Even though it’s still summer, now is the perfect time to think about reducing heat loss around your home before the colder months arrive. Preparing early means you’ll be ready to stay warm and save on energy bills when winter hits.
Why Start Thinking About Winter Now?
The “heating season” typically runs from October to March or April, depending on where you live. This is when you’ll need to heat your home regularly due to colder weather. By getting your home ready in advance, you can ensure it stays warm and comfortable throughout the season.
Whether you’re considering new windows and doors or other energy-saving upgrades, here are our top tips for getting your home winter-ready.
Top Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
- Insulate Your Home
- Draught-Proof Windows and Doors
- Insulate Your Pipes and Hot Water Tank
- Set Your Heating Controls
DIY or Hire a Professional: What’s Right for You?
Depending on the project, you may be able to do some of the work yourself, or you might want to hire a professional. Big projects, such as installing new energy-efficient windows or doors, should be handled by experienced professionals to ensure a proper fit and maximum energy savings.
For simpler tasks like draught-proofing or setting up heating controls, you might be able to do it yourself. However, if you prefer professional help, investing in expert installation can save you time and ensure the job is done correctly.
Quick DIY Jobs to Save Energy
If you're ready to tackle some DIY, here are some quick and effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency:
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Replacing old, inefficient windows and doors is one of the best ways to reduce heat loss in your home. Energy-efficient windows and doors provide better insulation, keeping the cold air out and the warmth in. This upgrade can help lower your heating bills and improve comfort during the winter months.
Our range of energy-efficient windows and doors is designed to provide excellent thermal performance, helping to keep your home warmer and reducing energy costs.
Insulate Your Home
Adding insulation is another effective way to keep your home warm and reduce energy bills. Different types of insulation can be used depending on your home’s construction:
- Cavity Wall Insulation: Ideal for homes with cavity walls, this involves injecting insulation material into the wall cavity from the outside.
- Solid Wall Insulation: For homes without cavity walls, solid wall insulation options are available.
- Floor Insulation: If your ground floor is made of suspended timber, adding insulation can help reduce heat loss.
- Roof and Loft Insulation: An uninsulated roof can lose up to 25% of your home’s heat. Proper insulation can significantly reduce this heat loss.
Costs and Savings from Insulation
The cost of insulation varies based on your home’s size and the type of insulation required. For example, installing cavity wall insulation might cost around £1,700, while external solid wall insulation could be up to £11,000.
Here’s how much you could save annually on your energy bills with proper insulation:
- Cavity Wall Insulation: £210 in Great Britain (GB), £300 in Northern Ireland (NI)
- External Solid Wall Insulation: £290 in GB, £405 in NI
- Internal Solid Wall Insulation: £290 in GB, £405 in NI
- Suspended Timber Floor Insulation: £60 in GB, £85 in NI
- Loft Insulation (0mm to 270mm): £200 in GB, £285 in NI
Funding for Insulation
The Great British Insulation Scheme offers financial support for insulation costs in England, Scotland, and Wales. It’s worth checking your eligibility and applying early. Northern Ireland residents can also explore additional energy efficiency grants. Your local authority may have other schemes available as well.
Draught-Proof Your Windows and Doors
Simple and cost-effective, draught-proofing your windows and doors is a great way to keep your home warm by blocking unwanted gaps. This can save around £35 a year in GB and £50 in NI on your energy bills.
If you’re investing in new windows and doors, ours are designed to minimize draughts and improve energy efficiency, ensuring your home stays comfortable all winter long.
Insulate Your Pipes and Hot Water Tank
Don’t overlook your hot water tank and exposed pipes. Proper insulation can reduce heat loss and save money. Insulating your pipes can save around £5 a year in GB and £6 in NI. Upgrading your hot water tank’s insulation jacket can save about £35 a year in GB and £45 in NI, making it a cost-effective improvement.
Set Your Heating Controls
Managing your heating effectively is key to maintaining comfort and reducing energy use. Programmable thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can help you control the temperature in your home, saving you up to £95 a year in GB and £135 in NI.
Get Started Now!
Don't wait for the cold to set in. Start preparing your home for winter today by upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors, insulating, and setting up heating controls. For more tips and guidance, explore our range of products designed to keep your home warm and energy-efficient all winter long.
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