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Winter-Proof Your Home

Published on 30 October 2024 11:31 AM

Winter can be a challenging time for older adults, especially when it comes to keeping your home warm and energy efficient.

Winter-proofing your home is essential to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable, and make your finances stretch even further.

Here are some practical tips to help you protect your home during the colder months:

  1. Draught-proofing: One of the simplest ways to prevent heat loss is by sealing any gaps in doors, windows, or chimneys. Use draught excluders, door sweeps, or thermal seals to keep cold air out.
  2. Insulation: Ensure that your loft and walls are well-insulated. Proper insulation helps retain heat, reducing the energy needed to warm your home. If insulation is old or insufficient, consider having it upgraded. There are schemes available to cover or contribute to the cost of insulation upgrades. Our Warm Homes project will support you to explore this as an option.
  3. Boiler maintenance: Schedule an annual boiler service to ensure it runs efficiently throughout winter. An energy-efficient boiler not only keeps your home warm but also helps reduce heating costs.
  4. Pipes protection: To avoid burst pipes during freezing temperatures, insulate pipes in unheated areas like lofts, garages, and basements. In case of severe cold weather, keeping the heating on low overnight or when you're out and about can prevent pipes from freezing.
  5. Thermal curtains and rugs: Use thick, thermal curtains to block out draughts from windows and add rugs to floors to reduce heat loss through the floor.
  6. Smart heating controls: Installing a smart thermostat can help older adults manage heating more efficiently, ensuring homes are kept at a comfortable temperature without wasting energy.

For more detailed advice and support, including financial help for improving energy efficiency, Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s Warm Homes service provides valuable guidance, as well as free home energy checks and can install energy savings devices for free. Our friendly team can provide information on how to access grants, make energy improvements, and stay warm during the winter. For residents across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, help is available to ensure no one struggles in the cold.

Stay warm and safe this winter!

Get in touch today by calling 01792 648 866 or email us on enquiries@agecymruwestglamorgan.org.uk to find out more.