As the cold weather sets in, you’re probably already feeling the pinch of heating bills creeping up. But there’s no need to choose between a toasty home and financial peace of mind.
With a few smart adjustments, you can stay warm without seeing your energy costs skyrocket. Here’s how to make your home more heat-efficient this winter – hopefully, without spending a fortune.
Use Your Heating System Wisely
A high-quality, smart heating system is essential. However, you don’t need to run it all day to stay comfortable, like some may think. Instead, programme your thermostat to switch on before you need it, and off as soon as the house reaches a comfortable temperature.
By limiting the hours your heating is on, you’ll avoid paying for warmth you don’t need. Consider reducing the temperature by a couple of degrees, too. It might not seem like much, but lowering it by just 1°C can noticeably reduce your heating bills.
Keep the Heat Inside
It’s easy to forget that gaps and cracks around doors and windows can let out the heat you’re paying for. You don’t need to call in a professional for this – some weatherstripping or draught excluders can make a real difference.
Place a draught excluder at the bottom of exterior doors and seal any noticeable gaps around windows. Even simple, low-cost tricks, like using thick curtains at night or placing a rolled-up towel at the base of a door, can help trap heat inside and keep your home cosier.
Layer Up and Embrace Comfort
Instead of cranking up the thermostat, try bundling up with extra layers. Invest in a few thick wool blankets for the sofa or bed, and find some affordable thermal clothing to keep you snug.
It’s important to keep in mind that heating your body is far cheaper than heating your home. Small changes like these can help you avoid running your heating at a higher capacity.
Use TRVs and Keep Doors Shut
If certain rooms aren’t being used, you don’t need to heat them to the same level as the rest of the house. By installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on your radiators, you can turn down the heat in rooms you rarely use, while still keeping the warmth where you need it. Simply adjust the TRV to a lower setting and keep doors between spaces shut to prevent warm air from escaping into areas that aren’t in use.
Cook Up Warmth
Cooking hot meals will not only warm your stomach up, but also the house. The heat from things such as ovens or pans can naturally spread throughout your kitchen and living areas.
You’ll feel the warmth without having to use your central heating, and you’ll have a well-cooked meal to provide extra comfort on those cold days. It is important you do not run your oven just for warmth, though.
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