While they haven’t reached extremely low temperatures in decades, UK winters can still get quite chilly. Wind, rain, and – the albeit rare – snow days all combine to create a cold and gloomy atmosphere for months.
It’s only natural that during this period, we spend much more of our time indoors, cranking up the heat, and distracting ourselves from the dismal weather. However, such wintertime activities can take quite a toll on the environment, especially if, like most UK homes, you rely on a gas boiler for heating.
So, what can you do if you want to stay cosy and comfortable all winter without increasing your carbon footprint? Keep reading to find out!
This is a collaborative post.
Insulate your home
A well-insulated house is the key to staying warm sustainably. With the proper insulation, you can make sure that the heat produced by your heating system won’t escape your home. At the same time, insulation also prevents cold air and draughts from entering inside.
But what kind of insulation do you need? You could opt for loft insulation, cavity or internal wall insulation, or, the simplest of choices – draught proofing by sealing gaps or cracks around doors and windows. Whatever type of insulation you choose, make sure to also check which version is most suitable for your particular home.
Choose an efficient heating system
Chances are that, like most people in the UK, you use a boiler for your heating and hot water supply. Most boilers in the country run on gas, but other options such as electric or biomass boilers, which are more environmentally-friendly, are also becoming popular choices.
Whatever kind of boiler and fuel type you choose, you can keep your carbon footprint in check by opting for a highly-efficient appliance. The more efficient your boiler, the less fuel gets wasted as it is converted into heat. As a result, you’ll be minimising your carbon emissions, as well as your heating expenses.
So, if you’ve had your current boiler for over a decade or if you notice that you’re using a lot of fuel to keep it running, it may be worth upgrading to a more efficient system that will warm up your home with less damage to the planet.
Invest in renewables
Renewable energy sources such as heat pumps are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your home warm during the winter months. This is because air or ground source heat pumps transfer heat from the air or the ground, effectively helping you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels to warm up your home.
So, if you’re in a position to invest in a renewable energy system, you might want to replace a boiler with a heat pump. Doing so allows you to still enjoy all of the benefits you’d have from a boiler with a significantly reduced environmental impact. Just be sure to check the costs of a new heat pump, as they can be quite a significant expense.
Embrace layers
This may seem self-explanatory, but the importance of layers during the colder months cannot be overstated. From cosy cardigans to woollen socks, from throw blankets to fleece pyjama pants, getting comfortable under layers of fabric is one of the surest and most sustainable ways to stay warm.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should completely ignore other heating methods or completely turn off your heating system. But, you may be surprised at how far a pair of socks or a knitted jumper can go when it comes to keeping you warm.
Keep it simple
Some of the tips we’ve covered so far, such as insulating your home or investing in renewable energy sources, can be quite costly. However, maintaining a cosy and comfortable living space all winter long doesn’t have to break the bank. Instead, you can also embrace simplicity and think creatively and strategically about how to minimise heat loss and, in turn, your carbon footprint.
For instance, you can place rugs on your floors for an additional layer of floor insulation. Or you can switch to thick curtains in order to reduce draughts. Additionally, things like closing your blinds early in the afternoon can also help retain heat inside. Every small bit counts towards making your home a warmer and more inviting space.
Whatever sustainable ways you choose to keep yourself and your loved ones comfortable this season, be sure to work with what you have and make the most of the cosiness that also comes with the winter months. After all, combining comforting activities with an efficient heating system is the surest way to stay warm sustainably as temperatures begin to drop.