In the last few days, the temperatures have dropped, mornings and nights have got darker, and Christmas is fast approaching. As we reach the stage of year where extra jumpers and blankets aren’t quite enough to keep us toasty, we’ll take a look at some of the ways you can keep your home warm this winter and consider some of their pros and cons.
Underfloor heating
There’s something surprisingly comforting about walking over a warm floor barefoot in the winter, all thanks to underfloor heating. This method of warming homes has become popular in recent years and it’s easy to see why.
Pros:
- Cooler system: due to the way the heating system works, it does not need to get as hot as traditional heaters do. The lower temperatures mean it is safer to be around, it produces better air quality and is more cost efficient.
- Little maintenance: once installed, there is very little maintenance needed to keep the underfloor heating working.
- Aesthetics: you don’t have to worry about how the system looks as it is all hidden under your chosen flooring.
- The system works with nearly all types of flooring, so you don’t need to change your design choices to make it fit.
Cons:
- Installation costs can be quite high, and the process of installation can be relatively long.
- Floor height: depending on the type of system you are having installed, the height of your flooring may be affected. However, some systems can be as thin as 3mm.
- Heating time: due to the lower temperatures used, underfloor heating can take longer to warm up than other heating systems.
- Furniture placement: consideration may have to be given to where you put your furniture, as heavier items can block heat flow and/or damage the system underneath.
We love this stunning four-bedroom family home which enjoys underfloor heating throughout and is now available to rent.
Hampstead, London. Chestertons.
Radiators
Perhaps the most common system of heating in the UK, radiators have recently become another design choice as people have a wide range of options to choose from. From cast iron to low-level, radiators can be a great addition to any room. However, there are several less positive factors to consider:
Pros:
- Heat retention; radiators hold onto their heat well and so provide warmth even after the heating system has been turned off.
- Durability: radiators can last for decades.
- Design; radiators now come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours to fit the aesthetic you are aiming for in your home.
Cons:
- Heating time: radiators can take a lot longer to warm up than other systems.
- Space: depending on the size of your rooms, radiators may restrict what furniture can fit and where you place it.
- Environmental impact: radiators are heated by boiling water so depending on your boiler-type, it could add to your greenhouse gas emissions.
- Cold spots: unlike underfloor heating, radiators tend to heat the areas around them first, creating cold spots in larger rooms.
In this 1930s home, the cast iron radiators are the perfect match for the art deco architecture and design.
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Inigo.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps are currently considered one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to heat your home. They take in heat from colder areas, raise the temperature and move it into your home.
Pros:
- Energy efficient; heat pumps are a low carbon way to heat your home, making them one of the ’greenest’ options available.
- Versatility: all heat pumps work in the winter to heat your home and some have an added advantage of acting as air conditioning to cool your home in the summer.
- Safety: pumps are safer than traditional combustion boilers.
- Financial help: there are grants and schemes available to help with the installation of heat pumps. From the Government to various banks, it’s worth doing the research to find the best offer for you!
Cons:
- Installation cost: the initial costs of heat pumps can be very high, with prices varying from £2,400 to over £30,000 depending on the type of pump you install.
- Power dependency: due to the reliance on electricity, heat pumps are vulnerable to power outages.
- Adaptability, heat pumps are less efficient in very cold weather and so may not be suitable for some areas in the country.
- Noise: the fan and compressor can create a fairly constant level of noise.
- Maintenance: most ground source heat pumps will require annual check-ups from a qualified technician to make sure there are functioning at full capacity. Air source pumps tend to require fewer checks however this will be determined by manufacturers.
We love this farmhouse in Surrey which perfectly shows how modern technology can work seamlessly, even in older properties.
Colliers Farm, Fernhurst, West Sussex. house Partnership.
Fireplaces/log burners
In the winter, there’s almost nothing better than sitting next to a crackling fire. While providing heat, fireplaces and log burners are now also seen as an aesthetic choice with many people giving a lot of thought to the style they want for their home, from open-hearth to log burner. While there are many positives about this heat source, there are also substantial negatives:
Pros:
- Cost: wood fuel is significantly cheaper than gas or oil and so over time could save users money
- Efficiency: once lit, the fire takes little time to heat the room it sits in and can even spread heat throughout a home depending on the layout.
- Energy efficiency: wood is considered a carbon-neutral energy source given the amount of carbon a tree absorbs during its lifetime.
- Aesthetics/atmosphere; fireplaces and log burners can turn a cold, plain room into a warm and cosy one. They can add character and charm while the flickers and crackles add even more atmosphere.
Cons:
- Upfront costs: while the fuel is cheaper than alternatives, the installation costs of a log burner or fireplace are substantial.
- Maintenance: it is important to maintain your fireplace or log burner, including clearing away ash, cleaning screens and sweeping the chimney in order to keep the fire working efficiently and safely.
- Storage: space is needed to keep logs or coal for your fire.
- Safety: fires, either open or in a log burner, can present a range of safety hazards to those in their vicinity.
When considering whether a fireplace and/or log burner is right for you, there are a couple of other things to think about. Firstly, check if there are any fuel restrictions where you live. Some places, especially cities, limit the type of material that you can burn or even ban the release of smoke altogether. Secondly, it may be worth looking at electric stoves. They come in many different styles and are often significantly cheaper than the real thing.
The second oldest building in Barnard Castle, second only to the castle itself, this home exemplifies why fireplaces have been a favourite for hundreds of years.
Blagraves, Barnard Castle, County Durham. Inigo.
Accepting defeat and going abroad
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how warm and cosy your home is, there’s nothing like a bit of genuine sunshine.
Pros:
- Cocktails on the beach
- Delicious food
- Experiencing new cultures
- Getting a tan
- Stunning views
- Sunshine
Cons:
- Potentially expensive…
- Probably can’t take your dog with you.
- Might need to learn another language.
- You might need to worry about air conditioning…
