Winter is nearly here, and it’s time to prepare your house for the cold months.  

In Britain, people typically switch their central heating on in October and use it daily until March or April.

Heating homes account for over 70% of household energy consumption. The most recent figures show that 2.38m households in the UK are in fuel poverty – which means that almost 11% of British homes cannot afford to keep warm.

We know it can be challenging to get the temperature just right, especially if you don’t know how to spot issues in your home that are causing it not to stay at the right temperature. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on keeping your house warm during the winter months. 

1. Update Your Thermostat 

This is the first thing to do. You can’t control the temperature in your home if you don’t have a thermostat, so if you don’t know how to use one, now’s the time to learn! 

A programmable thermostat will make it simple for you to set temperature fluctuations throughout the day and night—and it’ll save on energy costs too! 

If you’re getting up early, consider setting your thermostat so that it warms up an hour or two before your alarm clock goes off. That way, everything will be nice and warm when you get out of bed. 

Alternatively, set it so that when night-time approaches and everyone goes to sleep, the heating stops automatically until morning comes around again. This way, there are no surprises as far as heat levels go.  

2. Get Your Blinds Made-to-measure 

Consider getting your blinds made to measure. This will ensure that they are the exact size you need and ensure that you get the best fit possible.

You can choose from various materials and colours to match your decor, so you don’t have to sacrifice style just because it’s winter! 

Perfect-fit blinds, in particular, are great for home insulation. Tailor-made to fit in your window frames, these innovative products are designed to fit the exact shape and size of your window to minimise gaps – this makes fitted blinds ideal for regulating the light levels, heat, and privacy of your space.

Our range of perfect-fit blinds includes Venetian blinds, Roller blinds, Roman blinds, Conservatory blinds, & Pleated blinds.

Perfect Fit blinds are ideal for any room in the home. Thanks to their no-drill fitting system, you can have Perfect Fit blinds installed without altering your home—just the peace of mind you need. 

3. Add Extra Layers

When it comes to keeping your home warm, the old saying “the more, the merrier” holds true. Your house can’t be too thick with insulation—and there are many ways you can add extra layers of warmth.

Keeping extra soft furnishings to hand can make all the difference in saving money on your heating. Think throws, bedspreads, and even weighted blankets, and you’ll be able to stay warm on cold nights without totting up your energy bills.

We’d also recommend wearing several layers of clothes! This is especially important when going outside because the wind will cut right through thin clothing like a knife through butter…or something like that anyway!  

4. Add Shutters To Your Windows 

Shutters are another great way to keep your house warm in the winter, as they stop heat from escaping through them. Once you’ve had the heating on, you want to retain that heat for as long as possible, and shutters are a brilliant solution for just this.

Did you know that shutters have been shown to reduce heat loss through a window by more than 51% when closed? Crazy, we know!

Our bespoke shutters are made to measure for windows of any shape or size. Whether you need shutters to fit your bay windows or awkwardly shaped circular or triangular windows, the team at Fraser James Blinds will help you find the ideal solution. 

5. Block Out The Draughts  

Even a simple solution, such as making your own sausage dog draught excluder, will help keep the warmth in your home. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that DIY draught-proofing your doors, windows and cracks in the floor could save £25 per year. You can do this yourself for a minimal cost.

Self-adhesive rubber seals around doors and windows and door draught excluders are relatively cheap and easy to install. So, it’s worth getting those doors and windows sealed before winter properly kicks in. 

6. Rearrange The Furniture 

To make the most of your house’s thermal mass, you should move furniture away from the walls and windows, and this will allow heat to be better retained in your living space by reducing drafts. 

If you have a fireplace, it’s best to keep it clear of any clutter so that air can circulate freely around it and create more warmth.

If there is any hardwood flooring in your home, consider adding rugs; they absorb sound and add another layer of insulation by trapping heat beneath their surface. You could also opt for area rugs that are placed on top of carpeting or under beds as an extra barrier against cold floors during winter months.

Following the above tips will help you get through the winter months without feeling like you’re living in a freezer.  

Top Quality Blinds & Shutters in Leicester, Coventry, Northampton, Nottingham & Derby  

When looking for the perfect window coverings for your home, look no further than Fraser James Blinds. There’s something for everyone here, with a wide variety of fabrics, designs, finishes and colours to choose from, offering quality that off-the-shelf solutions cannot match.  

Our blinds and shutters are made from the highest quality materials and components. Our experienced team will work closely with you to find the perfect window dressing for any room in your home, designed around your specific needs.

Contact Fraser James Blinds today to arrange a free home visit in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Coventry, Northampton, or the surrounding areas.