Prepare for winter

It could arrive early this year

With winter fast approaching there are four main things to start thinking about that will help keep your house warm and dry. Insulation, heating, ventilation and tackling dampness. By combining these four things, you will find

Insulation

You can’t see it, but you can sure feel the difference insulation can make to your home. Some older homes are harder to insulate, but some insulation is better than no insulation. Remember to block unused chimneys and use draught seal around windows and doors to stop the cold air entering.

Dampness

A damp home is an unhealthy home and damp air takes more energy to heat than dry air. Weeping windows, mould, musty smells, and clammy clothes in the wardrobe all add up to a damp home. One of the biggest sources of damp comes from the ground under the floorboards, but you will be surprised where else it comes from. Cooking, showers, and baths, drying clothes inside on a rack and even breathing, all add to the damp. In winter, try drying your clothes in a sheltered area outside, make sure windows are open to let steam escape from the bathroom and wipe down weeping windows. Double glazing, dehumidifiers and airing your home everyday will help with dampness. yourself with a much healthier and warmer home. However, as the nights grow longer and temperatures fall, finding a balance between a cosy home and a power bill that won’t break the bank will take a bit of planning.

Ventilation

By venting your dryer outside, opening windows to let steam escape, installing extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens and vents into windows, will help to keep your home better ventilated.

Heating

An interesting piece of information that is always handy especially when there is a discussion about the temperature in the room-the World Health Organisation recommends an indoor temperature of at least 16ºC in bedrooms and 18ºC in living areas. If the indoor temperature is at least 7ºC warmer than the outdoor temperature, it’ll prevent condensation forming on colder surfaces. You will need to decide if a free standing woodfire, pellet fire or gas or electric heating is going to suit you, but window covering of some description is a must, as well fitted curtains will help retain the heat from any sun during the day. So, before winter, get in some dry firewood or have your heat pump serviced, repair or replace any worn curtains or have a chat to one of your local fire suppliers and find out what is going to be the best option for you and your home.

Be warm this winter and stay healthy!