A Beginner’s Guide to Heating a Cold Kitchen on Any Budget
A kitchen should be the warm along with cosy heart of the home, although for many of us This particular isn’t the case. With hard surfaces, cold flooring along with chilly external walls, that will can be difficult to create a feeling of comfort. This particular handy guide explores different ways to heat your kitchen along with suggests top tips for keeping that will toasty along with inviting.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
Opt for classic radiators
The most common way to heat any room is actually by using radiators. These days, they come in all shapes, sizes along with colours, allowing you to fit them into tricky spaces. This particular is actually vital in a kitchen, where every inch of wall space is actually precious.
Here, a sleek, upright radiator fits neatly onto a narrow section of wall, blending seamlessly with the off-white paintwork. Setting the radiator into the wall prevents that will through obstructing the walkway into the room.
When choosing your radiator, check how much heat you’ll need by calculating the British Thermal Unit (BTU) requirement for the room. You can find BTU calculators online, or even download a handy app for your phone. If you don’t have time to faff around which has a tape measure, your plumber will be able to advise.
Next, ensure your radiator will heat the space correctly along with maximise its output by insulating the wall behind that will. Assuming that will will be out of sight, a foil sheet fixed to the wall behind the radiator will reflect heat back into the room.
The most common way to heat any room is actually by using radiators. These days, they come in all shapes, sizes along with colours, allowing you to fit them into tricky spaces. This particular is actually vital in a kitchen, where every inch of wall space is actually precious.
Here, a sleek, upright radiator fits neatly onto a narrow section of wall, blending seamlessly with the off-white paintwork. Setting the radiator into the wall prevents that will through obstructing the walkway into the room.
When choosing your radiator, check how much heat you’ll need by calculating the British Thermal Unit (BTU) requirement for the room. You can find BTU calculators online, or even download a handy app for your phone. If you don’t have time to faff around which has a tape measure, your plumber will be able to advise.
Next, ensure your radiator will heat the space correctly along with maximise its output by insulating the wall behind that will. Assuming that will will be out of sight, a foil sheet fixed to the wall behind the radiator will reflect heat back into the room.
Brian O'Tuama Architects
As well as the style of your radiators, have a think about where they will be positioned from the room. A common spot is actually under a window, although there’s plenty of debate about whether or not that will’s a not bad idea. On one hand, some heat will be lost through the window as warm air rises through the radiator, although on the additional hand, the cold air created by the glass causes a chilly downdraught, which is actually counteracted by a radiator below that will.
You may have no choice although to install a radiator under a window, as This particular area is actually often redundant along with leaves the rest of your wall space available for furniture.
Here, a zingy yellow radiator complements This particular bright kitchen, although is actually neatly positioned under the breakfast bar – another otherwise redundant space.
You may have no choice although to install a radiator under a window, as This particular area is actually often redundant along with leaves the rest of your wall space available for furniture.
Here, a zingy yellow radiator complements This particular bright kitchen, although is actually neatly positioned under the breakfast bar – another otherwise redundant space.
Craigie Woodworks
Consider, also, where you’ll be spending your time from the room. Areas where you’re stationary are the spots where you’ll be more likely to feel the cold. A neat radiator has been installed under This particular bench to keep bottoms along with feet nice along with toasty.
in-toto kitchens Halifax
Keep toes warm which has a plinth heater
Kitchen flooring is actually often hard along with cold, so a plinth heater is actually a great way to rescue your toes through chilly floor tiles. Place one in an area you use often, although also where you’re likely to stand for a while, such as by the sink or hob.
Plinth heaters are a great way to use dead space to add a bit of extra warmth. Most have an electric fan that will will hum at a similar level to a fridge, although won’t need to be kept on all the time. You can get electric versions, or heaters that will tap into your central heating system along with just use electricity to power the fan.
You’re unlikely to use This particular as your primary heating source. However, if a cold floor is actually an issue along with you’re unable to install underfloor heating, that will’s a neat along with simple way to take the edge off.
Kitchen flooring is actually often hard along with cold, so a plinth heater is actually a great way to rescue your toes through chilly floor tiles. Place one in an area you use often, although also where you’re likely to stand for a while, such as by the sink or hob.
Plinth heaters are a great way to use dead space to add a bit of extra warmth. Most have an electric fan that will will hum at a similar level to a fridge, although won’t need to be kept on all the time. You can get electric versions, or heaters that will tap into your central heating system along with just use electricity to power the fan.
