6 Reasons Your Home may be Cold in Winter and How to Fix Them

As we enjoy the current mild but not sunny weather, it's a good time to prepare for the damp and chilly winter months ahead.

Here are six common reasons your home might be cold and practical solutions to fix them:

1. Drafty Doors and Window

Doors and windows are significant sources of heat loss. Even small gaps can let in cold air and allow warm air to escape.

Solution:

• Sealing: Add weatherstripping or door sweeps to seal gaps. For windows, use caulking around frames.
• Upgrading: Consider upgrading to double or triple-glazed windows, or even argon-filled thermal windows. These options provide better insulation and reduce heat loss significantly.

2. Poor Attic Insulation

The attic is one of the primary areas where heat escapes. Proper insulation in the attic can prevent this heat loss and keep your home warmer.

Solution:

• Simple Insulation: Start by insulating the attic trap door and adding an insulating tent if necessary.
• Comprehensive Retrofit: For a long-term solution, fully insulate your attic. This may involve laying new insulation materials or upgrading existing ones. It’s a worthwhile investment that can dramatically improve your home’s warmth.

3. Inefficient Heating System

Your heating system may be ineffective due to poor maintenance, incorrect settings, or outdated technology.

Solution:

• Regular Maintenance: Ensure your heating system is serviced regularly. Clean or replace filters, and check for any malfunctions.
• Zoned Heating: Introduce zoned heating to control temperatures in different areas of your home. This can make heating more efficient and tailored to your needs.
• Furniture Placement: Avoid placing furniture too close to radiators as this can block heat circulation. Ensure radiators and vents are unobstructed to allow warm air to flow freely.

4. Uninsulated Floors

Floors can be another major source of heat loss, especially if they are not insulated properly.

Solution:

• Quick Fixes: Place rugs on floors to add an extra layer of insulation and comfort.
• Underfloor Insulation: For a more permanent solution, insulate beneath floorboards. This can be done with rigid foam boards or blown-in insulation.
• Underfloor Heating: Consider installing an electric underfloor heating system. This can be an effective way to keep your floors and home warm, especially if you have tile or laminate flooring.

5. Blocked or Inefficient Radiators

Blocked radiators or radiators that are not working efficiently can reduce the warmth in your home.

Solution:

• Unblock Radiators: Ensure that furniture is not blocking radiators. Even curtains that cover radiators can reduce their efficiency.
• Bleed Radiators: Regularly bleed radiators to release trapped air and ensure they heat up properly. If radiators remain cold in certain areas, consider flushing the entire system to remove dirt and debris.

6. Insufficient Wall Insulation

Walls that lack proper insulation can allow heat to escape, making your home colder.

Solution:

• Insulate Walls: Consider adding insulation to your walls. This can be done internally or externally, depending on the structure of your home. Proper wall insulation helps retain heat and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Benefits of a Warm Home

A warm home not only improves comfort but also has health benefits. Proper insulation and heating reduce the risk of respiratory issues, improve overall well-being, and contribute to lower energy bills.

Grants and Loans for Home Improvements

Ready to make your home warmer and more energy-efficient? Synergy Credit Union offers green home improvement loans ideal for both large-scale renovations and smaller upgrades.

Consider applying for SEAI Home Energy Grants to help fund your improvements. Please see here for the SEAI https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/

Our referral partner, Energywise Ireland, can provide a one-stop solution for a complete home retrofit, ensuring your home is energy efficient and comfortable. Contact Wayne Conway: wconway@energywiseireland.ie or check out their website here: https://energywiseireland.ie/

Loan Benefits:

• Unsecured Loans Up to €100,000: No need for existing membership to apply.
• Local Decision-Making: Quick and efficient loan application process with competitive interest rates as low as 6.75% APR.
• Support Local Community: By choosing Synergy Credit Union, you support local financial institutions that reinvest profits into the community.

For more information about improving your home's warmth and energy efficiency, or to discuss our loan options, visit Synergy Credit Union, email us at loans@synergycu.ie, or call us at 1800 272927. Let’s make this winter a cozy one!