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  • Writer's pictureJoana Wheeler

How to keep your home warm this winter without spending more electricity!

In the winter, 19% of portuguese people lack the financial means to heat their homes.


Portugal is the fifth-most challenging country for consumers in the European Union, according to data to experts. The fact is that when winter approaches, more people need to keep their homes warm, which drives up their electric bills. However, there are a number of ways that can keep the house warm and dry and are affordable. Use our recommendations to save up to 10% on the heating bill.


Take advantage of the daylight

We are lucky to be in a part of Europe which has plenty of sunny winter days. Embrace them. Open the blinds, shutters, and curtains from sunrise to sunset. Want a more cost effective way to heat your home for free?


Do not let the heat get away

Contrary to what you should do in the morning, it is crucial to close the Windows, draw the blinds and curtains in the late afternoon, ideally before sunset, to maintain a warm and dry environment.


Insulation of doors and Windows

The two previous points are ineffective without adequate domestic isolation. Some of the weakest points for heat retention are doors and windows. Examine your window and door frames for cracks, as these account for the majority of energy loss. To combat heat retention and conserve energy, there are a number of options available.


To ensure that hot air is on the inside and cold air is outside, try, for instance, insulating the glasses with cold protection films or self-adhesive insulation with rubber and foam seal.


If you want or feel that investing is a better option and you have the budget, getting a new roof insulation, "smart roofs," or at the very least more energy-efficient windows. Some energy supply companies state that the insulation on the roof should be prioritised because, on average, 30% of heat is lost through it. Then, pay attention to the walls, doors, and windows, which account for 25% of losses and 20% of losses, respectively.


By investing in insulation, you can reduce your home's heating and cooling costs by up to 10% while also preventing indoor heat loss. Although certain adjustments mean that you need to carry out building work and this in turn incurs fees, if you consider the medium or long term, these costs will undoubtedly pay off in the end. The government also introduced the More Sustainable Buildings Support Program in September, through which you can apply for financial assistance to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home.


Replace the heater with air conditioning

Although the initial cost is more, good air conditioning equipment "is about four times more efficient than an electric heater," according energy supply companies. Additionally, we tend to take hotter baths when the outside temperature drops, so we should be aware of how the water heats up, not least because technologies like heat pumps and hybrid heaters enable us to cut the energy needed to heat water by more than 50%.


Less used divisions

More chilly air circulates in a larger, more divided room. Hot air rises more when there are more floors or an attic. If you give it some thought, you will see that there are energy benefits to keeping the doors closed, especially those that get little to no use, like the larder, the attic, or the guest bedroom. As a result, warm air is kept in the most crucial areas and cold air is prevented from moving around.


Decorations

Do not leave the walls bare when you can fill the space with furniture, photos, bookcases, mirrors, and photographs to keep the heat in.

Decorate all areas of the home not just the walls. Use textiles to decorate, not only does it make the space look beautiful and more comfortable while also providing protection from the cold.

  • Put up thick, heavy curtains;

  • Cover the floor with carpets and rugs;

  • The terms cushion and blanket are interchangeable for comfort and warmth.

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