Please note: this is a contributed post.
Cottage life is fantastic. It doesn’t get better than this for character properties. The rural setting and feature fixtures (like thatch roofs) are quaint options for anyone thinking of moving to the country. Even people living the city life often dream of owning properties like these one day.
If you’ve recently invested in a cottage, then, the chances are that you’re pretty excited right now.Waking up to interesting windows with a view of rolling fields may be your dream come true. Sadly, we’re here to burst the bubble a little. While houses like these are fantastic, they also tend to be older homes that weren’t built with modern living in mind. As such, your first few weeks could reveal issues which need fixing before you get too comfortable.
Don’t panic; for the most part, these are small jobs which you can complete in a matter of weeks or months. But, you can bet your dream will soon turn into a nightmare if you don’t address any problems promptly. So, without further ado, let’s look at which areas you should pay attention to first.
Inspect Your Boiler
We’ll get the big one out-of-the-way first, shall we? Boilers and water heating systems in older houses are usually outdated and not very energy efficient. Failure to act here could lead to heating and water bills through the roof. While modern boilers operate with efficiency in mind, that probably wasn’t the case when your house was built. If you’re lucky, a trip to the boiler room will reveal a capable if not modern model. The worst case scenario is that your current boiler burns so much energy it sends you into debt, or something close to it. In that instance, you can bet it works out cheaper to invest in a replacement.
Note too, that many older houses have individual water heaters. Believe it or not, combination water heaters/boilers haven’t been around all that long. If this is the case, look at the paperwork to try and determine its age and consider that you should aim to replace a water heater every eight to twelve years. If your water heater is older than this, contact a company like Maplewood Plumbing & Sewer, LLC to install a new one. When you consider this could cut your heating bills by 50%, it’s a no-brainer. If you’re opting for a complete boiler replacement, you may even decide a combi-boiler upgrade would be a better bet. In that case, ask a professional to take a look. They’ll be able to judge how much work would be involved and whether this would be worth your while.
Utilize Traditional Features
If you had to replace your water heater, you may still be dealing with the shock of that costly replacement. So, let’s look at a lower cost option next. Most cottages come complete with interesting additions, such as open fireplaces and log burners. As well as providing a cozy farmhouse look, these features serve a practical purpose when it comes to heating. Regardless of the boiler you choose, old cottages can get chilly when winter rolls around. A lack of insulation could leave your breath visible, even when you’re snuggled up indoors. As if that weren’t enough, old radiators and exposed brick walls will only add to your troubles.
The good news is, overcoming this problem could be about nothing more than using those traditional fires. Too often, we seek these things because they look good without using them for their intended purposes. But, you wouldn’t believe how toasty you can get your house by just lighting the fire in the evening. Even better, this costs you little more than the price of firewood. As if that weren’t enough, this will also complete that country cottage image. Make sure, then, that you don’t forget this option on cold winter nights.
Replace Your Windows
While we’re on the subject of keeping warm, you may also want to replace your windows as soon as possible. Old windows may look fantastic, but they’re also terrible for keeping heat in. Double glazing wasn’t a thing back in the day, and those warped frames may look great, but they won’t hold any heat. Don’t lose heart, though; changes here don’t mean you have to lose those features you love so much. All you need to do is seek a double glazing company who specializes in window restoration. That way, you can keep the traditional image you love, while still upgrading your windows. This is especially important if you’re operating an old boiler, as lost heat will cost you a fortune. Pair the two together, and you’ll be bankrupt before you know. Make sure, then, that you tackle this problem as soon as possible.
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Boost Your Signal
We’re stepping away from matters of heat for this last pointer, which is to boost your internet signal. Even once you’ve warmed things up, it may come as an unpleasant surprise to learn you lose all access to the outside world while enjoying your country home. Living in a cottage may sound idyllic, but it usually isn’t suited to modern living. When it comes down to it, this issue is caused by two primary factors.
For one, the stone walls of most cottage buildings are too thick for a signal to pass through. You also face the issue of your cottage likely being in a rural setting. Pair the two together, and you’ll soon find yourself in a signal dead-zone. The good news is, solving this issue is as easy as investing in a signal booster which can keep you connected. It may also be worth heading online to find out if you would get better coverage with a different internet service provider.
It may seem a lot of work, but you’ll find you can put these changes in place within your first months. And, when you do, you can settle into the idyllic cottage life, while resting easy now that your home has been upgraded for modern living.
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