving heating efficiency and helping your home stay warmer throughout the winter. Regularly bleeding radiators can help maintain an even temperature in your home, saving energy and keeping your space comfortable even during the chilliest days.
3) Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Frames and Glazing
After addressing draughts, if you’re still feeling the chill, upgrading your windows and doors may be the next step. These are often the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss during the winter months. For a more energy-efficient solution, consider investing in thermally broken aluminium frames with toughened low-e double glazing. These high-performance materials significantly reduce heat transfer, helping to keep your home warmer for longer periods.
If a full upgrade isn’t possible right now, a more affordable option is to apply thermal film to your existing window and door glass. This temporary solution creates a barrier against heat loss, helping to maintain comfort while you plan for future upgrades. By combining effective draught-proofing with high-quality glazing, you’ll have a home that remains toasty and energy-efficient throughout the winter months.
4) Insulation is Key
Another essential step in keeping your home warm is making sure it’s properly insulated. Start by focusing on loft insulation, which prevents heat from escaping through the roof, ensuring your home stays warmer for longer. Wall insulation is also crucial, especially in older properties with solid walls that may lack modern insulation.
For homes with external patio doors such as French doors, bifold doors or sliding doors, it’s important to check that their frames are well-insulated and fitted with energy-efficient glass. Proper installation of these doors is key to preventing heat loss and keeping your home cosy throughout winter. Rugs and carpets are also great for adding insulation to hard floors, as they help retain heat while providing a softer, warmer surface underfoot.
5) Let the Sunlight In with Skylights
When it comes to maximising warmth from natural sources, skylights can be a game-changer during the winter months. By letting in natural light and solar heat, they help warm your home without relying entirely on central heating.
At Express Direct, our aluminium-framed skylights with thermal breaks and double glazing are especially effective. They provide excellent insulation, reduce unwanted draughts, and help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Plus, the additional daylight means you’ll rely less on artificial lighting, lowering energy costs and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. For more on how skylights can benefit your home during winter, check out our previous blog.
6) Smart Thermostats and Heating Controls
As you focus on the physical aspects of keeping your home warm, technology can also play a key role. Modern smart thermostats allow you to control your heating remotely, ensuring your home is warm when you need it and not when you don’t. Many systems even learn your daily routine, automatically adjusting the heating for maximum efficiency.
Advanced heating controls also let you programme different temperatures for various rooms, so you’re only heating the spaces you use. This can help reduce energy consumption and keep your home comfortably warm throughout the winter.
7) Maximise Heat Retention with Curtains and Blinds
When it comes to retaining warmth, don’t underestimate the power of your curtains and blinds. Thick curtains or thermal-lined blinds can help prevent heat from escaping through your windows. As soon as the sun sets, draw them to lock in the warmth. During the day, open them to let natural sunlight pour in, warming your rooms without relying on heating.
To further improve heat retention, pair bifold and sliding doors with integral blinds, which provide an additional layer of insulation. This combination helps your home stay cosy even as the temperature drops outside.
8) Add Comfort and Warmth with Home Accessories
While larger home improvements like insulation and glazing are important, it’s often the smaller touches that can make a substantial difference. Adding rugs and carpets to your floors doesn’t just reduce heat loss; it also adds a cosy, inviting feel to your home. Pair them with throws, cushions, and soft lighting to create a warm, welcoming space where you can truly unwind and escape the winter chill.
Staying warm in winter doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By implementing simple yet effective strategies like draught-proofing, improving insulation, and upgrading to aluminium windows and doors, you can create a more energy-efficient home without sacrificing comfort.
At Express Direct, we’re ready to help you upgrade and redefine your home. Visit one of our showrooms, chat with our expert team, and explore our range first-hand. With these tips and the right products, you can enjoy a cosy home all winter long.
