Let’s be honest — when the cold really sets in, it’s tempting to just crank up the heating. But staying warm doesn’t have to mean pushing your energy bills sky-high. With a few small changes, you can keep cosy without breaking the bank.
Here are 10 easy tips to help you stay toasty at home this winter.
1. Dress for the weather – even indoors
You don’t need to be heading out to layer up. If your house is feeling chilly, start by dressing like it’s cold outside. Thermal tops, fluffy socks, thick jumpers — they all help. Keep a warm blanket on the sofa too. And if you need to wear a hat or gloves indoors? Go for it. No judgement here.
2. Block out the draughts
A bit of DIY can go a long way. Draught excluders, thick curtains and some simple foam strips around windows and doors can help keep the cold out and the warmth in. You can even pop a rolled-up towel by the bottom of the door — it all helps.
3. Use your heating wisely
Set your thermostat to around 18–21°C — warm enough to feel comfortable, but not wasteful. Use timers so your home’s warm when you need it, like first thing in the morning or when you get back from work. Keep doors closed to hold in the heat and pop reflector panels behind your radiators if you want to get extra efficient.
4. Make the most of the sunshine
It might be cold out, but sunlight still does a great job of warming things up. Open your curtains when the sun’s out, then close them as it starts to get dark to trap the heat inside.
5. Warm up in the kitchen
Cooking is a win-win in winter. Make a hearty stew, bake something comforting — it’ll warm your body and help heat the room too. Plus, nothing beats the smell of fresh soup or bread on a chilly day.
6. Check your heating is performing efficiently
A serviced boiler and bled radiators can make a big difference. If your heating doesn’t feel right and you’re a Doorstep tenant, just fill out our repair form and we’ll get it sorted.
7. Keep moving
You don’t need a full-on workout — even a quick tidy, a stretch, or dancing to your favourite playlist will help keep your blood flowing and your body warm.
8. Share the warmth
If you live with others, try spending more time in the same room. It’s warmer, cheaper, and a good excuse for a movie night or a cuppa and a chat.
9. Cosy up your bed
Switch to a thicker duvet or layer up with blankets. Hot water bottles or an electric blanket can make all the difference on those really cold nights.
10. Ask for help if you need it
If you’re finding it hard to keep your home warm, there’s support out there. Look into things like the Warm Home Discount or local council schemes. You might be surprised what you’re eligible for — and we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.
With the current rise of energy costs, some of the easiest ways to reduce the feeling of the punch can be right under your nose, saving energy around the home can be the most cost effective and easiest way to reduce costs
Simply making a few adjustments around the home could improve your overall quality of life and save your wallet too.
Before we begin, one of the simplest tips is to; stick to it! By maintaining the changes and habits below, you could save even more in the long term.
To identify where the best area you could save you first my look around your home and see where you are most likely loosing energy and wasting money simply doing this may open your eyes to areas without even realising it. the guid explains the main areas of you home and where small changes can make dramatic changes to your monthly outgoings and energy bills overall and overall reducing you carbon footprint.
How you can save energy at home.
1. The Roof
Think of our roof a like a big bobble hat, the reason for is because we lose most of heat from this area; this also applies to your home roof. if the roof isn’t sufficiently insulated you could unknowingly be increasing the thermostat and compensating for the heat lost the roof is letting escape, so one of the best and biggest savers is by insulating ones roof.
2. The Bathroom
Your bathroom could be secretly costing you an additional £260 per year? As part of an average household, if each family member spent one minute less in the shower each day, you could build up a saving of £75 a year, split between both energy and water costs.
It’s also worth upgrading those leaky taps and shower heads too. By installing a shower-head that runs more efficiently for example, a saving of £70 could be made on your gas bills, as well as £115 on your overall water usage - a no brainer for some easy and low-cost home improvements.
3. Living Rooms
One of the best ways to optimise and save energy is to change your habits. This are free and can save you a considerable amount of money equating to hundreds of pounds a year. Easy ways include turning off non-essential devices and disconnect charging devices once complete, in addition not leaving TV and game consols on standby.
Draft proofing areas such as windows, doors and floors, also by replacing your traditional light bulbs with energy saving LED's. could save around £35.
Making small home improvements, it’s also important to upgrade your thermostat to a modern unit to it can effectively track your usage and you could be sabing around £75 per year. Change can seem a bit daunting but someone who is informed with a wealth of information can help you make with resources such as simply switch can help you make sure what is right for you.
By making a few of these small changes, not only are you going to benefit from yearly savings, you’re also protecting your property from future damages, such as burst pipes and unnecessary limescale build up from leaky taps.