You’re unlikely to use This particular as your primary heating source. However, if a cold floor is actually an issue along with you’re unable to install underfloor heating, that will’s a neat along with simple way to take the edge off.
Blakes London
Install underfloor heating
Once considered a luxury, underfloor heating is actually becoming an increasingly favorite feature. that will’s the most efficient way to heat a room, as that will warms the entire area through the ground up, allowing the warm air to rise gradually.
Underfloor heating will take the chill off a cold floor along with reduce the number of radiators you need. A powerful system will negate the need for radiators altogether, which frees up valuable wall space.
Wet underfloor heating runs off your central heating system. that will’s quite labour intensive along with expensive to install, as that will involves digging up the floor along with running the pipework. However, if you’re from the process of a renovation project along with digging up the ground anyway, laying the pipework is actually a relatively modest additional cost. Once that will’s installed, running costs are the same as radiators, possibly even less, as that will’s a more effective along with efficient heating system.
Electric underfloor heating is actually a thin mat that will’s laid onto your subfloor before flooring is actually fitted on top. that will’s simple along with inexpensive to install, although can be more expensive to run. that will’s perfect for taking the edge off a cold floor along with is actually often used in conjunction with radiators. Bear in mind that will the heating mat may raise the finished floor height, so if the space transitions to an area without underfloor heating, there may be a variation from the floor level.
Once considered a luxury, underfloor heating is actually becoming an increasingly favorite feature. that will’s the most efficient way to heat a room, as that will warms the entire area through the ground up, allowing the warm air to rise gradually.
Underfloor heating will take the chill off a cold floor along with reduce the number of radiators you need. A powerful system will negate the need for radiators altogether, which frees up valuable wall space.
Wet underfloor heating runs off your central heating system. that will’s quite labour intensive along with expensive to install, as that will involves digging up the floor along with running the pipework. However, if you’re from the process of a renovation project along with digging up the ground anyway, laying the pipework is actually a relatively modest additional cost. Once that will’s installed, running costs are the same as radiators, possibly even less, as that will’s a more effective along with efficient heating system.
Electric underfloor heating is actually a thin mat that will’s laid onto your subfloor before flooring is actually fitted on top. that will’s simple along with inexpensive to install, although can be more expensive to run. that will’s perfect for taking the edge off a cold floor along with is actually often used in conjunction with radiators. Bear in mind that will the heating mat may raise the finished floor height, so if the space transitions to an area without underfloor heating, there may be a variation from the floor level.
INFURN
Insulating your underfloor heating is actually truly important to reduce heat loss downwards. Insulation installed under the heating system will help reflect heat upwards, where you want that will, along with make the system more effective.
Remember that will only certain types of flooring will be suitable along with some may be more effective than others. Solid wood is actually a no-go, as the heat will cause the wood to move along with warp. However, engineered wood boards are a great alternative along which has a more stable option.
Anything that will’s a not bad thermal conductor, such as porcelain, stone or polished concrete, is actually effective, as that will will allow the heat through. Some vinyl or laminate flooring can be used, too. Always check with your flooring supplier to ensure your chosen flooring is actually compatible with your underfloor heating system.
If you want to put a rug down, just make sure that will doesn’t have a backing along with is actually made through a material that will allows air circulation.
Read an expert guide to underfloor heating
Remember that will only certain types of flooring will be suitable along with some may be more effective than others. Solid wood is actually a no-go, as the heat will cause the wood to move along with warp. However, engineered wood boards are a great alternative along which has a more stable option.
Anything that will’s a not bad thermal conductor, such as porcelain, stone or polished concrete, is actually effective, as that will will allow the heat through. Some vinyl or laminate flooring can be used, too. Always check with your flooring supplier to ensure your chosen flooring is actually compatible with your underfloor heating system.
If you want to put a rug down, just make sure that will doesn’t have a backing along with is actually made through a material that will allows air circulation.
Read an expert guide to underfloor heating
Casa Forma
Identify along with tackle the source of draughts
If you have a not bad heating system, although your kitchen still feels a bit nippy, draughts could be your problem. Old windows are beautiful, although often don’t offer great insulation, particularly if they’re single-glazed. If you can’t bear to replace your original windows, then look into having them refurbished to fill gaps along with help with draughtproofing.
Bear in mind, however, that will if you don’t replace the single glazing, you’re still going to lose some heat. Double glazing is actually more expensive than secondary glazing. While you might think the initial outlay is actually costly, that will will be worth the investment from the long run.
