You may want to have new windows fitted – some studies suggest that you should replace your windows every seven years, in order to fully benefit from them before they start to deteriorate in condition, but at the very least make sure that the glass and seals are maintained. Your windows can actually pay for themselves in what they’ll save you on heating bills, and some different types of window are considerably more efficient than others. Of course, should you be putting off the time when you really have to replace the windows you can make your winters a little more bearable with a few DIY steps.

First of all you should have thick, heavy curtains in place. Wool curtains are the most likely to benefit you as the material is thick and insulating as well as heavy enough to stop most drafts. Your curtains will probably need to be full length (go all the way to the floor) in order to fully prevent the drafts and of course if you like the look of daylight they won’t be as much use to you during the day. If you’re looking for a quick fix hanging a thick blanket over the windows can be just as effective, hanging a thick blanket over a doorway can also be an efficient way of stopping a draft and can actually add a nice look to your home.

Keep your windows clean, particularly around the sealant. Having mould means having bacteria that can actually wear away as the seals and cause the drafts that give you so many problems, so keeping your windows clean is a simple prevention method. You can also re-seal or insulate the window; bathroom type sealer will work for sealing the edges of the windows and applying a window insulator (a sheet type item that will fit to the window pane) will reduce the amount of heat being lost through the glass. Both items can be picked up at most hardware stores.

Regardless of how you have dealt with previous winter cold spouts you should ensure that your windows are up-to date and up-to scratch, uPVC double glazed windows are cheap and energy efficient and come in a range of styles, designs and sizes. These won’t only be of benefit in winter either, during the summer the double glazing limits heat transfer; this means that during the winter it traps the cool air outside and the warm air inside but allows sunlight to get in. During the summer it works in the same way; it keeps the hot air out and the cool air in and allows sunlight in, meaning you can enjoy your home to the fullest throughout the year.

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Besides the fact it will make your room larger without you needing to sacrifice any of your warmth or comfort you may be wondering whether you actually should be purchasing an orangery at this time of year; let’s say you get it and the snow continues – the snow is beautiful and white and makes your entire garden look like something in a dream. It would be nice to ensure those sorts of surroundings without having to wrap up in several of your warmest and fuzziest jackets and throwing yourself out into the wind; it just isn’t as enjoyable. However in a cosy glass room that allows you to immerse yourself in the surroundings without any of the bad points included, name one reason not to buy it.

Getting an orangery in winter (particularly later winter or earlier spring) means that you have several months to use the room how you want, decorate it and make it feel like yours before the summer hits. You basically give yourself a good few months to prepare your nice summer room where you will no doubt be looking to enjoy the summer views and the appearance of your garden in full bloom. With a set of table and chairs this could be the most peaceful and comfortable feeling dining room you’ve ever had the chance to eat in. It also makes a perfect breakfast room, given that the time of the sun rising this time of year matches the approximate time of the majority of couples and families getting up and eating breakfast.

With the use of UPVC and double glazing your fears about heat loss are truly misguided, the fact of the matter is that your orangery could end up becoming the most heat efficient room of your house, turn it into a study or a TV room and you might find yourself spending a lot of time there, saving you on the cost of heating the rest of the house. It makes a fantastic study in the winter, with the snowfall providing a peaceful backdrop on your activities and presenting a much more relaxed feel. In fact it is shown that those who spend time in a conservatory or orangery every day are less stressed and calm down faster, which could have a great impact on your work.

As if further reasons to install an orangery this winter were needed it will also add to the value of your home, should you ever decide to rent or sell your home. You could think of it as an investment, albeit a very enjoyable one.

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