Few things in this world are more irritating and stress-evoking than sitting in a room on a cold winter’s day and feeling a draft.
Drafts are not just an irritant that can cause you to go upstairs and pull out an extra jumper. If you are somebody who is older, or has a long-term health condition, they can cause any underlying illnesses you have to get worse. As well as this, they can also increase the chance of you paying more on your heating or gas bill and can make it miserable to be in your home in the cooler months of the year.
You must ensure that your home and everybody living in it are protected against any drafts during autumn and winter to maintain comfort and energy efficiency. This article will walk you through 5 easy ways to keep your home snuggly in the winter months without buying a tonne of jumpers!
Seal Windows and Doors
It sounds like an obvious place to start, but using weather stripping around the doors and the windows will seal all the gaps that allow that pesky cold draft to get into your home. You can also apply sealant to any cracks or openings that are around window frames and it is also worth looking at adding a draft stopper at the base of the doors, which will block cold air from getting in.
You can even investigate having custom vinyl replacement windows fitted, which will keep your house warmer but is more expensive. However, if you own your own home, this will be a return on investment, as this can greatly increase the value.
Install Insulated Curtains or Window Treatments
For very cold homes, it is worth looking into having heavy insulated curtains put up in the colder areas, or even thermal blinds. This will help to keep the cold air out and the warmer air in this. These curtains also add an extra layer of insulation, which will prevent heat loss through the windows and will again help to keep your heating bills down.
Add or Replace Door Sweeps
Have you ever heard of door sweeps? These are also known as draft excluders and are usually placed on the bottom of exterior doors to block drafts. If you already have these installed in your home, be sure to check them for wear and tear and replace them if they are letting in any cold air.
Apply Plastic Window Film
This is more applicable if you are renting your home, but by applying a clear plastic window film with the aim of insulating the windows, you can reduce drafts. Why? The film acts as a cheaper version of double glazing, and it is easy to apply and can be removed in the spring or at the end of your tenancy.
Insulate!
You should also check the installation in your attic, basement and any crawl spaces around your home, as having poor insulation in these areas can allow cold air to enter and the temperature to drop! You can easily assess the quality and condition of the insulation in these areas, especially around pipes, and apply more, if necessary, without spending a fortune.
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