Projects to keep your house warm in winter

As temperatures plummet, keeping your home warm in winter becomes essential. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my house so cold?”— even with the heating on — you’re not alone. Many homes in the UK struggle to retain heat during the colder months. The good news? Small projects and practical changes can make a significant difference.

At Places for People, we’re committed to helping our Communities create warm and comfortable homes while keeping costs manageable. Here are some simple but effective projects to help you keep your home warm this winter.

Jump to

• Seal draughts
• Insulate your home
• Use radiator reflectors
• Upgrade your curtains
• Bleed your radiators
• Add rugs to hard floors
• Optimise your heating system
• FAQ's

Seal draughts

Draughts creeping in through doors, windows, or even letterboxes are a common cause of cold homes. To tackle this, use draught excluders under doors and weatherproof strips around windows. These simple, affordable fixes will prevent cold air from entering and stop warm air from escaping, making your home feel much cosier.

For more information, check out our guide on how to prevent draughts in your home

Insulate your home

If your house feels cold regardless of how much you heat it, poor insulation could be the issue. Adding or upgrading loft insulation is an excellent way to retain warmth and lower energy bills. Walls, floors, and pipes can also be insulated to make a real difference to your home’s energy efficiency.

If you live in a rented property, it’s always best to check with your landlord or housing provider before investigating insulation. They may have initiatives or services to help. 

Use radiator reflectors

Radiators often lose heat through the walls behind them. Installing radiator reflectors is a simple and budget-friendly solution. These reflective panels direct heat back into your rooms rather than letting it escape through the walls, making your heating system work more effectively.

Upgrade your curtains

Windows can be a significant source of heat loss, especially if they’re single glazed. Thick, thermal-lined curtains act as an additional barrier, trapping heat inside. Close your curtains as soon as it gets dark to help your home stay warm through the evening and night.

Make sure your curtains don't cover the radiator! 

Bleed your radiators

If your radiators aren’t warming up properly, trapped air could be the problem. Bleeding your radiators releases this air, allowing them to heat up fully. It’s a quick and easy job that can make a big difference to your home’s warmth.

For a step-by-step guide, check out our blog on how to bleed a radiator.

Add rugs to hard floors

Hardwood, laminate, or tiled floors can feel icy underfoot in winter. Adding rugs provides insulation and helps retain heat, especially in rooms with high ceilings or less insulation.

Optimise your heating system

A well-maintained boiler is essential for keeping your home warm in winter. If you rent your home from Places for People, you should receive an annual boiler service as part of your tenancy. Regular servicing ensures your boiler runs efficiently, reduces the risk of breakdowns, and keeps your home cosy and safe.

To arrange your annual boiler service, simply call our Customer Contact Centre on 01772 667002 in England and Wales or 0131 657 0600 in Scotland, or log in to your online account.