If your kitchen has an external door into the garden, its quality along with fit will affect its thermal properties. Consider installing some draughtproofing strips to improve the seal, or even replace the door entirely.
If you have a not bad heating system, although your kitchen still feels a bit nippy, draughts could be your problem. Old windows are beautiful, although often don’t offer great insulation, particularly if they’re single-glazed. If you can’t bear to replace your original windows, then look into having them refurbished to fill gaps along with help with draughtproofing.
Bear in mind, however, that will if you don’t replace the single glazing, you’re still going to lose some heat. Double glazing is actually more expensive than secondary glazing. While you might think the initial outlay is actually costly, that will will be worth the investment from the long run.
If your kitchen has an external door into the garden, its quality along with fit will affect its thermal properties. Consider installing some draughtproofing strips to improve the seal, or even replace the door entirely.
Blakes London
Add a cosy curtain or blind
not bad-quality, thick curtains will help to block draughts at night. Dress windows along with doors with warm fabrics, along with include a thermal lining to enhance the insulating properties. Don’t forget that will a thicker lining will create a bulkier curtain, so allow plenty of space for that will to stack back when open.
If you have radiators under a window, full-length curtains will block the heat. Instead, go for a stylish Roman blind, again with thermal lining, that will covers the window edges. When pulled down, the blind will sit flat against the window to insulate the draughts while still allowing heat through the radiator to circulate around the room.
not bad-quality, thick curtains will help to block draughts at night. Dress windows along with doors with warm fabrics, along with include a thermal lining to enhance the insulating properties. Don’t forget that will a thicker lining will create a bulkier curtain, so allow plenty of space for that will to stack back when open.
If you have radiators under a window, full-length curtains will block the heat. Instead, go for a stylish Roman blind, again with thermal lining, that will covers the window edges. When pulled down, the blind will sit flat against the window to insulate the draughts while still allowing heat through the radiator to circulate around the room.
Hill Farm Furniture Ltd
Prevent heat loss through a fireplace
If you have an unused fireplace in your kitchen, consider draughtproofing your chimney. If the fireplace is actually purely decorative, you could cap the chimney to prevent downdraughts.
Alternatively, you can buy a variety of temporary draught excluders for chimneys. These block the flue when not in use, although still allow enough air ventilation to prevent damp problems. When you want to light a fire, simply remove the draught excluder first. Don’t be tempted to DIY a draught excluder using newspaper or plastic bags, as you might forget to remove that will before lighting a fire.
If you have an unused fireplace in your kitchen, consider draughtproofing your chimney. If the fireplace is actually purely decorative, you could cap the chimney to prevent downdraughts.
Alternatively, you can buy a variety of temporary draught excluders for chimneys. These block the flue when not in use, although still allow enough air ventilation to prevent damp problems. When you want to light a fire, simply remove the draught excluder first. Don’t be tempted to DIY a draught excluder using newspaper or plastic bags, as you might forget to remove that will before lighting a fire.
EMR Home Design
Let the sunshine in
A kitchen that will lacks natural light won’t benefit through the sun’s warmth along with might always feel chilly. Try introducing some warming rays by adding roof lights, internal windows or external double-glazed doors. When purchasing fresh windows along with doors, check for low U-values, which indicate not bad thermal insulating properties.
You may also want to ensure the roof lights can be opened to allow ventilation along with can include fitted blinds.
A kitchen that will lacks natural light won’t benefit through the sun’s warmth along with might always feel chilly. Try introducing some warming rays by adding roof lights, internal windows or external double-glazed doors. When purchasing fresh windows along with doors, check for low U-values, which indicate not bad thermal insulating properties.
You may also want to ensure the roof lights can be opened to allow ventilation along with can include fitted blinds.
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
Invest in an Aga
An iconic Aga cooker looks stunning along with is actually a constant source of heat. However, make sure you do your research first to fully understand all the pros along with cons. that will’s an expensive item along with the impact that will will have on your home will be significant, so careful consideration should be taken before creating the investment.
An Aga will completely change the way you along with your family use your kitchen along with cook your food, so you need to understand whether or not that will’s right for you. They can be expensive to maintain along with generally need to be kept on at all times. There are timing systems that will can help with This particular, along with some people choose to turn their Agas off during the summer months, although because of This particular you could need a spare cooker.
