6 Winter Warmer Improvements when Moving Home

Winter is coming? Actually, winter has arrived. Households across Chichester, Bognor Regis and Gosport are reaching for their central heating controls and turning up thermostats. Our housing stock, however, is not always energy efficient and many homes leak the warm air occupants have paid handsomely to heat.

The cost of energy is still a focus for many, with the energy price cap reminding us that gas and electricity are expensive commodities. Until 31^st December 2024, the energy price cap is £1,717 per year for a typical dual-fuel direct debit household - a 10% increase from the previous period.

There will be no respite either as we enter winter’s harshest months, with the energy price cap predicted to increase by 1% to £1,736 per year for the period between January to March 2025.

Moving home is the perfect time to put energy saving measures into place and the good news is some simple changes can reduce how much you’re spending on energy and make your home a lot warmer. Once settled in, you may like to consider one (or all) of these six winter warmer home improvements:

1.     Fix draughts: if cold air is getting in, warm air will also be leaking out. Hot spots for draughts include window and door frames, skirting boards, beams, floorboards and fireplaces. You can identify draughts in a number of ways: listen for whistling and rattling; use your hand to detect a stream of cold air or dangle a tissue in front of where you suspect a draught and see if it moves. Quick fixes include applying draught-proofing strips, sealing gaps and laying carpet/rugs but ill-fitting windows and doors may need replacing.

2.     Insulate pipes & hot water tanks: metal pipes and tanks that store or carry hot water will leach heat very quickly. Insulating them with lagging, foam, rubber and thermal jackets will keep the water hotter, reduce energy consumption and prevent the pipes from freezing when the temperature drops below zero.

3.     Top up loft insulation: even if the loft already has a layer of insulation, it may not be thick enough to achieve optimum results. The recommended depth for loft insulation is 270mm, which will minimise the amount of warmth lost through the property’s roof.

4.     Bleed radiators: trapped air leads to cold spots and colder rooms, so bleeding the radiators should be one of your first jobs. If the previous homeowners haven't left a radiator bleeding key, you can purchase one online or from most DIY stores. If you really want to improve the warmth in your new home, install reflective radiator panels at the same time as bleeding them.

5.     Consider wall insulation: whether your home has solid or cavity walls depends on the year it was built and by whom. It is possible to add insulation to both types of wall construction – a job that’s normally performed from the outside of the property. Consult with your survey and a building surveyor to establish what’s possible.

6.     Invest in thermal curtains: chances are you’ll be measuring up during the first few weeks so you may want to consider making new curtain purchases thermal versions. Thermal curtains keep the cold out and the warmth in by trapping air between the glass and the fabric. They’re especially good if you have French or bifold doors, where the expanse of glass can make a room chilly.

Buy brand new to gain an advantage

Although much of the above energy saving advice should be practised by all households, those buying a brand new home will immediately have a head start. Building regulations make it mandatory for new builds to meet set standards that significantly reduce carbon emissions and achieve higher energy efficiency ratings.

With excellent levels of thermal insulation and glazing, airtight interiors, energy efficient appliances, EV charging points and the latest boilers or even air source heat pumps, buyers of new homes can move in and enjoy a warm home from day one.

White & Brooks is selling a number of new homes across Chichester, Bognor Regis, Gosport and the surrounding areas. In fact, we have more than 140 new homes currently for sale, expertly handled by our new homes manager, Micky Wawman.

An EPC will give you a good indication of how warm and draught-free a home for sale will be. It will also highlight what energy efficiency improvements could be made. Contact White & Brooks for details of homes for sale with the very best EPC ratings.