This winter might have been a record breaking one in many parts of Europe. Although this does not mean that global warming is not coming (some say this is further evidence global warming is happening), many Europeans are trying to cope with unusually cold winters.

On top of this, the global economical crisis is a factor that must be keeping the peace of mind off the heads of all those who are building a new house. Let’s quickly review some ways you can make your house efficient when it comes to the costs of winter heating.

1) insulation – a professionally designed and applied insulation will your house a lot of heat, and a lot of money. For old houses, insulation can be applied outside, while most new houses have their insulation inside, between wall layers. A proper roof insulation is also critical

2) watch out for the windows – huge large glass doors and enormous floor to ceiling windows will let a lot of light in and can be visually appealing. Nonetheless, even doors and windows of the highest standards are not the best isolators. Precious warmth will trickle away through these. Think through if you really want these in your house

3) an economical heating system. Many heating systems today allow for the electronic control of the burning process, which can reduce the amount of fuel used overall for the houses heating. Choosing more traditional forms of heating (such as various types of coal-based heating systems) will often reduce the cost of fuel used each winter

4) controlled air-circulation. Some heat can be saved from escaping by using clever air-circulation systems that cause air entering the house to be first heating by air that is exiting. Another option to consider especially when building a new house

Combining some or all of these suggestions can help reduce the costs of winter heating quite significantly. Such good practices should be followed at all times, but this advice might be worth more than ever in the nearest future.