The heating is on, the evenings are drawing in, and somehow the sitting room still feels chilly. Before you turn up the thermostat again, it helps to work out where the warmth is going.
A house can feel cold even with the heating on because heat is escaping, the heating controls do not suit your routine, or warmth is not circulating properly. Checking draughts, heating settings, radiators, curtains and insulation can help you identify the problem.
For homeowners in Ireland, these five checks are a useful place to start as colder weather arrives.
1. Check windows and doors for cold draughts
A draught beside the sofa or under the front door can make a room uncomfortable even when the heating is working.
With windows and external doors closed, check around their edges for unwanted cold air. Look for worn seals, gaps beneath doors and windows that no longer close properly.
Suitable draught strips or a door draught excluder may help with small gaps. Damaged frames or poorly fitting windows may need professional attention.
Keep ventilation open. Wall vents, window trickle vents and other ventilation openings have a different job from an unwanted draught. Do not cover them to keep the house warm. The HSE’s advice on keeping warm in winter specifically reminds householders never to block wall vents.
2. Check your heating timer and thermostat
A heating schedule that worked last winter may no longer fit your household.
Perhaps you now work from home on different days, or everyone is getting up earlier. Check that the timer reflects when you actually need warmth.
Start with three questions:
Is the clock showing the correct time, especially after the clocks change?
Are the weekday and weekend programmes still suitable?
If your system has separate heating zones, are you using them as intended?
Check the thermostat setting too. If the controls are confusing, use the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your heating professional to explain them.
Follow guidance for your particular system: a boiler and a heat pump may need different operating routines. Avoid changing unfamiliar installer settings.
3. Give radiators room to work
If your home uses radiators, take a look at what is around them.
A sofa pushed against a radiator, long curtains hanging over it or clothes draped across it can restrict warmth reaching the room. Leave space around radiators so air can circulate, and keep curtains clear when they are closed.
If a room stays cold despite clear radiators and suitable settings, or the heating is noisy or uneven, arrange a check with a qualified heating professional.
For homes with a boiler, check when its annual service is due. SEAI’s home energy-saving tips recommend yearly boiler servicing and asking your plumber to explain the controls.
4. Close curtains as daylight fades
Curtains and blinds can help reduce heat loss through windows. Open them during daylight to make use of available sunshine, then close them as evening arrives.
Lined curtains can be particularly useful, but check their position: if they cover a radiator beneath the window, they can prevent warmth circulating into the room.
Close internal doors between warmer rooms and cooler spaces, such as a hallway, while keeping any ventilation routes clear.
These are small habits you can start with what you already have. They can improve comfort, although they will not resolve a heating fault or replace missing insulation.
5. Review your attic insulation and hatch
If your home loses warmth quickly after the heating stops, insulation is worth investigating.
An attic hatch that does not close properly may let warm air escape. Existing insulation may also be uneven, damaged or insufficient.
You do not need to climb into an awkward attic to investigate. Ask a suitable professional to check the insulation, hatch and ventilation, especially if you do not know when they were last assessed.
SEAI’s guide to home insulation explains the options and why insulation and ventilation need to be considered together.
Frequently asked questions about keeping your home warm
How can I keep my house warmer without major work?
Start by clearing space around radiators, checking your heating schedule, closing curtains at dusk and addressing small unwanted draughts. These measures may improve comfort without a major project. Persistent cold rooms still deserve a proper assessment.
Why is one room colder than the rest of the house?
Possible causes include draughts, heating settings, a radiator problem or differences in insulation. Check the obvious issues first. If the room remains cold, a heating professional or home energy assessment can help identify the cause.
Should I block air vents to keep heat in?
No. Ventilation helps maintain indoor air quality and manage moisture. Keep designed ventilation openings clear and address unwanted gaps around doors and windows separately.
A little care for your home this winter
While you are checking your home, wetter weather is another reason to spot small problems early. Our guide to five ways to protect your home from leaks and water damage has more practical checks.
At Dolmen Insurance, we are here to help with questions about your home insurance throughout the year. If you would like to discuss your existing policy or a change at home, visit our home insurance page or call 01 802 2300.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as financial, legal or insurance advice. Every business has different circumstances and insurance requirements. Before making decisions about your commercial insurance, you should seek professional advice based on your individual business needs. Dolmen Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
