The year 2021 has flown by at an alarming rate and while the end of the year brings us merry festivities and a chance to spend time with our loved ones, it also brings earlier darkness and cold weather. But there are ways you can prepare for the drop in temperature by ‘winterising’ your home...
Here’s how you can make your home winter-friendly for the colder months...
Make some small changes
Turn it down a notch!
If you’re looking for ways to keep warm whilst simultaneously keeping your bills down, it might be a good idea to turn your thermostat dial down, even if it’s just by one degree. You’ll still be kept nice and toasty in the colder months, but chances are you won’t even really notice much of a difference in the temperature of your room and it could save you significant amounts on your energy bills.
Upgrade your curtains...
Another way to heat up your home on a budget is to change your curtains. It sounds simple, really, but you’d be surprised at how much of a difference this can make. If you invest in a good set like the ones available at John Lewis which promise to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, they will last you all year round. If you prefer blinds to curtains, no worries; you can also get thermal blinds!
Invest in some thermal gadgets and accessories
Reduce radiator heat loss
Ever wondered why you sometimes still feel chilly even when the radiators are on full blast? The wall behind the radiator can absorb the heat energy it emits. Enter Radflek…Their slogan is ‘don’t waste warmth’ and rightly so. These nifty radiator reflectors reflect 95% of the heat that would otherwise be absorbed by your wall and wasted back into your room. They’re quick and easy to install and could cut your heating bills by reducing the overall amount of heat loss in your home. You don’t need to worry about these innovative reflectors looking ugly and ruining your room's stylishness, as they’re discreetly hidden behind your radiator.
Get cosy
From electric blankets to thermal bedding, there are all sorts of accessories you can buy to make your bedroom warmer and snugglier in the colder climes. Not only do electric blankets consume a relatively low amount of energy, but they are also great for your well-being and are said to encourage increased blood flow and relieve muscle pain.
Keep the cold air outside
Draft excluders will help keep the cold from passing under your front door. Consider buying a brush draft excluder like these ones from Wickes, or opt for a more stylish alternative like this one from John Lewis. If you really want to inject some fun into your home this winter, check out this cute dog draught excluder!
For the kids
There are some fantastic home accessories out there specifically designed for ensuring your kids are kept warm in the winter, like the popular Tommee Tippee digital room thermometer which allows you to keep an eye on your child’s room temperature. Cute microwavable plush toys or fluffy child-friendly hot water bottles are also fun must-haves as the weather turns colder.
For the balcony
When it comes to ‘winterfying’ your outdoor space, the obvious answer is to buy outdoor blankets, light candles, and wrap up warm. But if you are also growing plants or herbs on your balcony, you may want to also consider getting a tabletop terrarium or a mini greenhouse like this practical one from Garden Trading which comes with a shelf for extra storage. A mini greenhouse will help your plants to thrive in the colder weather by keeping them insulated without taking up too much space.
