Hey, mamas! With winter upon us, the change in seasons creates a whole new set of obstacles that you may or may not be prepared for. Whether you will be entertaining guests this Christmas (safely, of course!), or chilling and having a peaceful end of this year with only a few loved ones, it’s important to know how to keep your home warm this winter.
Make sure the central heating works
There are a million different things that can go wrong with the central heating this time of year. It could be a faulty radiator… or the whole system has gone bust! Either way, it’s better to keep an eye out so you can deal with any problems before they *snowball* into something bigger and more expensive.
If it is just a couple of radiators that won’t turn on, there might be air trapped in the system. If this is the case, you need to bleed them. If it’s a little more serious, you might need to balance the whole system. Both of these things are quite cheap and easy to do, and you can find plenty of step-by-step guides online.
Install an electric fire
A fireplace is a great way to heat a room or even the whole house or apartment if you leave the doors open. Plus, the look and sound of the flames can give you a warm, relaxing ambiance to your space.
When it comes to choosing a fire, coal is probably something you want to avoid. Coal fires tend not to smell very nice, and the smoke can leave particles in the air that can be harmful to breathe in.
A wood burner is better, but it still won’t be an option for everyone because you need a chimney to let the smoke out. This is not as great for apartment-dwellers. An electric fire, on the other hand, is a cheaper and easier option to invest in. It comes with all the perks of a ‘regular’ fire but without the hefty investment.
Cover up cold surfaces
Things like bare wood or tile floors and tabletops will steal your body heat. This is definitely not something you want, especially in the morning! Getting some rugs, bathroom mats, and tablecloths will help to create barriers between you and the cold. Alternatively, you can look into heated surfaces, like the affordable floor heating at Coldbuster, which is also an effective solution for this problem.
When it comes to insulating walls, you will often find that wallpaper is better at keeping rooms warm than paint, (even special insulating paint). With everyone staying home this winter, it may be a perfect time for redecorating!
If you live in a cooler area, what have you done to winterize your home? Share your ideas and suggestions with us!