December 5, 2025
As the winter chill starts creeping through London’s homes, keeping warm becomes a blend of comfort, cost, and clever planning.
At BCC Maintenance, we spend our days helping homeowners and tenants protect their properties,
so we know exactly where heat is lost, where savings can be made, and what upgrades actually make a difference.
Below is your complete guide to creating a warmer home this winter, covering high-budget improvements,
mid-range upgrades, low-cost fixes, and even completely free ideas anyone can do today.
High-Budget Upgrades (Long-Term Savings + Maximum Comfort)
If you want serious, lasting improvements to warmth and energy efficiency, these investments pay off year after year.
1. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Boiler or Heat Pump
Modern boilers and air-source heat pumps use far less energy while producing much more consistent heat.
Benefits:
- Lower monthly bills
- Quieter and more efficient
- Increases property value
2. Professional Insulation (Loft, Roof, Cavity Walls)
Up to 25% of heat escapes through the roof alone. Proper insulation is one of the fastest ways to cut heat loss.
Benefits:
- Keeps heat in and cold out
- Reduces heating system strain
- Long lifespan (25+ years)
3. High-Performance Windows and Doors
If your windows are old, single glazed, or draughty, heat loss is almost guaranteed.
Options:
- Double or triple glazing
- Insulated composite front doors
- Thermal blinds or shutters
4. Underfloor Heating
Great for bathrooms, kitchens, and open-plan areas.
Benefits:
- Even heat distribution
- Invisible (no radiators)
- Energy efficient at low running temps
- Mid-Range Improvements (Strong Impact Without a Full Renovation)
1. Smart Thermostat Installation
Devices like Hive, Nest, or Tado help you control heat efficiently.
Why it pays off:
- Only heats when the house is occupied
- Tracks usage and finds savings
- Zoned control reduces waste
2. Radiator Upgrades or Balancing
Old radiators often have cold spots or poor circulation.
Upgrades include:
- Modern convector radiators
- Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
- Professional system balancing
3. Pipe and Cylinder Insulation
Lagging hot water pipes and cylinders stops heat escaping.
Benefits:
- Very cost-effective
- Improves hot water efficiency
- Protects pipes from freezing
4. Secondary Glazing
A cheaper alternative to replacing windows entirely—perfect for period properties.
Low-Budget Fixes (Quick, Effective, Affordable)
1. Heavy Curtains and Thermal Blinds
Windows are the biggest culprit for heat loss.
Thermal curtains or cellular blinds trap warmth and stop draughts dead.
2. Draught Excluders
Use around:
- Doors
- Window frames
- Fireplaces (when not in use)
- Letterboxes
Cheap and surprisingly powerful.
3. Radiator Reflector Panels
Placed behind radiators on external walls, they bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it escape outside.
4. Door Seals and Weather Strips
Self-adhesive seals prevent cold air getting in around older doors.
5. Move Furniture Away From Radiators
Blocked radiators = wasted heat.
Leave at least 30cm clearance for proper airflow.
Completely Free Ways to Stay Warmer (No Cost, Big Difference!)
1. Use the Sun
Open blinds and curtains during the day to let natural heat in.
Close them as soon as the sun sets to trap warmth.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, bleeding removes trapped air and restores efficiency.
3. Keep Interior Doors Shut
Especially between heated and unheated areas—this keeps heat concentrated where you need it.
4. Layer Up Your Bedding
Swap thin sheets for layered blankets to retain more heat through the night.
5. Cook & Bake Strategically
After using the oven, leave the door open (if safe) to let residual heat warm the kitchen.
Conclusion
By tackling these essential home maintenance tasks in winter, you can ensure that your property is ready for whatever the weather has in store.
From checking your heating system to sealing drafts, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your home and keeping energy bills down.
For professional assistance with your winter maintenance needs, contact Brompton Cross Maintenance and Cleaning today—your trusted partner in keeping your home safe, clean, and efficient all year round.