Are you thinking of selling your property? These small changes can have a wider impact on valuations, sale prices, and the desirability of your home. By making minor home improvements, and a few habitual changes, you could see the benefits within no time at all! Don’t forget to keep track of the previous year’s utility bills, so you can easily measure the impact, no matter how big or small.
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What are the benefits of buying a new-build home?
Here are five of the reasons why a new-build might just tick all of the boxes on your home-hunting list.
Energy-saving features
New homes can be up to four times more energy-efficient than a home that hasn’t been recently built. This is because they’re often kitted out with the latest energy-saving building materials and smart technology. And many achieve the highest EPC ratings of A or B.
Some new-build homes are eligible for purchase through various buying schemes. You can explore the current schemes, along with their eligibility criteria, by clicking here.
Shared Ownership This scheme, offered by certain housing providers, allows you to purchase a share of a property while paying rent on the remaining portion. Shared ownership homes can include both new builds and resale properties within the scheme.
Help to Buy Wales Equity Loan For new home purchases in Wales, the Help to Buy Wales Equity Loan scheme provides an option to buy with a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage. The remaining 20% of the property value is covered by an equity loan from the government. However, home purchases under this scheme must be completed by March 2025. Note that the Help to Buy scheme is no longer available in England or Scotland.
Low-Cost Initiative for First-Time Buyers (LIFT) In Scotland, the LIFT shared-equity scheme helps buyers purchase a percentage of a property (between 60% and 90%, depending on the specific LIFT option). The Scottish government retains the remaining share, making homeownership more accessible.
Deposit Unlock Launched by the house-building industry, Deposit Unlock is a scheme aimed at new-build buyers. It’s available to both first-time buyers and those already on the property ladder who can provide a 5% deposit. The remaining 95% of the purchase price can be financed through participating lenders in the scheme.
These schemes are designed to make homeownership more attainable for buyers in specific situations, providing options that cater to varying financial needs and regional availability.
Design choices
When you buy a home off-plan, you can usually visit a development’s show home to take a look the interior design scheme. And you may have the opportunity to customise your own design by choosing things like flooring, work surfaces and cabinetry. This ensures your home is fitted out according to your exact specifications and taste. Many developers also offer a range of furniture packages to get you started.
No chain
Buying a new-build means you’ll be ‘chain free’, so you’re not waiting for a seller to find another home to move to before you can move in. If you find a new-build home that’s move-in ready, sales progress quickly, so you could be unpacking those boxes before you know it.
No renovations required
There will be no renovation work to carry out in your new home. So you can move in knowing everything is brand new, and many of your fixtures, fittings and structural works will be protected by guarantees.
Getting your garden summer-ready doesn't have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and some DIY efforts, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and enjoyable area. Here are some top tips on affordable ways to prepare your garden for the summer:
1. Clean Up
Start by tidying up your garden. Clear out any debris like fallen branches, dead leaves, and weeds. This cleanup alone can make a significant difference in how your garden looks and feels.
2. Repurpose and Recycle
Use items you already have or can easily reclaim to add interest to your garden. Old pallets can be turned into planters, benches, or even a vertical garden. Recycled containers can make unique plant pots, and unused furniture can be repainted for outdoor use.
3. Plant Perennials
Invest in perennial plants, which come back year after year, reducing the need for purchasing new plants each season. They might cost more upfront but are more economical in the long run.
4. Mulch Generously
Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. It also gives your garden beds a neat and tidy appearance. You can often get mulch for free or at a low cost from local tree services or municipal green waste programs.
5. DIY Your Decor
Get creative with garden decorations. Paint stones to create colorful markers for your plants or make a wind chime from old cutlery. Use what you have around the house to add a personal touch to your garden without spending a lot.
6. Use Seeds Instead of Seedlings
Growing plants from seeds rather than buying seedlings can save a lot of money. Start seeds indoors if you're in a cooler climate, and transfer them outside once the weather warms up.
7. Choose Low-Maintenance Plants
Opt for plants that are native to your area as they are more likely to thrive with minimal care. This will save you on watering and fertilising costs.
8. Create a Compost Area
Instead of buying fertiliser, start composting kitchen and garden waste. Composting enriches the soil, helping plants grow better, and it’s free.
9. Water Wisely
Set up a rain barrel to collect rainwater for irrigation, which will help cut down your water bill. Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation.
10. Plan Your Space
Before buying anything, plan your garden space. Decide what type of plants you want and where they should go based on sunlight and soil type. This planning helps avoid wasting money on unsuitable plants or garden accessories.
