The succession of rainy days, intense wind and high humidity left by Storm Kristin worsened the feeling of cold in much of the country. With saturated soils, falling temperatures and forecasts pointing to a harsher start to February, many homes in Portugal are starting to experience difficulties in retaining heat, especially those with more fragile insulation. It is in this context that a simple Finnish method, used for decades in Northern Europe, is once again gaining attention.
If there’s any country used to dealing with demanding winters, it’s Finland. In regions where temperatures frequently drop below minus 20 degrees, heating systems are essential, but not exclusive.
According to Spanish-language general news website Infobae, Finns also use simple and economical domestic solutions to reinforce the thermal insulation of their homes, especially in windows.
A simple trick to reduce heat loss
The method is unexpected, but effective: bubble wrap, the same material used in packaging, applied to the inside of the glasses. According to the publication, it is a cheap, sustainable and easy-to-implement solution, capable of significantly reducing the entry of cold air and the exit of heat accumulated inside homes.
The principle is simple. The air trapped in the bubbles works as an additional insulating layer, creating a thermal barrier between the outside and inside of the house. In simple windows, common in many older buildings in Portugal, this effect can make a noticeable difference in daily thermal comfort.
How to apply the Finnish method
The process does not require tools or technical knowledge. Simply cut the bubble wrap to fit each window, lightly spray the glass on the inside and apply the plastic with the smooth side in contact with the glass. The moisture creates enough adhesion to keep the material in place for weeks, without the need for glue or tape.
As the same source explains, the plastic must remain applied during the coldest period of winter. If it peels off or is removed, the process can be repeated without significant costs, as the material is cheap and easily reusable.
Other solutions used in the Nordic countries
In addition to this trick, there are other common habits in Finland that help keep heat indoors. Thick curtains and thermal blankets placed near windows and doors reduce drafts.
Rugs and carpets help prevent heat loss through floors, especially in homes with cold or ceramic floors.
The use of candles is also referred to as a supplement. In addition to the psychological effect of comfort, they release enough heat for small rooms. Some users place them near metal surfaces to help reflect heat into the surrounding space.
The organization of the furniture is another relevant factor. Bookcases or sofas against exterior walls act as additional barriers to the cold. Closing off rarely used rooms allows heat to be concentrated in areas where the family spends the most time.
Heat better without using more energy
According to what the website explains, the logic is not to heat the entire house uniformly, but rather to better manage the available heat.
Prioritizing the living room and bedroom, keeping doors closed and using thermal blankets are common strategies in Nordic countries and can be easily replicated in Portugal.
In a winter marked by storms, persistent humidity and high energy bills, small solutions like this may not replace a heating system, but they help reduce heat loss and improve daily comfort.
With creativity and a few euros, it is possible to face the cold more effectively, even after weeks of intense rain, as with this Finnish method.
Also read:
