For many years now, we've got used to winter weather meaning little more than the odd sleet shower, endless damp days and grey skies. Not this year, suddenly there's a danger of being snowed in, unable to travel and there are renewed worries about energy supply.
AGA is well known for keeping homes cozy and, with a wealth of experience in this arena, the people behind the iconic British brand have come up with tips to ensure we can all keep warm, however inclement the winter weather becomes...
1. Consider installing a wood-burning stove. They offer a carbon-neutral way of keeping warm, can heat water and radiators and allow you to keep the heating going even in a power cut. And each pound of fuel burned in a stove will generate at least three times more heat than that burned in an open fireplace.
2. Don't try to keep the whole house equally warm concentrate instead on those areas of the house you use most.
3. Check your home's draught-proofing Draught-proofing your front door with a thick, well-fitting curtain will keep warmth in. Draught-proofing strips can also be used between the part of the window that moves and the frame and along the bottom of doors, especially on doors that go to the outside, where most heat is lost.
4. Check your water tanks are properly insulated. An insulating jacket that fits around the tank will slow down the amount of heat loss and keep your hot water at the right temperature for longer. The cold water tank should also be insulated - to stop it from freezing over in the winter months.
5. Check your windows - obviously, double-glazing cuts heat loss, but even if you don't have it, you can still make your windows more efficient. Attach plastic film or sheeting to the window frame, which will help keep the warmth in. Curtains will also insulate your windows. Ideally they should reach the floor as this traps a layer of air between the glass and the curtain, giving you added insulation. If you have radiators under your windows, don't let the curtains hang in front of them. Tuck them behind the radiators so that the heat flows into the room.
6. Stay on the move! Tempting as it is to sit down in one place and not move for hours, it's not going to keep your circulation going. Vacuuming is awfully good for keeping warm, as is any kind of exercise, even the most gentle, such as stretching.
7. Add an extra layer. Layering works best for keeping warm, as warm air is trapped between them. Wrapping up warmly - both indoors and out - is very important. Try several layers of thin clothing. Clothes made from wool, polyester or fleecy synthetic fibres are usually warmer. Thermal underwear can also help beat the chill. Warm, thick tights or long socks are a must, as well as a warm pair of slippers. Good old-fashioned methods of keeping warm shouldn't be forgotten. Wrap yourself in a cosy blanket, or be the height of fashion with a Slanket - a blanket with arms. Hot water bottles are blissful too, and aren't just for bedtime.
8. Eat for warmth. Regular hot food will provide warmth and energy. Rather than toast for breakfast, consider porridge or scrambled eggs. Hot drinks help, too, but instead of caffeine-laden beverages, try hot lemon and ginger with a dash of honey. Slow-cooked casseroles are a great winter warmer, terribly easy to make and just the sort of food the AGA is brilliant at. Make sure you have your store cupboard stocked with essentials as the snow can make it tricky to get out. Rice, lentils, dried pasta, stocks and sauces all keep for ages and offer the basis for tasty meals.
Winter warmth advice (from AGA)
