We all know that the weather can be unpredictable. Even in the height of summer, it’s possible to experience four seasons in one day. Being comfortable at home is essential, especially at the moment when most of us are spending more time at home than usual. In this guide, we’ll offer some handy tips to help you make sure your home is ready for whatever the forecast holds.
Shade and shelter
Summer is in full swing, and many of us are keen to get out into our gardens and make the most of longer, lighter, warmer days. The trouble is that you never really know what’s in store in terms of the weather. One minute it’s blazing sunshine, the next it’s raining cats and dogs. One way to ensure that you are able to make the most of your outdoor space throughout the year is to add shade and shelter. With structures and features like gazebos, retractable awnings and covered patios you can enjoy being outside come rain or shine. Cool down on hot days and stay dry if there are passing showers. If you’re unsure what kind of additions would work in your garden, take a look online for inspiration and browse home and garden magazines. It’s also a great idea to get ideas from places you’ve visited or gardens you’ve seen on TV. There are solutions to suit every budget and cater to all tastes.
Heating and cooling
Many of us complain that we’re too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. We rely on heating during the cooler months and fans and open windows and doors during the warmer months. If you do struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for seasonal changes and more extreme weather. If you find it hard to sleep, or your home feels stuffy in the summer, invest in free-standing fans or investigate adding ceiling fans or an air conditioning unit. If your home gets very cold in the winter, make sure you have supplies of domestic heating oil, book routine boiler checks before cooler climes arrive and look for ways to improve insulation. You could get quotes for double glazing, add loft or cavity wall insulation or use simple, inexpensive techniques, such as filling gaps in walls, using draught excluders and keeping internal doors closed. Setting a thermostat can also help you regulate the temperature of your home.
Soft furnishings
Soft furnishings enhance the aesthetic appeal of living rooms and bedrooms but they can also play an important role in keeping you warm when temperatures plunge. You can use rugs, throws and blankets to get cosy and lower your heating bills. When it’s warm outside, swap heavy fabrics, such as wool, velvet and faux fur for light materials like linen and cotton to stay cool.
We all know that the British weather can be unpredictable. It can be difficult to ensure that our homes are geared up for summer or winter when the forecast includes rain, sunshine, thunder and wind on the same day. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that you’re comfortable in your home all year round. From adding shelter and shade in the garden to using heating and cooling systems and soft furnishings to get warm or stay cool, take these tips on board to survive every season.