During the autumn and winter months, a common source of worry is staying warm at home.
Cranking up the heating can provide a real relief and keep you feeling cosy, but with energy bills skyrocketing for many people, any ways to cut costs are always welcome.
An estimated 1.7 million households have reportedly said they will not be turning their central heating on this winter due to rising energy costs.
But cold temperatures can lead to health issues and reduce the chances of a restful night’s sleep.
However, you don’t always need to rely on the heating in order to stay cosy.
Lisa Davis, Product Advisor at Opera Beds, says there are a couple of cost-effective tips for keeping your bedroom warm this winter without reaching for the thermostat.
And one of them doesn’t cost a penny – and anybody can do it. It’s as simple as just rearranging the furniture in your room.
Positioning your bed on interior walls is generally best, as these walls are less prone to temperature fluctuations and allow consistent warmth throughout the night.
You should also place the bed away from windows, as even the most insulated windows can lose heat and let in cold drafts. Avoid blocking radiators with furniture, which can limit their efficiency, and consider putting a rug on hard floors to add insulation and reduce heat loss.
Avoid blocking radiators with furniture, which can limit their efficiency, and consider putting a rug on hard floors to add insulation and reduce heat loss.
Another free hack to ensure you keep the heat in is to keep your curtains closed at a certain time.
Now the clocks have gone back it’s important to close curtains after the sun sets to retain warmth. Curtains with a thermal lining are particularly effective at insulating against cold air from windows.
The best curtain materials for retaining warmth are thick, heavy fabrics like wool, velvet or fleece. If you’re on a budget, try using a shower curtain behind regular curtains as an extra layer.
Finally, make sure to seal all draughts from windows and doors using weather stripping and window film, as this can have a much bigger impact than you might expect.
To find any draughts in your home you can feel for air movement around doors, windows, floorboards, beams, skirting boards, and air conditioning units. You can also use the easy trick of holding a lit match near potential leaks to see if it flickers.
Keep doors to unused rooms closed to concentrate warmth where you need it most and use a draught excluder to block chilly air from under doors.
