We share our top 10 tips to help you to cut the cost of heating your home this winter.
As the winter weather starts to kick in and radiators get switched on, the prospect of the resulting sky high energy bills can be a real worry.
While we all know that there are steps that we can take to make our homes more energy efficient (double glazing, loft, floor and cavity wall insulation to name just a few) these do require a fairly substantial outlay. Although there are now grants available that will go some way in helping you cover the cost, if times are tight they may simply not be an option.
Thankfully, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of simple measures you can take to keep your home warmer and cut your heating bills that are completely free.
We share our top tips to help you save on heating your home….
- Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree – You’re unlikely to notice the difference in temperature but could cut your heating bill by £65.
- Close your curtains - Drawing your curtains at dusk will help keep the heat from escaping and will make a big difference even if you have single glazed windows. Generally the thicker the curtains the better.
- Bleed your radiators - This will release any trapped air and help to make them more efficient.
- Don’t heat empty rooms - Only switch radiators on in rooms that you frequently spend time in, make sure you shut the doors though to keep the rest of the house warm.
- Remember radiators aren’t washing lines - Although hanging clothes on radiators will mean you get them dry quicker it also means that you’re stopping the heat getting to the rest of the room.
- Say goodbye to drafts - By using draft excluders or fitting curtains on external doors and making sure letter boxes and keyholes aren’t letting out heat unnecessarily you’ll be able to make indoors feel much warmer.
- Put on an extra layer - Before you switch the heating up a notch make sure you’re wrapped up warm. Putting on a pair of slippers and a jumper and sitting under a blanket will help you to stay toasty without any extra cost.
- Use the timer - Heating the house while you’re out is nothing more than a waste of money. However, if you don’t like to come home to a cold house it’s a good idea to set the heating to come on just before you arrive home. This way you won’t notice any difference in temperature but will notice a big difference in your bill. The same applies to nighttime, set the timer for just before you get up so that you’re not heating the house while you’re tucked up in bed.
- Get the tin foil out - Fitting foil behind radiators will help reflect the heat back into the room instead of being absorbed by the wall. This works particularly well on exterior walls and while you can buy special radiator foil, tin foil works just as well.
- Check your energy plan - Taking a few minutes to make sure your current energy supplier is offering you the best deal will make a big difference to your heating bills this winter. Read our guide Slash your Utility Bills for more information.
If you want to make sure your home is as energy-friendly (aka cheap to heat) as possible it’s worth checking out The Energy Saving Trust website as they will help you to compile a home energy report online and provide a free energy-reducing action plan that’s tailored to your home.
