Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to spend the winter hibernating to escape a draughty house. With a bit of effort and a few tips from our #HereToHelp series, you’ll be snug as a bug, and the landlord will thank you for it.
A renter who can improve their house? You’re headed for tenant of the year status here, especially with help from our energy-savvy influencers Sarah (AKA @life.home.loves) and Jill (@homeatrosecottage), who are sharing tips on their Instagram pages. For now though, here’s a jump-start to getting cosy at low cost while paying the rent…
- Brush Up
If your landlord will allow it, adding brushes to the bottom of doors can make a huge difference by limiting the through-flow of draughts. They can be easily drilled into place with a few small screws, and can be removed and the holes filled when you vacate the house. An easier alternative is a door draught blocker, which is basically a long, weighted cushion that sits along the length of the door.
- Love It, Blanket
Electric blankets can help reduce how much you use your heating system - and with both the variety used in beds and those you can throw over yourself while watching your favourite TV series on the sofa, there’s no excuse not to get stuck in.
- Take A View on Windows
Draughty windows are the bane of many renters’ lives, but they’re not beyond hope. Fitting thick curtains helps, and using secondary glazing film - basically plastic you shrink onto windows with a hairdryer - can help to seal up tiny gaps and leaks of fine winter air.
- Fry Like the Wind
Air fryers cost a fraction of the money it takes to run a conventional oven, as they heat only the food inside, instead of the air around the food. We’ve heard you can even make a roast dinner in one!
- Let It Bleed
If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, air in the system may be the problem. Using a radiator key (and a few towels!), you can gently open the top valve - that’s the little square peg in a round hole - to let air out and water fill the radiator.
- Get Rad-ical
Radiators are also your ally in the fight against ‘a founder’, so give them room to do their thing. There should be at least 30cm of space in front to allow the heat to radiate out properly. Also, avoid crowding them with laundry: while your PJs and socks will feel the benefit, you certainly won’t.
- Fridgery Doo-Dah
Those coiled pipes on the back of your fridge contain the coolant that helps it chill your food - but the buildup of dust on them acts as an insulator, making the fridge work harder and costing you more energy. Give them a regular wipe down to keep them working as optimally as possible.
- Grab a Jacket
…For your hot water cylinder. Choose one at least 80mm thick (usually about £15) and your water will stay warm for longer, saving on energy, and giving your hot press a stylish hip-hop look for autumn / winter season.
Want more #HereToHelp tips? Along with Sarah and Jill, we’ll be sharing lots more brilliant home hacks in the coming weeks. Give us a follow on Instagram or stay up to date on our site.
