Stephen Beresford, Head of Marketing and Communications at REHAU, shares his top tips and advice for keeping your property warm this winter.
“With summer drawing to a close and the colder months beginning to settle in, it’s important to prepare your home for the decrease in temperature – and with the Met Office predicting that the UK can expect to experience extreme weathers in each of its seasons moving forward, futureproofing homes is more important now than ever before.
Replace ineffective windows
“Windows that are poorly installed, have seal failure or are generally older than 15 years could benefit from being replaced. Not only will this reduce any draughts creeping in, but it can also help you save money on your energy bills. Due to the extra pane of glass, double glazing reduces the amount of heat able to escape from your home, allowing for better temperature control and less draughts. This permanent solution to the winter chill results in less energy being used to heat your home – which improves your carbon footprint too.
“Regardless of how long you plan to stay in your property, uPVC windows can be a long-term investment. An energy efficient house is far more attractive to potential buyers as thermally efficient uPVC has become a prerequisite for those on the housing market due to its cost-effective nature.
Condensation isn’t always a concern
“A common misconception during the autumn and winter months is mistaking condensation as a sign of window failure. In fact, this is an indicator of your window fulfilling its role of keeping your property insulated. Just like a refrigerated drink on a hot summer’s day, condensation occurs when the temperature on one side of the glass is drastically different from the temperature on the other side. While this may be frustrating to clean and can create an unpleasing aesthetic, it is nothing to be concerned about.
“However, condensation can sometimes be a sign of excessive moisture in the atmosphere, which can cause mould growth – particularly in bathrooms. It’s therefore important to maintain air circulation, whether opening your window for a brief period post-shower or turning on an extractor fan.
Optimise window dressings
“Choosing a full-length curtain in a heavy fabric is a great way to keep cold air out and warm air in. Floor length curtains are particularly effective for draught prone areas, such as large windows or patio doors. Not only will opting for a heavy fabric for your curtains add an extra layer of insulation, it will also offer an opportunity to introduce a new pattern or colour into your interior scheme that can be easily replaced in the warmer months.
Prevent draughts
“Placing draught excluders by your doors is an easy way to keep warm air in and cold air out, while creating a cosy, inviting space. Also make sure there are no obstructions to your radiators, such as clothes drying on top, or storage blocking the front. It’s a simple step but can make a big difference. No matter the age of your property, draught proofing will play an integral role in keeping your property insulated and secure as winter approaches and can save the average homeowner £25 each winter. If your home is already draught-free, you may be able to turn down your thermostat, saving you even more on your energy bills.”
For more information about REHAU’s window ranges and to find your nearest installer, visit www.rehau.uk
(1) Figures obtained by Energy Saving Trust, 2020.