11. Propagate Existing Plants
Learn how to propagate plants from cuttings or by dividing them. This can be an easy and free way to expand your garden and fill up more space with greenery.
12. Swap Plants with Friends
Get involved in plant swaps. Trading plants with friends or community members is a fun and free way to diversify your garden.
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful garden ready for the summer without breaking the bank. Each step not only saves money but also adds a touch of personal pride and joy as you watch your garden flourish.
Air source heat pumps are innovative and environmentally friendly heating systems that extract heat from the outdoor air to provide warmth for buildings. These devices offer several benefits, making them an increasingly popular choice for residential and commercial heating applications. Here are some key advantages of air source heat pumps:
Energy Efficiency: Air source heat pumps are highly energy-efficient, as they move heat rather than generate it. By utilising ambient air, even in colder temperatures, they can extract and distribute heat throughout a building. This efficiency can result in lower energy bills compared to traditional heating systems.
Renewable Energy Source: ASHPs are considered a renewable energy technology since they draw heat from the air, a resource that is naturally replenished. This makes them a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option compared to conventional heating systems that rely on fossil fuels.
Lower Carbon Emissions: The use of air source heat pumps contributes to reduced carbon emissions. As they operate on electricity, their overall carbon footprint is significantly lower when the electricity is sourced from renewable energy or low-carbon sources. This helps combat climate change and supports a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Versatility and Dual Functionality: Air source heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling functions, acting as reversible systems. In warm weather, they can be used to cool indoor spaces by extracting heat from the interior and releasing it outside. This dual functionality enhances their year-round utility.
Lower Operating Costs: While the upfront cost of installing an air source heat pump may be higher than traditional heating systems, the long-term operating costs are often lower. The energy efficiency of ASHPs translates into reduced energy consumption and, subsequently, lower utility bills over time.
Reduced Dependency on Fossil Fuels: By relying on the heat present in the air, air source heat pumps help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, such as natural gas or oil. This diversification of energy sources contributes to energy security and resilience, mitigating the impact of fluctuations in fossil fuel prices.
Low Maintenance Requirements: Air source heat pumps generally have fewer moving parts than traditional heating systems, resulting in lower maintenance requirements. Regular checks and servicing can ensure optimal performance, but the simplicity of the technology often leads to increased reliability.
Government Incentives and Grants: Many governments offer financial incentives, grants, or tax credits to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies, including air source heat pumps. These incentives can help offset the initial installation costs, making ASHPs more financially accessible for homeowners and businesses.
Long Lifespan: Well-maintained air source heat pumps have a relatively long lifespan, typically exceeding 15 years. This longevity, combined with their energy efficiency, contributes to a solid return on investment over the system's operational lifetime.
Quiet Operation: Air source heat pumps operate quietly, making them suitable for both residential and commercial applications. The absence of noisy combustion processes enhances the comfort of occupants and minimises environmental noise pollution.
In conclusion, air source heat pumps offer a range of benefits, from energy efficiency and environmental sustainability to lower operating costs and government incentives. As technology continues to advance, the widespread adoption of air source heat pumps can contribute significantly to a more sustainable and resilient heating and cooling infrastructure.
The benefits of being able to choose the finish in your new home
Choosing the finish in your new home provides numerous benefits, allowing you to personalize and customize your living space to suit your preferences and lifestyle. Here are some of the key advantages of having the option to select the finishes in your new home:
Personalisation: Customising the finish in your new home allows you to create a space that reflects your unique style, tastes, and personality. You can make design choices that resonate with you, resulting in a more personalised and emotionally satisfying living environment.
Aesthetic Appeal: The finish options encompass a wide range of choices, including flooring, cabinetry, countertops, paint colors, fixtures, and more. This flexibility enables you to create a cohesive and visually pleasing interior that aligns with your desired aesthetics.
Functionality: You can tailor the finishes to meet your specific functional needs. For example, you can select durable and easy-to-clean materials for high-traffic areas or choose specialized finishes for particular rooms, such as a chef's kitchen or a spa-like bathroom.
Quality and Durability: When you have control over the finish selections, you can prioritise the quality of materials and craftsmanship. This can result in a home with finishes that are not only visually appealing but also built to last, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Energy Efficiency: Some finish choices, such as insulation materials, window treatments, and energy-efficient appliances, can have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of your home. Selecting finishes that enhance energy efficiency can lead to cost savings on utility bills and a more environmentally responsible living space.
Budget Control: Choosing the finishes in your new home allows you to manage your budget more effectively. You have the flexibility to allocate your resources to areas that matter most to you, whether it's a gourmet kitchen, a luxurious master bathroom, or other focal points within the home.
