As the colder months approach, many of us start to feel the chill. Whether you’re bundled up in the fluffiest socks or indulging in extra-long, steamy showers, it’s hard to escape the fact that your home just feels freezing. If your bills are creeping higher and higher, it might be time to stop cranking up the heat and instead, figure out why your home is struggling to stay warm.
Here are a few common culprits that could be making your house colder than it should be:
1. Poor Insulation
If your home feels like an icebox, poor insulation could be to blame. Many people aren’t aware that insulation can degrade over time, especially in older homes. After years of wear, insulation can break down into small pellets—so if you’ve found any mysterious little balls near vents, this could be the reason.
According to industry experts, around 25% of your home’s heat escapes through the roof if it’s poorly insulated, and up to 35% could be seeping out through inadequately insulated walls. If your home is older or you’re noticing signs of insulation wear and tear, it might be worth having a professional inspection to see if your insulation needs updating.
2. Drafts and Air Leaks
Nothing breaks that cosy winter vibe quite like a freezing draft cutting through your living room. The bitter UK winter wind can send shivers down your spine, even when you’re wrapped up indoors trying to relax.
One of the first places to check for drafts is around your doors. Door seals can wear down over time, letting in cold air from outside or from cooler parts of your home like the hallway. New doors aren’t as expensive as you might think, especially if you check out sites like DoorWays.
Windows are another common culprit. If your windows are older, single-glazed, or have failing seals, you could be losing a lot of heat. If you notice drafts, it might be time to upgrade to double or triple glazing, or at the very least, repair the seals. This is something you can sometimes DIY, but for larger jobs, it’s best to call in a local window expert.
3. Heating System Issues
If your energy bills seem unusually high, it’s possible that your heating system isn’t working as efficiently as it should be. You might have a faulty furnace, boiler, or heat pump that’s causing the system to work overtime without actually keeping you warm.
Common issues include dirty filters, malfunctioning thermostats, or an undersized heating system that simply can’t handle the demands of your home. If you suspect something is off, it’s best to contact your energy provider before your bills skyrocket further.
Stay Warm this Winter!
There’s nothing worse than feeling cold when all you want to do is relax at home. Instead of relying on endless hot water bottles and scalding showers, tackle the root of the problem. Whether it’s insulation, drafts, or heating system issues, fixing these problems will help make your home a cosy haven this winter!
Photo by Vinicius “amnx” Amano on Unsplash