Issue 151

HOME IMPROVEMENTS 27
Top tips on how to winter proof your home
It will only be a matter of weeks before the crisp air and falling leaves herald
the arrival of autumn and winter will be just around the corner. It’s essential to
prepare your home for the colder months ahead and this is the case now more
than ever. Whilst gas and electricity prices will not be as high as last winter, they
will still be double what they were before Russia invaded Ukraine and experts are
predicting they will rise again in January 2024.
Have you done everything that you could do to winter-proof your home? Home
improvement specialists Glevum have been installing energy-efficient doors and
windows for nearly 40 years and over this time have picked up a vast amount of
knowledge around making homes as energy efficient as they can possibly be
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Glevum Windows can help you
winter-proof your home ensuring comfort, energy savings, and a snug ambiance
throughout the autumn and winter.
1. Replace your old windows and doors with Energy-Efficient Windows:
Glevum Windows offers a range of energy-efficient options, such as double-glazed
and triple-glazed windows. These windows are designed with multiple layers of
glass that provide enhanced insulation, keeping the cold air out and preventing heat
from escaping. This results in reduced heating bills (Government estimates state that
installing A-rated windows and doors can save as much as £155 a year in your energy
bills) lower carbon footprint and a more comfortable indoor environment.
9. Consider carpets rather than wood laminate flooring:
Carpets are the widely recognised more energy-efficient option than wood laminate
for two reasons – they reduce drafts in the home, but they also have a warmer feel
when walked on with bare feet, making it less likely that you will feel cold and
increase the thermostat.
10. Less hybrid working in the winter:
Many of us have welcomed hybrid working since COVID. But if you have the option
to flex when you work from home – look to do it less in the winter months. Working
from home adds to your energy costs for everything from heating to lighting, to
microwaves and kettles and of course for some laptops or PCs.
Many of these tips you may have been aware of – at least to some extent. But
hopefully, they will still act as a timely and helpful reminder. If the time has come
for you to consider replacing your windows and doors with new energy-efficient
ones, then call Glevum on 0800 33 22 55 or visit their website www.glevum.co.uk to
request your FREE no-obligation quotation.
2. Change to energy-efficient LED bulbs:
As the nights draw in, we tend to use more electricity lighting our homes to enhance
the warm, welcoming feel. Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED lighting
bulbs. LED bulbs use significantly less energy (typically 75% less) and last longer (as
much as 25 times), making them a cost-effective choice for your home despite the
fact they are more expensive at the outset.
3. Consider using plugs for lighting that you can control remotely:
Plugs and bulbs for your lighting from firms like Kasa are a great way to control
your lighting and reduce energy use via their app. They can make your home look
occupied when you are out (if combined with a Kasa camera – you can even turn
on lights or radio when your house is approached by somebody you don’t know)
and give you ultimate control – for example turning upstairs lights off when you are
downstairs.
4. Check how much loft insulation you have:
In the 1980’s it was quite standard to install any thickness from 25mm to 50mm.
Then, building regulations stated that homes should have as much as 100mm of loft
insulation. This gradually increased to 200mm and now stands at 270mm for new
builds. Not only will this reduce your heat loss and reduce the amount of energy you
use, but like many of the steps we outline here it could improve your home’s energy
rating improving its price and saleability.
5. Keep an eye on your thermostat:
If for example you usually heat your home to 20 degrees and you turn it down to
say 19 degrees, could save as much as 13% on your energy bill. Also, turn it down
further when you are out of the home for any extended period. Also, when you next
upgrade your boiler, try to go for one that allows you to control it via an app on your
phone. That way for example if you are out of your home for say 8 hours, you can
turn it down even lower, but turn it back up to where you want it by the time you
return home.
6. Embrace Natural Solar Heat:
Glevum Windows’ innovative designs allow you to harness the power of natural solar
heat during the winter months. Their windows are engineered to maximize solar gain,
capturing sunlight, and converting it into warmth for your home. This eco-friendly
approach not only reduces heating costs but also contributes to a greener lifestyle.
7. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances:
When it’s time to replace your appliances, opt for the most energy-efficient models
your budget can get. These appliances are designed to consume less electricity, which
can lead to substantial energy savings over time. Saving a few pounds on the purchase
price in the first instance can cost you a lot more in the long run.
8. Shorter showers in the winter:
A 10-minute shower costs in the region of 50p. Reduce that to 5 minutes and you
could save 24p. For a household of 4 over the three worst months of winter, this
could save you £90 a year.