Resale Value: Well-selected finishes can enhance the resale value of your home. While personalisation is essential, it's also advisable to make choices that appeal to a broader audience in case you decide to sell the property in the future.
Up-to-Date Design: You can stay current with design trends and innovations by selecting contemporary finishes. This can give your home a modern and timeless feel, making it more appealing to potential buyers or renters.
Emotional Satisfaction: Living in a home with finishes you've personally chosen can boost your overall satisfaction and happiness. It can create a sense of ownership and attachment to your living space, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable daily life.
Sense of Accomplishment: The process of selecting finishes and overseeing their installation can be rewarding. It provides a sense of accomplishment and involvement in the creation of your home, which can be deeply fulfilling.
In summary, being able to choose the finishes in your new home empowers you to create a living space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, durable, and uniquely suited to your preferences. This customisation enhances your overall quality of life and can potentially increase the value of your home, making it a wise investment in your long-term well-being and satisfaction.
When considering the best heating solution for new homes, several factors come into play, including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, comfort, and the specific needs of the homeowners. Here are some of the top heating options to consider:
Heat pumps: Heat pumps are highly efficient heating systems that extract heat from the air, ground, or water sources and transfer it into the home. They can provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile. Heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency, as they use electricity to move heat rather than generating it directly. They work well in moderate climates and can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs.
Radiant floor heating: This system involves installing pipes or electric heating elements beneath the floor, which radiate heat upward, warming the room from the ground up. Radiant floor heating offers even heat distribution, eliminates the need for visible heating units, and provides excellent comfort. It can be powered by various energy sources, such as gas, electricity, or geothermal heat pumps.
Geothermal heating: Geothermal heat pumps utilize the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool homes. They circulate a fluid through underground pipes, absorbing heat during the winter and dissipating it in the summer. Geothermal systems are highly efficient and environmentally friendly, but they can be expensive to install due to the need for drilling or digging.
High-efficiency gas furnaces: Gas furnaces are a popular choice due to their reliability and widespread availability of natural gas. High-efficiency models use condensing technology to extract more heat from the combustion process, reducing energy waste. They provide fast and effective heating, particularly in colder climates. It's important to ensure proper installation and regular maintenance to maximize safety and efficiency.
Solar heating systems: Solar heating utilizes the sun's energy to provide heat through solar panels or solar thermal collectors. These systems can be combined with radiant floor heating or other distribution methods. Solar heating is environmentally friendly and can significantly reduce energy costs over time. However, the effectiveness depends on the amount of sunlight available in the area.
It's essential to consider factors such as the climate, energy costs, availability of energy sources, upfront and long-term costs, and personal preferences when choosing the best heating solution for a new home. Consulting with HVAC professionals and considering energy efficiency ratings and environmental impact can help in making an informed decision.
As the temperatures decrease and the price of gas increases, there are a number of ways you can save on your energy bill this winter without shivering in your boots.
A light bulb moment
By upgrading your lighting to LEDs, you can dramatically reduce your home's energy costs over time! Not only will these bulb replacements pay for themselves in no time, they also last much longer than their traditional counterparts. Get illuminated with LED and start saving today!
Through their low electrical consumption and long lifespan, it costs less to use an LED bulb, over the long term, than a fluorescent or incandescent bulb.
LED bulbs not only save you money but also look out for the environment. Most importantly, they help contribute to reducing your carbon footprint so that everyone can enjoy an eco-friendly future!
One degree cooler
You could save up to 10 percent of your heating bill by turning down your thermostat by just one degree.
Most families are happy with a setting somewhere between 18˚C and 21˚C, but keep adjusting the thermostat by one degree until you find a setting you are happy with.
Keep your home comfortable while saving energy with a programmable thermostat - set it to preheat in the morning before you rise, lower during away hours and keep cozy when you come back. Customize temperature settings for each day of the week without sacrificing convenience!
Heating water in your home uses a considerable amount of energy and accounts for about 18 percent of your home’s energy usage.
Looking to save money on energy bills? Consider reducing your water's temperature - it may be higher than necessary. Adding a blanket around the heater, and insulating exposed pipes can make all the difference in keeping costs down!
Switch it off
You can save approximately £35 a year by turning all appliances off standby mode when they’re not in use. Make sure you unplug them too, as they can still use energy when switched off but are plugged in.
Leaving lights off when you're away from home or out of a room can help your wallet thrive, especially in the winter months. Make sure to save money and energy by turning them off!
You could also save an additional £22 a year from your energy bill just by using your kitchen appliances more carefully. Try using your dishwasher and washing machine just once a week and you could save £8 a year for each appliance.