An iconic Aga cooker looks stunning along with is actually a constant source of heat. However, make sure you do your research first to fully understand all the pros along with cons. that will’s an expensive item along with the impact that will will have on your home will be significant, so careful consideration should be taken before creating the investment.
An Aga will completely change the way you along with your family use your kitchen along with cook your food, so you need to understand whether or not that will’s right for you. They can be expensive to maintain along with generally need to be kept on at all times. There are timing systems that will can help with This particular, along with some people choose to turn their Agas off during the summer months, although because of This particular you could need a spare cooker.
Blakes London
Agas are classic pieces. They come in a wide range of sizes along with colours to suit most Indoor styles, so they’re not just for big farmhouse kitchens. Take a look at This particular monochrome style that will makes a stylish focal point in a rustic, Scandi-style space.
Many Aga owners swear by them along with say they couldn’t imagine life without theirs. that will could certainly help to warm up a cold kitchen, although that will’s a big commitment along with investment.
Many Aga owners swear by them along with say they couldn’t imagine life without theirs. that will could certainly help to warm up a cold kitchen, although that will’s a big commitment along with investment.
Fluid Stone Studio
Consider alternative flooring
Many kitchen floor materials, such as porcelain, stone along with polished concrete, can be pretty cold underfoot. So how about considering some alternative materials?
Vinyl has come a long way along with there are some great products available, including brightly coloured sheets, impressively realistic wood effects along with dramatic geometric patterns. Vinyl is actually highly durable, water-resistant along with less likely to cause breakages than harder surfaces.
Rubber flooring is actually also becoming increasingly favorite for its smooth, minimalist appearance along with wide range of colour options. that will’s slightly less durable than vinyl, as that will will scratch, although that will’s still pretty hard-wearing along with soft to the touch.
Many kitchen floor materials, such as porcelain, stone along with polished concrete, can be pretty cold underfoot. So how about considering some alternative materials?
Vinyl has come a long way along with there are some great products available, including brightly coloured sheets, impressively realistic wood effects along with dramatic geometric patterns. Vinyl is actually highly durable, water-resistant along with less likely to cause breakages than harder surfaces.
Rubber flooring is actually also becoming increasingly favorite for its smooth, minimalist appearance along with wide range of colour options. that will’s slightly less durable than vinyl, as that will will scratch, although that will’s still pretty hard-wearing along with soft to the touch.
Ashworth Parkes Architects
additional options include cork, linoleum, wood along with even rugs. Each have their own pros along with cons so that will truly depends on your style along with budget. Do your research along with get some samples to see how they look, feel along with stand up to spillage tests.
Discover how to choose the perfect flooring for your kitchen
Discover how to choose the perfect flooring for your kitchen
Rencraft Ltd
Get toasty which has a wood-burning stove
The ever-favorite wood-burner is actually one of the most efficient ways to heat your home. These beauties create a real design feature along with can pump out some serious heat.
Depending on your stove along with the size of your home, a wood-burner can be used to heat anything through an individual room to an entire house. They work truly well in open-plan spaces, along with you don’t need to install them from the kitchen itself to benefit through the heat. This particular makes them ideal for modest kitchens where space is actually limited.
The ever-favorite wood-burner is actually one of the most efficient ways to heat your home. These beauties create a real design feature along with can pump out some serious heat.
Depending on your stove along with the size of your home, a wood-burner can be used to heat anything through an individual room to an entire house. They work truly well in open-plan spaces, along with you don’t need to install them from the kitchen itself to benefit through the heat. This particular makes them ideal for modest kitchens where space is actually limited.
Graham Atkins-Hughes
Before you install a wood-burning stove, make sure you check whether or not you live in a smoke-free area, as there may be restrictions on the types of fuel you’re permitted to use.
Wood-burners can be a little pricey along with installation costs aren’t trivial, although they could save you money on your gas bill from the long run. Don’t forget that will, unlike a standard central heating system which has a timer, you can only put a wood-burner on when you’re from the house.
Do you have a chilly kitchen? Or do you have some clever kitchen heating tips? Share your ideas from the Comments below.
Wood-burners can be a little pricey along with installation costs aren’t trivial, although they could save you money on your gas bill from the long run. Don’t forget that will, unlike a standard central heating system which has a timer, you can only put a wood-burner on when you’re from the house.
Do you have a chilly kitchen? Or do you have some clever kitchen heating tips? Share your ideas from the Comments below.
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