Top Tips For Preserving Heat In The Winter Months

 
Did you know that one third of the heat your house produces through your central heating system is rapidly lost? There are five main areas that heat is lost and these include the roof, walls, floors, windows and ceilings.

But you can save your pennies and preserve the heat to make sure you stay toasty and warm over the approaching chilly months; and you can do this by eliminating the loss with some simple measures.

Image: snow-covered home via Shutterstock

It is imperative that your house is kept warm when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Findings by the Institute of Health Equality reveal that cold housing increases the level of minor illnesses such as colds and flu, and exacerbates existing conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism.

Energy prices are increasing; Npower and British Gas are the latest utility providers to increase their gas and electricity prices. So how can you reduce your energy bills over the next couple of months and preserve heat?

Here are some top tips to reduce your carbon footprint and reduce the burden on your purse strings.

Insulation

According to the National Energy Foundation, you can save up to 20% off your energy bill by insulating the loft. It is recommended to install a minimum depth of 150mm (6 inches) and ideal materials include mineral wool, fibreglass, and recycled paper.

According to Part L1B, 250 mm mineral fibre, glass wool or cellulose fibre as quilt laid between and above ceiling joists is recommended, or loose fill or equivalent. This may be boarded out insulation also. 150 mm is considered the threshold minimum value under Part L1B.

It is also ideal to insulate the walls as insulation can reduce heat loss by two-thirds. Cavity-fill insulation is an option worth exploring.
 

 

Draught-proofing

Draughts from windows and doors can cause up to 20% of heat loss according to a recent study, so fix them with either draught-proofing or double glazing. This is a very popular energy-saving measure and it is much cheaper than cavity wall insulation.

Alternatively, use shades and curtains to regulate the heat in the home. When it’s cold, leave the blinds open on sunny days and close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through the windows.

Thermostat (heat controllers)

Control the amount of energy that is emitted in each room with a heat controller. Did you know that by turning your thermostat down by one degree you can cut your energy bill by 10%?

Boiler check

One way you can preserve heat is to carry out maintenance on your boiler to check its efficiency. An old boiler will emit more carbon emissions, so perhaps you may need to replace it.

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system

There are alternative ways to preserve heat in the home and this can be achieved with a HRV system. This is not very well known but experts claim that it can reduce your energy bills by up to 30%. Basically, the system is like mechanical ventilation you find in kitchens and bathrooms except it has an influence over the incoming air.

It captures 90% of the heat energy before the stale air is expelled and it is used to pre-heat the incoming fresh air. The heat is used over and over again so the property remains warm.

Conclusion…

There are various ways that you can conserve the energy in your home. Follow these top tips and stay cosy this winter.

This article was provided by Myredlandroof, the UK’s leading roofing experts. Speak to the professionals today for specialist advice and tips, and visit the website to find reputable local roof replacement companies.