This week has been a cold reminder of just how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. The polar vortex has been making its presence felt all over the UK and even the more fortunate parts have noticed a drop in the temperature.
With the “Beast from the East” set to stay with us for the rest of the week and with some parts of the country under amber alert, here are some of our tips on how to keep yourself warm and cosy until the cold snap passes.
1. Make use of your curtains
Although this week the sun was a rarity, it’s good practice to keep your curtains open during the day in order to let the sunlight in and make use of its free heat. As the night settles in, shut your curtains as they will act as another layer of protection and help keep your room warm. If you are able to, check that you don’t have any gaps that will allow condensation to form and the warmth to be lost.
2. Block out the draughts
There are many simple DIY solutions that can help you preserve the heat in your home. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that DIY draught-proofing your doors, windows and cracks in the floor could save you £25 per year. Check your doors and windows and make sure they are properly sealed. If you notice any problems, using self-adhesive rubber seals around doors and windows and door draught excluders can help reduce the heat that is lost and keep the cold air out.
3. Bleed your radiators
Sometimes air gets trapped at the top of your radiator stopping the hot water from rising. This in turn reduces the efficiency of your radiator and makes you spend more to be warm. Using a radiator bleed key open the valve on the top and you will hear air hissing. The moment water starts to drip close it.
4. Service your boiler
Gas appliances must be serviced annually in order to ensure their warranty and safety. Having an expert check your boiler will not only prolong its life but it will also help maintain its efficiency. You should never ignore your service date as the cost of repair will most likely be higher than the cost of a service.
5. Insulate your property
Whether it is a room in roof, a wall or a loft that needs to be insulated it is a good idea to check if your home needs it. Up to 25% of the heat in your home is lost through the roof and around 35% through uninsulated walls. That means that if your homes insulation is not up to standard 25 to 35% of the money you send on your energy bill is going down the drain.
6. Get an electric heater
A cheaper alternative to turning the heat up way past your normal level is to buy a small electric heater and place it next to where yourself. The latest electric heaters have to conform to new efficiency standards making this an affordable yet temporary solution.
These were our choice of tips on how to keep your property warm. The polar vortex is expected to pass after this week however the lesson here is to always be prepared. Don’t wait until next December to start thinking about how you can make your property more energy efficient. If you have any questions or would like to know more about how we can help give us a call on 0191 516 6911 or send us an email on info@arktek.co.uk
