You don’t always need to rely on the heating to stay snug – and one expert has shared a simple free trick to keep your bedroom warm
If you don’t want to turn up the heating, consider some more cost-effective hacks instead(Image: Getty)
During the cold autumn and winter months, maintaining a cosy home can be a concern. Cranking up the heating can provide much-needed warmth, but with energy bills skyrocketing for many households, any penny-pinching measures are always welcome.
Last year, an astonishing 1.7 million households reportedly said they wouldn’t be firing up their central heating due to spiralling energy costs. However, low temperatures can result in health issues and disrupt a sound night’s kip.
But you don’t always need to rely on the heating to stay warm.
Lisa Davis, Product Advisor at Opera Beds, has suggested there are a few budget-friendly tips to keep your bedroom snug this winter without fiddling with the thermostat.
If you don’t want to turn up the heating, consider some more cost-effective hacks instead(Image: Getty)
One of these tips is absolutely free to do – and anyone can do it. It’s as straightforward as rearranging the furniture in your room, reports the Express.
Typically, positioning your bed against interior walls is best, as these walls are less prone to temperature fluctuations and maintain consistent warmth throughout the night.
It’s also advised to place the bed away from windows, as even the most insulated windows can let out heat and allow chilly drafts in. Avoid obstructing radiators with furniture, which can impact their efficiency, and consider laying a rug on hard floors to provide insulation and reduce heat loss.
Another cost-free tip to ensure you stay warm is to draw your curtains at a specific time.
Cranking up the heating every night isn’t ideal if you’re trying to watch what you spend(Image: Olga Dobrovolska via Getty Images)
Following the recent clock change, it’s vital to draw curtains after sunset to retain heat. Curtains with thermal lining are especially effective at insulating against the cold air from windows.
The most efficient curtain materials for retaining warmth are thick, heavy fabrics like wool, velvet or fleece. If you’re on a budget, consider using a shower curtain behind regular curtains as an extra layer.
Finally, ensure all draughts from windows and doors are sealed using weather stripping and window film, as this can have a much larger impact than you might anticipate.
To locate any draughts in your home, feel for air movement around doors, windows, floorboards, beams, skirting boards, and air conditioning units. You can also use the simple trick of holding a lit match near potential leaks to see if it flickers.
Keep doors to unused rooms closed to concentrate warmth where it’s needed most and use a draught excluder to block cold air from under doors.
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