6 Must-Know Heating Hacks to Boost Your Home’s Efficiency

As the winter chill fully sets in, many of us have already whacked the heating up to stay toasty, but this comes at a price – bigger heating bills.

To help you keep costs down, we’ve put together some must-know heating hacks that will contribute to boosting your home’s energy efficiency.

While some of these tips will initially require a little investment and effort on your part, the long-term rewards of a snug home should be a worthwhile cause.

1. Keep a constant heat

One of the best ways to heat your home efficiently and affordably is to regulate the temperature, making sure it remains at a constant temperature. This may feel counterintuitive, though, as many of us are in the habit of having our heating set to come on at specific times of the day.

However, the energy used to reach your desired temperature in short bursts is typically more than if you had your heating on continually at a lower temperature. So, setting your heating on low for longer periods could actually save you money in the long run.

The most effective way to do this is using a thermostat with your central heating, allowing you to monitor the temperature and ensure it doesn’t dip or spike too high.

2. Invest in underfloor heating 

It’s well known that heat rises, so capitalise on the energy you use and heat the whole room by installing underfloor heating mats rather than traditional radiators (which often only warm up isolated areas).

You may think underfloor heating systems are a luxury item that will hike up your heating bills but, with new technology and correct use, they can be an effective heat source for the whole home or specific areas.

When it comes to underfloor heating tips, the key is to keep it on a low, constant heat as this can become expensive if used sporadically. This also ensures that areas always have a cosy warm feel underfoot.

Another underfloor heating tip is to consider your tile material. Some materials are better heat conductors than others, with ceramic and natural stones like slate coming out on top. You can further enhance the warm feeling with other considerations like texture and colour – think terracotta or wood-look tiles.

3. Optimise your insulation

In a bid to keep the heat in your home, doubling down on your insulation efforts will pay off in the long run.

This often isn’t a quick or cheap process if you need to go big with loft insulation or double glazing installation, but there are other ways you can boost your home’s insulation. 

From swapping out your regular curtains for thick, thermal options to investing in some draught excluders for doors, even small, cheap changes like these can help your home to better retain its heat.

4. Harness natural heat sources

While the sun isn’t as strong during the winter, it can still be an effective natural heat source for your home.

In rooms that receive regular sunshine, make sure you open blinds and curtains during the day to allow the heat from the sun to warm the room. We’d recommend keeping doors closed to seal in the heat as much as possible.

Don’t forget to close the blinds and curtains once the sun goes down, though, as all that valuable heat will quickly escape if it’s not locked in.

5. Have an additional heating system

There are times when we all crave some intense or quick heating, especially if we’re returning home to an unheated house after being away for a few days.

This is where it can be helpful to have an alternative heat source to fall back on, giving your regular heating system time to warm up efficiently without using masses of energy.

Portable gas and electric heaters are a wise choice for warming up a room in the short term, although they’ll still have an impact on your energy consumption over the winter months if you use them frequently.

For a super-cosy option, wood or solid fuel burning stoves can offer a stylish and effective heating source for a single room. While you’ll be compromising on the comforting crackle of a roaring open fire, these types of stoves are far more efficient and less carbon-intensive than a traditional fire.

6. Layer up with more fabrics

In a final bid to give your home a cosier vibe this winter, don’t overlook the benefits of adding a few layers to your interior design for snuggling into on cold winter nights.

From faux-fur rugs for warmth underfoot to some thick, velvety throws and cushions, the right soft furnishings will go a long way towards making living spaces feel warmer without you having to crank up the heating.

We all deserve to feel warm and comfortable during the winter and, with these savvy heating hacks, we hope you now know how to heat your home cheaply for winter-long comfort.

Check out our range of undertile heating mats and floor tiles to give your home a luxury feel with cost-saving benefits. For more home update ideas and interior design trend updates, discover more articles on our interior design blog.