Boil smarter - only fill your kettle with the amount of water you need today, to ensure that no unnecessary energy is wasted heating up excess water.
Invest in solar
Solar panels are an easy way to get money back in your pocket! Installation of a 4kW system costing between £5,000 and £7,000 can save the average family home about £800 off their electricity bills every year. Covering up to 28 sqm of roof space is all it takes for those savings - so why not give solar energy a chance?
A 4kWh solar panel system could earn homeowners around £700 a year from a supplier just for producing solar electricity. Additionally, around £150 would be subtracted from their bills for using their own power.
With solar power, you can turn your home into an energy-producing powerhouse. By submitting a successful application to your supplier, you'll be rewarded for every kWh of electricity generated – making the sun's rays work hard for you!
The oppressive temperatures of a heatwave can have far-reaching impacts, from risks to human health to destroying crops and increasing the risk of wildfires. In 2019, extreme heat is estimated to have caused the deaths of 356,000 people worldwide, according to one set of estimates, making it one of the most dangerous yet overlooked natural hazards. While there is still a great deal of uncertainty about toll that heatwaves take (the World Health Organization estimates 166,000 people died between 1998 and 2017, by comparison), there is little doubt that the number of people exposed to heatwaves around the world is increasing.
How do you stay cool in a heatwave?
It's crucial to stay cool in hot weather as it can have serious effects on your health. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to find relief when the temperatures climb to uncomfortable levels.
You should also think twice before you open all the windows of your house to keep cool – if the temperature if higher outside than inside, you might lose a possible cool haven. Close the curtains in rooms where they face the sun instead.
One of the easiest ways to stay cool can be to take advantage of the temperature change in the air when water evaporates. Taking a cold shower or a swim can help you cool down quickly.
The human body's ideal temperature lies between 35.01C and 37.76C (95-99.9F), depending on how it is measured, although most medical experts accept an average of 36.8C (98.2F). When the surrounding air nears or exceeds this temperature, particularly when humidity is high, the body's ability to cool itself weakens.
How to stay hydrated in the heat
Keeping hydrated is a consistent public health message – for decades we've been urged by health authorities to consume as much as six to eight glasses worth of water a day, or 2-3 litres. But when temperatures rise, the need to keep fluids up is even more important.
Without a continual topping up of water (which makes up between 60% and 70% of our body weight) we start to dehydrate. The first reliable sign of dehydration is increasing thirst, when around 2% of body weight has been lost. Dehydration occurs more quickly with physical exertion or exercise. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue and tiredness, and overheating as the body stops sweating to preserve water.
Many of us instinctively reach for a glass of water, but it may not always be the best option. Milk may, in some cases, be better, as it contains small amounts of salt and sugar which can be lost through sweating. Coconut water also contains vital elements lost through excess perspiration.
April signals the beginning of spring and is the perfect time of year for both landlords and tenants to check the general condition of their property. Here's how to ensure everything is in tip-top shape and ready for summer.
Spring cleaning tips for landlords
If the property or any outbuilding is timber clad, have a look at the exterior woodwork and take the opportunity to get any damaged areas repaired, then treated or repainted.
As the weather gets warmer, there is a greater risk of infestations. To prevent pests coming into a property, it is advisable to check the roof for any slipped tiles, rips or tears. Also make sure there isn’t any crumbling brickwork or holes in the exterior walls, in particular check airbricks and ventilation covers along with historic gaps/holes from old plumbing systems.
The boiler and heating system may have been working overtime during the colder months, so to help mitigate future issues consider undertaking a timely service of the system.
If the property has the benefit of air-conditioning, get the units checked now so they are fully operational when the temperatures rise.
Gutters and downpipes should be cleared of leaves and debris, and check that drains and soak-aways are clear and free-running. If not, check your agreement with your tenant as it is likely that they will share some responsibility for having them cleared.
If you have opted for a management service, your agent is likely to undertake these checks on your behalf. Check with your agent.
Spring cleaning tips for tenants
Unless gardening services are included in your rent, now's the time to start thinking about maintenance. Particularly, clear the lawns and borders of obvious weeds before they take hold. If you have patio or garden furniture, it is likely to need cleaning and, if made of wood, re-oiled to make it look smart in time for outdoor entertaining.
If you have an outdoor pool, now is the time to open it up, top it, clear any debris and make sure the chemicals are level, so it is in full working order by the summer.
As a tenant, you should always keep an eye on the property and report maintenance issues to your landlord or agent in a timely manner. If in the course of your spring clean you happen to notice anything untoward, make sure you report it in writing so that action can be taken.
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