Page 33 - November 2023

INTERIORS INSIDER

Fill the gaps in your floorboards Check and clear the gutters Check the roof and the chimney
We all love the look of original An afternoon spent clearing your Examining your roof for signs of
floorboards – but they can be draughty. gutters (or getting a handyman to do it) damage means you can avoid future leaks,
Filling the gaps can help, and there can help prevent overflowing and potential so look for cracks, dampness, missing or
are many options: from rubber tubing leaks during the wetter months. Adding damaged tiles, or moss affecting your
pushed into the gaps, to a sawdust-resin wire mesh can also prevent future build-up roof, and while you’re there, check the
mix and wood sealant, it’s an easy way to of leaves and debris. chimney to make sure any flashing or
embrace warmth. pointing is in good condition.
Rearrange your furniture Set your radiators at the right
Bleed your radiators Yes, it’s that easy! Keep yourself away temperature Add texture
Learning how to bleed your radiators from the windows and doors, and keep Having all the radiators set to maximum It can be as simple as adding a
can save you money: it makes sure the radiators unobstructed. A handy trick means your bills will be higher than cosy wool rug – it looks great, and will last
there’s no trapped air, which can stop is to place tinfoil behind radiators placed necessary, but too low means your boiler for years, but it will also block draughts.
them heating your home effectively. on external walls, to bounce the heat back will be working hard for minimal output. Adding thermal curtains to rooms
into the room, instead of letting it escape If you’re in a house, set the downstairs currently without will also help, as will
Draught-proof the doors outside. radiators to 5, and upstairs to 2, to allow the adding blankets to your living areas, and
Draught-proofing strips can make heat to rise and save money too. making sure you have an appropriate-
a big difference. Simply place them weight duvet for sleep, so you don’t need
between the door and the doorframe to run the heating all night long.
and add a brush-style draught excluder
to the bottom. For extra warmth, add a Insulate your loft
cosy plush excluder, and you can even If you have a loft, use self-adhesive
install key and letterbox covers if cold air draught tape around the loft hatch, and
keeps coming in. add a layer of eco-friendly wool insulation
to reduce up to 50% of heat loss.

Check your pipes
Pipes can freeze and burst in
the winter, so take the time to check
them. Repair dripping taps and add
pipe jackets to external pipes to reduce
the chance of them bursting. Find out
Make your curtains work harder where your stopcock is, as this could be
Investing in thermal curtains, or adding crucial during a flood. And if you plan
a thermal lining to your existing curtains, on going on holiday, remember to keep
can make a huge difference to your your heating on low while you’re away, to
home’s warmth. A heavyweight fabric keep the pipes warm.
and a thermal lining can reduce heat loss
by up to 25 per cent. You can buy clip- Close your curtains early
in thermal linings for a much lower cost It might feel strange to close your
than replacing your curtains, for a cheap curtains at 3pm, but during the winter,
and easy solution.
it’s a must. Keep them open until dusk
to allow sunlight to warm up the room
naturally, and then close them to keep
the heat in.

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