We are all aware that the United Kingdom is not necessarily known for its warm weather throughout the year. Temperatures can become quite chilly even during the late spring and early autumn. This can present a very real problem if your home is not thermally efficient. Not only will you be forced to spend an inordinate amount of money on heating costs, but your comfort is likely to be sacrificed as a result. This is why it is important to appreciate the steps which can be taken in order to enjoy a greater amount of heat when the temperatures outside begin to fall. Let us quickly examine a handful of useful tips and suggestions.
Going Back to the Basics
There are several reasons why modern fireplaces can make great additions to your home. The most obvious involves the fact that they do not rely upon mains gas. Thus, they often provide an excellent return on investment from a long-term point of view. We also need to keep in mind that a fireplace will help to increase the circulation within a specific room (due to the natural tendency for warm air to rise). Therefore, it is possible to evenly heat a specific area.
Aesthetics are another advantage to appreciate. It is possible to choose a wood-burning stove or fireplace in a nearly limitless number of sizes and styles. From traditional models to contemporary designs and even units that fit snugly within a wall, their sheer beauty is impossible to deny. When maintained properly, the average fireplace can likewise last for decades at a time with only a minimal amount of maintenance. The same cannot always be said for alternatives such as combination boilers or radiant heating solutions.
Additional Tips from the Professionals
One of the most common reasons why a home will lose heat involves draughts around windows and door frames. if left unchecked, you could literally be throwing hundreds of pounds away each and every year in terms of heating bills. Be sure to check all suspect areas and if necessary, to take the appropriate actions.
Take a look at the levels of insulation in the walls, the ceilings and (most importantly) within the attic. As heat rises, a poorly insulated attic will inevitably lead to higher energy bills. There are many professional services which will provide you with a heating assessment so that you can better appreciate any areas associated with poor insulation.
On a final note, it is always wise to replace single-pane windows with double-glazed upgrades. Double glazing will help to provide an additional level of thermal protection; saving you a great deal of money over the years. It should also be mentioned that double-glazed windows can generally be fitted to match your existing frames without sacrificing their efficiency.
From quality wood fireplaces to double-glazed windows and improved insulation, there are plenty of ways to keep your home warm during the colder times of the year. This is why it is best to obtain professional advice so that you can make an informed decision.
