subject: Giving some TLC before spring arrives… [print this page] Giving some TLC before spring arrives
From putting shelves up, to cleaning every last spec, spring brings with it an irresistible urge to dust off the cobwebs and spruce up you home after a bitter winter, before the warmer months arrive.
Every last inch is scrubbed up to perfection, from floor to ceiling, and yet we forget about the things which have given us warmth on the coldest of nights.
With one of the coldest winters recorded, this winter will be memorable, with heating systems simply freezing up to the harsh snow falls, and piercing wind. Like every technology around, all the heating systems need, are a bit of TLC this spring.
Although thermostats will be turned down for the next several months, every house needs hot water, so the boilers should be ready to fire up should the weather take a turn for the worse. This is the time, to check your boilers and central heating systems over, before you have to endure a cold evening without hot water.
Here are some tips on how to turn your home into an energy efficient one, which will ultimately reduce your carbon footprint and slash energy bills.
Having an annual check and service: your boiler may have got through the winter, however do not be fooled, it may still have a few problems that reduce its efficiency as well as safety. Older boilers, as less efficient then the latest heating systems, so it is worth checking that your still getting what you are paying for.
Adjust the thermostats: as the weather gets warmer, don't forget to turn your thermostat down to heat the house to an appropriate level. Thermostatic radiators are also a useful way of moderating the temperature while the weather is unpredictable.
Improve efficiency: Merely adding roof insulation will keep you home cooler during the summer in addition to warmer during the winter. A recent study found that 43% of homes have less than half of the recommended amount of insulation in their roof spaces. The recommended 270mm of insulation will retain heat, as well as save your money.
Get switched on: by switching to energy efficient light bulbs you use up to 80% less electricity. Therefore dramatically reducing your homes carbon footprint and cutting energy bills.
Go solar: with spring approaching, the days are getting longer and hopefully warmer: the perfect time to be thinking about installing solar panels on your home. Along with the benefits of producing your own energy, you will also receive money for installing this green heating system. Renewable heating incentives are being given to homeowners who are installing more sustainable energy efficient heating systems to their homes.
Fill in the gaps: adding draught excluders to your doors and windows can save you a significant amount of money, although you wouldn't really think that your door is losing your heat, it is still worth giving it a go, when it comes to saving money. r/> Bleed your radiators: do not leave it to the last minute when your heating suddenly starts to pack up, and you have no clue as to what the problem is, do it whilst you have the time. Clear your radiators of any air bubbles that have sprung up during the winter, to make sure that you are prepared for the cooler summer evenings.
Keep your boiler running: during the springtime, it is usual to have a few cold spells, so if you are planning on going on holiday, then it would be wise to adjusting your boiler top come on low for a few hours each day. This is to make sure that the pipes do not freeze up and burst, as well as reducing blockages, particularly in a condensing boiler.
Finally insulate condensing boilers: If you're one of many homeowners who had problems with their condensing boilers this winter, use the warmer spring weather as a chance to install lagging around your condensate pipe to insulate it and prevent it from freezing.
These simple steps are easy to achieve, and will potentially save you from a freezing night without hot water. Spring is the time to adjust your home accordingly, in order to turn it in to a green home, as well as saving you money and reducing your homes carbon footprint.
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