How to keep your home warm in Winter
- Owen McConnon -
Community Retrofit Champion
How warm and comfortable is your home? Keeping homes warm in Ireland, especially during the winter, is essential for comfort and energy efficiency. The climate in Ireland is generally mild, but winters can still bring cold with damp weather.
Home improvements can be made to enhance the quality of homes and increase their energy efficiency. This in turn can improve the heat quality of domestic homes. Here are some tips for keeping homes warm in winter in Ireland.
It is important to note that grants are available for the upgrading of homes and there is increasing advice nationwide to avail of grants home insulation measures.
Insulation
Ensure your home is well-insulated. This includes roof insulation, wall insulation, and floor insulation. Proper insulation helps retain heat and reduces the need for constant heating.
Draught-proofing
Seal any gaps or cracks in doors and windows to prevent cold draughts.
This can be done using draught excluders, weather stripping, or silicone sealant.
Heating Systems
Choose an efficient heating system. Many homes in Ireland use oil, gas, or electric heating. Regularly service your heating system to ensure it's working efficiently.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat to control heating times and temperatures, optimizing energy usage.
Double Glazing
Install double glazing on windows to reduce heat loss. Double-glazed windows provide better insulation than single-glazed ones.
Curtains and Blinds
Use heavy curtains or thermal blinds to trap heat inside. Close them in the evening to retain warmth and open them during the day to let in natural sunlight.
Rugs and Carpets
Place rugs on bare floors to add insulation. Carpets and rugs can help retain heat and provide a warmer surface underfoot.
Chimney seals
If you have a fireplace that is not in use, consider fitting a chimney balloon or seal to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.
Hot Water Cylinder Insulation
Insulate your hot water cylinder to reduce heat loss. This can be done using a lagging jacket.
Ventilation
While it's essential to keep your home airtight, it's also important to maintain good ventilation to prevent condensation and dampness. Use extractor fans or open windows briefly for fresh air.
Smart Home Devices
Consider investing in smart home devices that allow you to control heating remotely. This way, you can adjust the temperature according to your schedule and avoid unnecessary heating when you're not at home.
Regular Maintenance
Keep your home well-maintained. Check for any leaks, broken seals, or damaged insulation regularly and address issues promptly.
By combining these measures, you can create a more energy-efficient and comfortable living environment during the winter months in Ireland. Warmer homes are more comfortable homes for occupants, especially older people and young children.
When availing of economical tips for warmer homes, no only are you enhancing the comfort of your home, you are also making significant savings on energy costs and broadly speaking, increasing the ultimate value of your home.
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