Once the mercury drops, it becomes all too obvious which rooms in your house are the cosiest to be in.

However, with a bit of forward planning you could find your property is much warmer when the winter sets in – all you have to do is decide where changes need to be made.

Here are some top tips that will help keep the cold out and make your home a much more pleasant place to be during the coldest months of the year.

Install insulation

Many modern houses now come with an abundance of insulation, but this might not be the case for older properties.

The great news is that there are so many different type of insulation these days that there is sure to be something to suit your property.

Cavity wall insulation is a popular option – you might want to seek a construction loan to make this happen. Alternatively, wrap up your pipes in insulation or pad out the loft. You'll soon feel the difference!

Close off unused rooms

Most larger properties have a room or two that is infrequently used – it might be a spare bedroom or bathroom that only come into action when guests stay over.

If this is the case, make sure these areas are sealed off during the winter. Keep the doors shut to avoid cold air circulating through the rest of the house.

Consider window coverings

The window coverings you choose can have a real impact on the temperature of a room, so it pays to be savvy in your decisions.

Thick curtains are great in winter but might be stifling in summer. Blinds are a good option all year round as they trap the cool air so it's doesn't bring down the temperature in the rest of your property. During the summer they can do quite the opposite and allow air to circulate when they are open.

You can contact a Smartline Mortgage Adviser on 13 14 97 for home loan advice. Or complete our call request form and we'll call you!