People have been encouraged to stay active even while it’s chilly
As the chilly conditions seem set to stay for now, households may be looking to find ways to keep in the heat while indoors. Property specialists have put forward several ideas for staying snug inside throughout the remainder of winter.
Eric Bramlett, broker and owner of estate agency Bramlett Partners, said to think about “smart home efficiency” to keep comfortable. He explained: “At home, sealing small drafts around windows and doors can make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating costs.
“Using thermal curtains, area rugs, and proper insulation helps retain heat. When out and about, layering breathable fabrics and protecting extremities like hands, ears, and feet is key to maintaining body warmth.”
He said that the lengthening days also present a chance to keep warm at home. Mr Bramlett said: “As daylight hours increase, taking advantage of natural sunlight can help regulate your internal clock and support overall well-being.
“Opening blinds during peak sunlight hours naturally warms indoor spaces, reducing reliance on heating systems. Even short walks during midday allow you to absorb sunlight, stay active, and avoid the sluggishness that can linger during winter.”
The periods when sunshine proves strongest at this time of year are generally from noon through to mid-afternoon, until approximately 3pm. Simon Browne, product specialist at window coverings firm Luxaflex, has encouraged households to think about their home’s energy efficiency.
He explained: “At this time of year, people often underestimate how much of their home’s heat is lost through the windows – 20 percent. Even with good central heating, cold glass can pull warmth out of a room very quickly.
“That’s where choosing the right window coverings makes a huge difference.” He also recommended making the most of the extra daylight hours.
Mr Browne said: “If you use it well, opening blinds fully during bright hours, then closing them again at dusk, you can capture warmth naturally and lock it in. That combination of natural heat gain and proper insulation reduces draughts, improves comfort and helps create a much more stable indoor temperature.”
If you’re feeling somewhat tense from the cold, you might want to loosen up before venturing outdoors. Mr Browne said: “When you’re stepping outside, the cold can create tension in your body because your muscles instinctively contract to protect you.
“So easing that tension with gentle warm-up movements indoors before heading out can help. But at home, managing the warmth through smart insulation, including energy-efficient blinds, prevents that deep chill that makes your body tighten in the first place.”
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