With the arrival of cold weather, many homes in Portugal face the same problem in winter: temperatures that drop quickly and energy bills that rise. An expert has shared some practical solutions that help keep the environment warm and comfortable, without spending more than necessary.
Living in a cold house is not only uncomfortable: it can also affect your health and cause damp and mold on the walls.
The temperature considered ideal indoors should be between 18 and 21 °C, but heat tends to escape through unexpected places, such as cracks in windows, cracks in walls or the slot in the mailbox.
The power of curtains and sunlight
According to David Miloshev, a certified electrician at Fantastic Services, there are “surprisingly simple tricks that help keep the heat in and reduce bills.” One of them does not involve any electrical costs: using curtains and blinds correctly.
The expert explains, quoted by the British newspaper Express, that “during the day, you should keep the curtains and blinds open when the sun shines on the windows”, as the sun’s rays help to naturally heat the interior of the house. When the sun starts to set, the ideal is to close everything, creating an insulating layer that preserves the accumulated heat.
Thick curtains and insulation tricks
Thicker curtains are especially effective because they prevent heat from escaping, an important detail, especially in houses with old windows. According to Safe Style Windows, a British company specializing in windows, doors and domestic insulation systems, around 18% of the total heat in a home is lost through windows, which shows the importance of reinforcing this point.
Experts at Hillarys, a British company that manufactures and installs blinds, curtains, blinds and window decoration products, also recommend combining curtains with blinds, creating a double barrier against the cold. “On very cold or hot days, keep both closed to maximize the effect”, they say.
If you have a radiator
If there is a radiator below the window, it is best to open the curtains and leave the blind closed, in order to avoid drafts without blocking the heat from the heating.
Say goodbye to drafts
Another common problem is drafts around windows and doors, which make the heat disappear before you notice it. Miloshev warns, quoted by the same source, that “these leaks steal precious heat without us often realizing it”.
Among the simplest solutions are draft protectors, known as “draught stoppers”, which are placed at the base of doors or next to windows. The expert also points out that other openings, such as dryer vents, oven outlets, electrical sockets or even locks, can also be leak points.
Expert recommendation
The recommendation is to seal all these entrances with insulating materials, socket covers or lock protectors, ensuring that the heat remains inside the house.
Warm up smartly
These simple measures can increase thermal comfort and significantly reduce energy consumption, says . By taking advantage of the sun’s natural heat during the day and reinforcing insulation at night, it is possible to keep the house warm without using so much electric heating, which translates into savings on your monthly bill.
In the end, the key is balance: taking advantage of natural resources, correcting small leaks and investing in affordable solutions that, together, make winter more comfortable and the home much more welcoming.
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