Winter can certainly be magical. A layer of pure white snow makes everything look fresh and new, icicles dangling elegantly from windowsills and frost glinting in the winter sunlight- just beautiful! However, there’s more to winter than this, and it’s not until the colder seasons roll back around again that we remember quite how brutal it can be. Dark, dingy weather, constant rain and gale force winds, most of the time your best bet is to get inside and hide out in the warm. So for this reason, our home needs to be a cozy and relaxing place, since we’ll be spending so much more time indoors. Here are some of the upgrades and changes you might need to make so that you’re not caught short this winter.
Have your heating checked over.
Heating and hot water is absolutely vital when it’s cold, if you have vulnerable people in the household (such as young, old or unwell family members) then a lack of heat is classed as an emergency. It’s worth having an annual check done to make sure that your heating system is running correctly, but if it does happen to break down get in touch with a furnace repair company. Ideally they will be open all hours and all year around, as these things to tend to happen at the most inconvenient times.
Get smart home.
Smart home has really taken off in the last couple of years, and one of the best things to come out of it for winter home maintenance is being able to control your heating easily. You can control everything using your phone, setting timers, setting different temperatures throughout the day and controlling everything so it comes on automatically. You can even make changes with your voice activated speaker. Check out systems like Hive and Tado and find one which offers everything you want.
Switch out your duvets.
Ideally you will have two different duvets. A lighter one for the summer and autumn when it’s warmer, and a heavier one for winter and early spring when the weather is cold. If you’re getting into bed and finding that you’re cold and taking a long time to warm up, buy a higher tog duvet. You could even add a heated blanket to the bed too if you find your bedroom gets very cold. If you like relaxing on the sofa, get yourself some soft cosy blankets to wrap up in and get cosy!
Block out drafts.
Gaps under windows and doors can let the warm air out, and let gusts of cold air in- no fun whatsoever! Get yourself some caulk or filler and block up any cracks, gaps or holes. You can use draft excluders, or even thick curtains to prevent drafts and gusts getting in around windows. Blackout and lined curtains are best for this not only will they enable you to block the light out when needed, but maintain the temperature too.
What upgrades have you made to your home to keep it cosy this winter?
Mia Guerra
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