Winter brings a whole glut of problems that force people to take action to ensure their homes remain warm and that any existing issues do not deteriorate. Prior to any cold snap setting in, it is a good idea to take steps to ensure your home is ready for winter.

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Your roof

When keeping your home warm it is important to get rid of all possible entry routes for cold to get in and warm to go out.  A huge area that people often forget to tackle is the top of the house where a Cheltenham Roofing company could come in and take a look through sites similar to stormroofingltd.co.uk.

Exclude draughts and open the curtains

Excluding draughts is key to retaining the heat inside. Doors can warp, which results in gaps being created and draughts entering. Use excluders that shut out draughts and are aesthetically pleasing. Letterboxes and keyholes can be covered if these prove problematic.

Open your curtains and allow sunlight to flood in on cold but bright days. When it gets dark, close your curtains, as these will act as an insulator to ensure the warmth stays in the rooms. Another tip is to move the sofa away from the radiator to allow the heat to circulate. The same goes for curtains to ensure they do not obstruct any heat from the radiators.

Experts suggest replacing your radiators every 15 years, as they begin to work less efficiently after this period. Ideally, they should be replaced by newer, more energy-efficient radiators. An alternative is to bleed them to maximise their performance; in this way, any trapped air will be released.

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Homes should ideally be heated to at least 18°C

According to Coventry Live, you should heat your home to at least 18°C if you are aged 65 or over or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease.

If you have a hot water tank, make sure it is appropriately insulated. This will ensure your water stays warmer for longer and will ultimately reduce your heating costs. If your boiler is more than 10 years old, it could be time to replace it with a more efficient model, again saving yourself cash.

If you are heading home from work and want to ensure your home is warm when you arrive, consider a smart heating system. This will enable you to remotely control the heat using your phone or tablet. Although it can be costly to install initially, this upgrade can save cash in the long run.