How to keep a Cold Old House Warm in Winter

Many people live in cold houses that are freezing in winter and hot in summer. Of course this can leave you with a huge power bill and leave you freezing during a quick run to the loo. However there are a few things you can do to keep warm...

Timber houses are often the worst offenders... cold seems to come through the walls and floor and sneak in under doors. However, there is hope...

Curtains

May seem like a simple thing but curtains can be used in lots of ways throughout the house. If you have an open plan house a set of cheap, long curtains can help keep the cold out of a few central rooms. If you don't search for anything too expensive you can often pick up cheap old curtains at thrift shops or even in a local sale.

Stringing a piece of plastic coated wire across a doorway is a great way to hang a curtain - curtain, two hooks and a length of plastic coated wire is all you need.

Don't forget blankets - they're great for keeping warm! Putting them on cold leather couches or cold kitchen chairs is a great way to add a bit of warmth. Throw a few extra on your bed.

If you own your own house it might be an idea to invest in insulation. Insulation may be a bit costly (it can go into the thousands) but its good for several reasons:

1. Having it in just the main rooms you want to keep warm (bedrooms/lounge etc) allows you to not spend too much but keep the main areas warm.
2. You'll spend less on heating - once you heat a room it will stay warmer for longer.
3. It will add to the value of your home if you plan to move.

If you have some rooms you never use, it's a great idea to block them off. Consider either closing the door or, as mentioned above, invest in some cheap curtains. That way you'll be only heating the areas you regularly use instead of spreading limited heat through a large space.

Hot water bottles are an underrated commodity - they heat amazingly well and are cheap to buy and use.

Putting a hot water bottle into the bottom of your bed half an hour before you goto sleep means you're sure to goto a warm bed.

Funky covers on a hot water bottle give a child something warm to hold that's also cuddly and cute.

Hot water bottles are useful in all situations - and if placed under some blankets will often keep their heat for 5-8 hours.

These ingenious items allow you to block drafts that sneak in through even the most tight fitting door. Usually made of material and filled with sand, they're cheap, durable and do a surprising good job. Simply place along the bottom of a closed door.

Consider investing in some warm, thick, comfortable clothing. Ugg boots and warm hats are a great option - a lot of body heat is lost out the head and feet. A warm robe is great for relaxing at home as well as being comfortable.