As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many of us start thinking about one thing; how to keep our homes warm without watching our energy bills soar? The good news is that winter comfort doesn’t have to come at a high cost. With a few smart tweaks and some savvy planning, you can make your home snug, energy-efficient and ready for the colder months ahead.
Whether you’re preparing your current place or searching for a new one at OnTheMarket, here are a few simple ways to winter-proof your home and keep the chill firmly at the door.
Seal in the warmth
It might not be glamorous, but insulation is the first line of defence against the cold. A well-insulated home keeps heat inside for longer, meaning your boiler doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Check your loft. Around a quarter of household heat can be lost through the roof. Topping up your loft insulation to the recommended 270mm depth can make a noticeable difference.
- Mind the gaps. Use foam draught strips around windows and doors and consider a classic door snake at thresholds.
- Heavy curtains. Thermal-lined curtains can reduce heat loss by as much as 25% on chilly nights.
Pro tip: When browsing properties at OnTheMarket, use the ‘Greener Choices’ filter to find homes with features designed to hold warmth and keep energy usage low.
Give your heating system some love
Before the deep freeze arrives, give your heating a quick health check. You can do this in several ways:
- Bleed your radiators. Trapped air stops them heating evenly, so a few minutes of maintenance can improve efficiency straight away
- Service your boiler. A yearly service helps keep it running safely and efficiently while avoiding the sudden surprise of a complete breakdown
- Smart thermostat. These clever gadgets learn your habits and have been reported to trim as much as 10% from your energy bills.
Many modern homes now come with zoned or smart heating systems built in. When you’re viewing listings, look out for phrases like “Nest thermostat,” “underfloor heating,” or “energy-efficient boiler” to know that your future home will stay snug and cosy.
Light your home for warmth and comfort
A bright, well-lit space feels instantly warmer. Swap out harsh white bulbs for warm-tone LEDs that mimic soft daylight and use a fraction of the energy of halogens. Layered lighting, for example, a combination of floor lamps, table lamps and candles, creates a welcoming glow that’s perfect for winter evenings.
If you’re selling a home, lighting is one of the quickest ways to make a property feel inviting during viewings. A cosy ambience can help potential buyers imagine themselves living there long after the snow melts.
Add texture, layers and warmth
Sometimes the simplest fixes make the biggest difference. Add extra layers throughout your living spaces: thick rugs to insulate wooden floors, cosy throws on sofas and heavier, fluffier bedding in the bedrooms.
For renters, this is an easy win that requires no DIY and delivers an immediate difference in how comfortable and warm you feel. For homeowners, consider investing in thermal underlay beneath carpets or even heated towel rails in bathrooms for a touch of everyday luxury.
Keep an eye on efficiency when you move
If you’re in the market for a new home this winter, make energy efficiency a key part of your viewing checklist. Ask the agent:
- What’s the EPC rating? (A or B-rated homes are the most efficient.)
- Does the property have double or triple glazing?
- Are the radiators modern and has the boiler recently been serviced?
An efficient home isn’t just warmer — it’s cheaper to run and better for the environment. OnTheMarket makes this easy: every listing includes EPC details, and you can filter for eco-friendly or newly built properties with top insulation and modern heating systems.
A warmer home and a calmer winter
Winter can be one of the most comforting times of year when your home feels like a sanctuary. From sealing up draughts to upgrading lighting and choosing the right property features, these simple steps will help you stay toasty while keeping energy costs in check.
So, whether you’re fine-tuning your current place or dreaming of a fresh start somewhere new, explore the latest cosy, energy-smart homes at OnTheMarket and make this winter your warmest yet.
