Category: Household tips

Want to make your home smell fresh and clean? Check out this video from Cleanmyspace.com with some useful advice on how to make your own home deodoriser…

Got all your radiators on but still feeling a bit cold? It could be that your radiators are not working efficiently. Watch this video to see how to bleed your radiator, quickly and safely, so that they keep your house lovely and warm.

There are many places around the home which can allow warm air to escape, so taking a few simple precautions will help you save money on your fuel bills.

3 Ways to keep the heat in

1. The loft is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. Make sure your loft is well insulated. If your loft insulation is quite old you may find that it’s not as efficient as it used to be if it’s been flattened down. The recommended depth for mineral wool insulation is 270mm (approx 11 inches) so if your current insulation is well below you should think about getting it topped up.

2. Warm air can also escape through cracks or holes around windows and doors and allow cold air to seep in. Seal cracks with caulk or cement where pointing has deteriorated and where the frames or brickwork around windows and doors show signs of holes or cracks or anywhere where heat can escape.Gaps in floorboards should also be sealed with a suitable sealant or insulation. In addition, use thick curtains, shutters and draft excluders to help prevent heat loss.

3. It’s estimated that up to 35% of heat in the home can be lost through walls. Cavity wall insulation can prevent this, so if you live in a house built after 1920 but before 2000 and you haven’t yet had had them insulated then you could be adding to your heating bills significantly. Installing cavity wall insulation could save you over £100 a year. Older homes without cavity walls can also be insulated by adding an insulating layer to either the inside or the outside walls.

For more information and details about receiving grants and financial help visit the Energy Saving Trust website to see if you are eligible for a grant to help with the cost of insulating your home.