While older-style houses like Edwardian and Victorian are a property owner’s dream, they’re also notorious for energy inefficiency. Original windows, high ceilings, floor gaps and draughty chimneys are all responsible for letting cold air in and warm air out. If your heritage home is the reason you’re shivering through winter, there are some simple ways to fix this problem. Keep reading to get 6 tips for keeping an old house warm in winter.

  1. Focus on the roof

During winter, 25-35% of heat is lost through the roof. It’s probably a major reason you’re cold, so get this sorted first.

Start by looking for cracks or gaps which are allowing warm air to escape. Old houses commonly have leaks around chimneys, pipes, wiring and exhaust fans. An effective way to stop all heat loss is to use spray foam insulation which will make a huge difference to the internal temperature of your house and the power bill.

  1. Review existing insulation

When was insulation last installed in your house? Maybe there is none? First, check to see what has already been installed. You’ll want to look in the roof area, below the floor if you can get under there, and in the walls. If there’s any sign of mildew or mould on existing insulation, then it should be discarded.

Safety tip: Handling old insulation and asbestos is a health hazard. Unless you’re a professional in this area, we recommend that you get an expert to help with the job.

  1. Check the vents

Vents are important for regulating the temperature in your home. They also improve air quality and help prevent mould and damp. Take the time to make sure you have functioning vents installed that aren’t blocked.

  1. Seal the underfloor

In the cold months, 10-20% of the heat is lost through the floor. This can easily be higher in period houses.

Although insulation may already exist, older products often leave gaps in difficult-to-reach places like pipes and electrical wiring. For the best solution, consider having high-quality, polyurethane spray foam installed. It will provide your living spaces with cooler temperatures in summer and warmer in winter.

If you decide to insulate below the floor, you may want to install a floor heating system at the same time. There is a range of energy-efficient products that will let your walk through the house barefoot, even on the coldest days.

  1. Keep everything closed

Even the most energy-efficient home won’t keep out the cold if you’re leaving windows or doors open. Keeping everything closed will keep out draughts and will make a big difference to your power bill.

If you spend most of the time in one part of the house, close the doors and only warm that section of the house.

  1. Get an audit

Spacious, old houses can be a big job when it comes to getting them energy efficient. A simpler solution is to hire an expert to audit your house. They’ll look at insulation along with other ways to keep your house warm in winter and the energy bills down.

If you’d like a no-obligation free quote to get your house professionally insulated, then contact us today. Our friendly team is ready to help!