By late December, winter has usually made itself well and truly known. The temperatures drop, the nights draw in, and suddenly it becomes very obvious which parts of your home struggle to stay warm.

For many UK households, this realisation comes after winter has arrived - not before. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? Even at this stage, there are last-minute heating solutions that can make a noticeable difference without major renovations, building work or long lead times.

At Cool Heat Solution, we regularly speak to customers in December who need warmth now, not in three months’ time. Here are some of the most effective ways to improve comfort quickly and safely.

Why Homes Feel Colder in Late December

Many UK homes cope reasonably well in autumn but struggle once true winter arrives. Common reasons include:

• Poor insulation in extensions, loft conversions or older rooms

• North-facing rooms that never see direct sunlight

• Home offices or spare bedrooms not connected to main heating zones

• Central heating systems stretched across large or open-plan layouts

When this happens, simply turning the thermostat up rarely solves the issue - it often just increases energy use without improving comfort where you actually need it.

This is where targeted, supplementary heating comes into its own.

Smart Electric Panel Heaters: Fast, Controlled Warmth

One of the quickest and most effective upgrades at this time of year is a modern electric panel heater. These are very different from old-fashioned plug-in heaters and are designed specifically for consistent, controllable warmth.

Why they work so well:

• They heat quickly and evenly

• Ideal for bedrooms, offices, and under-used rooms

• Many models include timers and thermostats

• No flue, no plumbing, minimal installation

In real terms, this means you can warm a cold bedroom or workspace without heating the entire house.

-> View our range of Electric Panel Heaters.

We often recommend panel heaters for home offices in winter - especially for people working from home who don’t want the whole heating system running all day.

Portable Heating - Used the Right Way

Portable heaters can be useful when chosen carefully and used correctly. Modern models are far safer and more efficient than older fan heaters, but they should always be treated as short-term or spot heating.

Best uses include:

• Temporary warmth while waiting for longer-term solutions

• Boosting heat in a seating area during particularly cold evenings

• Supplementing central heating during cold snaps

Important safety notes:

• Always keep heaters clear of furniture and soft furnishings

• Never leave running unattended

• Use only certified, thermostatically controlled models

Used sensibly, portable heating can make evenings far more comfortable — especially when paired with better insulation and draft control.

Electric Fires: Heat Plus Atmosphere

If your home lacks a chimney or you don’t want installation disruption in winter, electric fireplaces are one of the easiest ways to improve comfort and atmosphere quickly.

They provide:

• Immediate warmth

• Realistic flame visuals

• Minimal installation

• No fumes, no ventilation required

For many households, electric fires become a focal point in living rooms or snug areas during winter evenings — delivering both warmth and ambience without the complexity of gas or solid fuel.

-> Explore Electric Fireplaces

Layering Heat: The Secret to Staying Comfortable

One of the most overlooked heating strategies is layering - using more than one type of heat source to support your main system.

For example:

• Central heating for background warmth

• Electric heater or fire for targeted comfort

• Soft furnishings and draft control to retain heat

This approach is far more effective than relying on a single system to do everything. Many customers tell us their home “feels warmer” even when the thermostat is lower - simply because heat is being delivered where it’s actually needed.

Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

Even without new appliances, a few simple steps can improve warmth quickly:

• Bleed radiators to remove trapped air

• Close internal doors to retain heat

• Use thicker curtains in the evening

• Block unused chimneys or vents

• Rearrange seating away from draughts

These changes cost very little but significantly improve comfort — especially when combined with targeted heating solutions.

When to Plan Bigger Upgrades

December isn’t always the best time for major heating installations, but it is the perfect time to identify what isn’t working.

If you find yourself constantly relying on temporary fixes, it may be time to consider:

• A log burner or multi-fuel stove

• A pellet stove for consistent heat

• Air conditioning systems with heating (heat pumps)

These are best planned for early spring but recognising the need now means you’re ready when the time comes.

So if your home feels colder than it should, you don’t have to suffer through winter waiting for change. With the right last-minute heating solutions, you can dramatically improve comfort - quickly, safely, and without disruption.

At Cool Heat Solution, we help UK homeowners find practical heating options that work now, not just in theory.

 -> Browse our full range of Heating Solutions

Warmth doesn’t always require big renovations - sometimes it just needs the right solution in the right place.