January 24, 2023
The cost-of-living crisis is beginning to bite, with energy prices higher than ever. Many of us are looking for ways to cut energy costs while staying comfortable, but do you know what works? The internet is filled with countless blogs boasting about how you can save money, so to help you, we’ve dug into the details and identified 9 practical ways to keep your house warmer this winter.
Even if you follow all the advice here, we’re aware that some people may experience issues paying their energy bills. So we end this article by signposting you to some of the places you can access support.
9 ways to keep your house warm this winter
Here are 9 ways that you can keep your house warm this winter. This list combines simple things we can all do to improve energy efficiency and paid-for solutions to cut bills.
- Heat the human, not the home – We spend money on energy to heat our homes, but is that the best strategy? Martin Lewis (the Money Saving Expert) recommends heating humans first, and it’s excellent advice. Instead of switching on the heating, add extra layers of clothing, install an electric blanket, stick on another duvet, and use a hot water bottle. These are all small things but, added together; they can help to keep you warm and comfortable.
- Leave the oven door open – This sounds stupid, but it’s more about the principle. If you generate heat (from an oven door after cooking or after a shower, for example), let the heat escape into the rest of your home. It won’t make a huge difference, but every little counts when keeping yourself warm.
- Monitor your thermostat – Smart thermostats are part of most modern central heating systems and enable you to monitor your home’s temperature. It’s tempting to nudge it higher, but every extra degree costs you money. (If you’re still feeling cold, see tip #1.) Also, there’s a debate as to whether you should leave your heating on all day, or just when you need it. The Energy Saving Trust has crunched the numbers and advises that you switch it off.
- Heat the rooms you use (and keep doors closed) – Many of us pay to heat the whole of our homes, when we only use a couple of rooms. The solution? Heat the rooms you use and close the doors to those you don’t. This won’t apply to everyone, but for those who have rooms you’re not using, keep the doors closed and the radiators off. (When it’s this cold, who wants to leave the living room?)
- Get a boiler service – OK, this isn’t one you can do yourself, but it could save you money. The UK’s largest boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch explains here why a boiler service is essential. While modern boilers are highly energy efficient, debris can build up inside the system over time, affecting its performance. The result is higher energy costs.
- Bleed radiators – Air can become trapped in your heating system so that radiators won’t get as hot. Removing air from your radiators also means that your heating system can operate at a lower pressure – which can save you money. Bleeding radiators is a simple task that anyone should be able to do at home. Here’s a helpful guide from energy company E.On.
- Don’t block radiators with furniture – While we’re on the subject of radiators, too many people block radiators with furniture, which can block heat distribution. Simply put, it’s stopping the warm air from circulating the room. If your rooms are small, you may not have much choice where furniture goes, but even leaving a few centimetres gap can improve energy efficiency.
- Draught-proof your home – All homes can be draughts, says the Energy Saving Trust, but older ones are the least efficient. Gaps in windows and doors, perished double-glazing seals, unfilled floor gaps, and open chimney flues are all culprits. Draught-proofing your home could save you around £70 a year, depending on how bad the issue is. Sticking an excluder in a doorway is a simple solution, but even replacing seals in double-glazed windows is something that an average DIY-er can tackle in less than an hour. However, you should ensure airflow to the property, so never block air bricks.
- Add extra insulation – It’s not cheap, but it’s arguably the best thing you can do to keep your home warm is to add extra insulation. Insulating the loft and between floors can stop cold air from escaping and warm air from escaping. The result is lower heating bills. If you’re confident and capable, you may be able to take this job on yourself, with wool insulation costing around £10 per square metre.
Coping with the cost-of-living crisis
By following these tips, you should be able to cut your bills and stay warm this winter. Some people may qualify for additional support to help heat your home and manage your bills. Here are some details:
- Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for some energy grants through this Government portal.
- You may also be eligible for a boiler grant from some energy sources. You can find details on this Money Saving Expert page.
- If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, you can find details on the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Summary
As the cold weather begins to bite, there are things we can all do to keep our homes warmer and cut energy costs. Our tips to keep your house warm are practical things everyone can do to tackle higher heating bills. If things get too much, be aware that there’s support available to help you pay the bills. Like you, we’re hoping for a mild winter and a long summer.