Practical Tips on How to Keep Your New House Warm this Winter

Modern new build homes make keeping your house warm in winter so much easier. 

Advances in construction materials and new government regulations – including the “Future Homes Standard” regulation passed in 2022 – have led to recently built homes being much warmer than their older counterparts.  

With that in mind, if you really want to make your new home feel toasty this winter, we recommend the following:  

 

1.) Set Your Thermostat Correctly  

 

Choose a temperature that suits your household and keep your thermostat set consistently between 17-20°C. Avoid frequent adjustments, as steady settings are often more effective than short bursts of heat. 

 

2.) Maintain Your Boiler from Day One 

 

Owning a new build offers you the chance to manage its boiler from the offset, with its warranty intact. This means that you can focus on maintaining your brand-new boiler rather than repairing one that already has miles on it.    

One of the best things to do to ensure your new boiler is one you keep for life is schedule in regular checks from the off. Ensuring it gets an annual service is an essential for a durable boiler.  

 

Why regular checks matter: 

 

• Safety: A neglected boiler can pose risks, including potential carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that presents serious health dangers. It’s also important to test your carbon monoxide alarm regularly using the test button at least once a month. 

 

• Cost savings: A well-maintained boiler is more likely to run efficiently, reducing fuel waste over time. Fixing minor issues on a brand-new boiler early is far more affordable than major repairs down the line. 

 

• Peace of mind and reliability: Booking checks during the warmer months can prevent heating failures later in the year, keeping your home dependable when it matters most.  

 

3.) Optimise Your Radiators 

 

Often, small adjustments are all that’s needed to improve how heat moves around your home.

 

Simple things you can do: 

 

• Bleed radiators to release trapped air. 

 

• Use radiator reflectors on external walls to reflect warmth back into the room. 

 

• Make sure furniture isn’t blocking your radiators. 

 

• Keep curtains clear of radiators so heat can circulate into the room, rather than being trapped behind the fabric. 

 

4.) Focus Heating on the Spaces You Use Most  

 

Most homes have spaces that aren’t used every day, such as a spare bedroom or a home office outside of working hours. Rather than heating the entire house evenly, it’s often more efficient to prioritise lived-in areas.  

Keeping doors to unused rooms closed helps retain warmth, while light ventilation in those cooler spaces is still important to prevent damp and condensation. Instead of turning heating off completely, lowering the temperature allows main living areas to stay comfortable without causing issues elsewhere. 

 

5.) Use Curtains and Rugs Strategically 

 

Windows and doors are natural points where warmth escapes. Even in modern, new build homes, closing thick curtains, particularly those with thermal linings, can make a real difference. They help retain warmth, especially during the evening and night when everyone’s settling down for sleep.   

Using rugs on hard floors can also make rooms feel more comfortable underfoot while adding an extra layer of insulation. 

 

6.) Capture Residual Heat from Appliances 

 

Everyday appliances can also provide small amounts of useful heat. After cooking, allowing the oven’s leftover heat to gently raise the kitchen temperature can add comfort without extra energy use. However, be sure to keep children and pets at a safe distance.  

In a similar way, once a tumble dryer cycle has finished, allowing warmth to disperse into nearby areas can provide a boost on colder days. 

 

7.) Invest in the right bedding 

 

Before you move into your new build, as you’re thinking about your bedding and bedroom furnishing, consider items that will be practical during the colder months. 

Using bedding that’s generous in size and well tucked in can make a noticeable difference. Layered duvets and hot water bottles all contribute to a more restful night’s sleep. 

 

Heat Smarter, Not Harder 

 

Keeping your home warm is about finding the right balance. Sensible day-to-day habits can make all the difference.  

Buying a Davidsons home is another excellent move towards having a warmer home. With energy efficiency built in to help reduce energy use and keep running costs lower, buying with Davidsons is the perfect way to ensure you heat smarter not harder.