Five hacks to keep your house warm as snow hits UK

Nuray Bulbul
·2-min read

Snow, ice and freezing fog sweeping across parts of the UK will continue for days, weather forecasters have said.

The conditions have caused significant travel disruption, with trains delayed and motorway accidents occurring. Several flights from Heathrow Airport were even cancelled on Sunday morning.

Health officials are advising people to heat living rooms during the day and bedrooms before going to sleep.

This comes after large parts of the country were issued with a yellow warning for snow and ice, with temperatures set to drop to as low as -15°C in Scotland.

For the first time this winter, London implemented the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, allowing homeless individuals access to shelter on December 7.

Weather alerts are triggered when severe cold weather is likely to affect people’s health significantly — particularly those with underlying health conditions.

With the rising cost of energy causing concern, and many people working from home, here are a few hacks to keep your house toasty.

Heat the living room during the day and bedrooms before going to sleep

This way it will be easier to trap heat in any room during the day or night.

Most people find the ideal temperature in the living room to be between 19°C and 22°C, while the bedroom can be a little cooler and be as low as 15°C or 16°C.

UK Weather | December 2022: Snow hits London

A man takes to the air after hitting a ramp while sledging in Alexandra Palace Park (Getty Images)
A man takes to the air after hitting a ramp while sledging in Alexandra Palace Park (Getty Images)
A man takes to the air after hitting a ramp while sledging in Alexandra Palace Park (Getty Images)
A man takes to the air after hitting a ramp while sledging in Alexandra Palace Park (Getty Images)
People walk on the street in front of The Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as Big Ben, as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
People walk on the street in front of The Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as Big Ben, as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
Trees are covered in snow in front of Buckingham Palace as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
Trees are covered in snow in front of Buckingham Palace as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
A swimmer dips her feet in Serpentine lake, as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
A swimmer dips her feet in Serpentine lake, as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
A person skis in the snow at Greenwich Park, London. Snow and ice have swept across parts of the UK (PA)
A person skis in the snow at Greenwich Park, London. Snow and ice have swept across parts of the UK (PA)
A person jogging in Richmond Park in south west London. (PA)
A person jogging in Richmond Park in south west London. (PA)
People walk through the snow in Greenwich Park, London. Snow and ice have swept across parts of the UK, with cold wintry conditions set to continue for days. (PA)
People walk through the snow in Greenwich Park, London. Snow and ice have swept across parts of the UK, with cold wintry conditions set to continue for days. (PA)

Place foil behind radiators

You can place aluminium foil behind radiators to keep your house extra warm without turning the heating up high. Placing it on the outside wall can reduce the amount of heat escaping from the house.

Do this before you turn your radiators on.

Bleed your radiators

Any trapped air in the heating system can be released by bleeding the radiators. This can also help with energy bills.

The process is straightforward and, if you’re unsure about it, there are many instructions on Google.

Cover your floor with rugs

Rugs offer insulation as they provide more space between your feet and the floor.

Put up thick curtains

These can help to keep warm air inside the house and prevent heat loss.

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