Five Ways To Heat Your Home This Winter

As we all know, the October energy price cap increase is here. With it has come increased stress and worry about keeping homes warm this winter. Sadly it’s something that commercial and domestic properties across the country will have to face. Although the £400 government heating grant will cover some of this cost, the price of living itself continues to rise which is something that will be in the back of many people’s minds.

 

According to the Chronicle Live, the average family could be looking at an increase of £129 per year on their gas and electricity bill, equating to around £2,100 per year – an extra £823 per year. This is certainly unsettling, so making sure you get the most out of your heating and energy in the coming months will prove beneficial.

 

This is why our Datel Electrical team, your local Newton Abbot electricians, has put together our tips and tricks to keep your home warm and minimise the use of your central or electric heating.

 

How Warm Should Your Home Be?

While this may be down to personal preference, heating your home isn’t just important for you, your family and your pet’s comfort, but also to keep you and your home healthy.

Not having your home heated to the optimum temperature during the colder winter months can lead to dampness creeping into your home, which can affect your home’s internal appearance and structure. While being constantly in a cold and damp environment can cause you and your family to develop health problems and become unwell. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that the ideal temperature for homes should be: 

 

• • 18 degrees celsius – for average families 

• • 20 degrees celsius – for young, unwell or elderly adults  

• • The temperature that feels comfortable – for healthy adults

Read on to find out how your local electricians manage to keep their homes warm during the winter.

5) Dimplex Night Storage Heaters

Datel Electrical’s Dimplex night storage heaters store heat overnight, using the cheaper night-time tariff and release the heat throughout the day. Install Dimplex night storage heaters with your qualified local electricians and heat your home in an energy-efficient way. 

 

Dimplex night storage heaters are an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home. The attractive radiator style heaters will emit heat throughout the day, keeping your home at a steady and comfortable temperature and can release heat when required.

4) Close Up Any Draughts

You’ll be surprised how much heat can escape and cold air can enter your home through tiny draughts and cracks throughout your property. The amount of warmth that can escape from beneath your doors and windows can be considerable, especially this winter. 

This simple, DIY task can help increase your home’s temperature significantly. You can close up any drafts in various ways, including:

 

• • Add draught excluders to the bottom of your doors

• • Add draught strips around the edges of your doors and windows 

• • Invest in an efficient letterbox flap that will prevent air from blowing through your home 

• • Put down soft pillows, rolled-up towels or blankets in front of doors and window ledges

• • Keep internal doors closed

3) Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

You should insulate your home every 15-20 years, so if you are unsure about the state of your home’s insulation, we recommend topping up, so you can benefit from a more efficient home this winter. 

Pipes – reduce the amount of heat lost and your hot water stays warmer for longer. Saving you money and energy on heating water too often. 

Walls – properly insulating your cavity walls helps your home retain its heat, creating an additional barrier between your living space and the outdoor temperatures. Attics – more than a quarter of your home’s heat is lost through the roof, by insulating your loft or attic, you can help trap your heat inside your home.

2) Use Your Soft Furnishings Smartly 

Are your sofas, bed or bookcases covering your home’s radiators? Make sure your radiator heat isn’t being blocked by large and bulky furniture. Even having half or less of your radiators blocked by furniture can reduce their efficiency in heating the room. 

Does your home have hardwood floors? Add a rug and notice how much heat stays in the room! Have lots of blankets, throws and cushions available throughout your home, so you and your guests can wrap up warm.

1) Use Your Oven

Finished cooking a delicious roast? Once everything is out of the oven, turn your oven off and leave the door open, allowing the hot air to circulate throughout the room. 

Using warm air in your oven can keep your kitchen warmer for longer. If your kitchen and dining room are open plan, this creates a warm space for you and your family or friends to enjoy your dinner.  Alternatively, if your kitchen is a separate room, why not have the oven door open and try and dry your washing in the warmer air, rather than sending your damp clothes to the tumble dryer?

Find Out How Your Local Electricians Can Help You This Winter

Struggling to heat your home this winter? Datel Electrical can offer various electrical heating alternatives, helping keep you and your family warm this winter without breaking the bank. Learn more about our Dimplex heaters, underfloor heating and electric boilers today. Contact your local Newton Abbot electricians on 01803 874074 or email us at info@datelelectrical.co.uk for your free, no-obligation quote.