Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Save on Energy Bills This Winter

As winter sets in, the colder temperatures can bring an increase in heating costs. In the UK, many households struggle to keep their homes warm without seeing their energy bills skyrocket. However, with a few simple steps, you can stay warm and comfortable while reducing energy use and keeping costs down. By improving your home’s energy efficiency and making smarter choices, you can save money without sacrificing comfort. Here are some practical steps to help you save energy and keep your home warm this winter.

1. Ensure Your Home Is Properly Insulated

Proper insulation is essential for retaining heat and reducing energy consumption. Insulating your home helps prevent heat from escaping, meaning your heating system won’t have to work as hard.

• Loft Insulation: A quarter of your heat can escape through an uninsulated loft. If you haven’t already, consider installing loft insulation. This could save you up to £250 a year on your energy bill, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s warmth.
• Wall Insulation: Heat loss through walls accounts for around a third of your total energy usage. If you have cavity walls, consider having them insulated. For homes with solid walls, internal or external wall insulation is a great option. Cavity wall insulation can save you approximately £160 annually.
• Floor Insulation: Insulating your floors can also reduce heat loss, especially in older homes with suspended floors. You could save around £60 per year with floor insulation.

2. Seal Drafts Around Your Home

Cold drafts from windows and doors can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. Blocking these drafts helps keep your home warmer for longer and can save you money.

• Windows and Doors: Check your windows and doors for any gaps and ensure they are properly sealed. Simple draft-proofing strips can prevent warm air from escaping, which could save you up to £60 a year.
• Letterboxes and Chimneys: Don’t forget to seal gaps around your letterbox and chimneys (if not in use). Installing draft excluders or closing unused chimneys can make a noticeable difference in reducing heat loss.

3. Optimise Your Heating System

Efficient use of your heating system is key to saving energy. Even small adjustments can lead to significant savings.

• Lower Your Thermostat: Reducing your room temperature by just 1°C can save you about £80 a year. The ideal temperature for living areas is around 18°C, while bedrooms should be set at around 16°C for a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Use a Timer or Programmable Thermostat: Set your heating to turn on only when you need it. By using a timer, you ensure your heating is off when you’re not at home or while you’re sleeping, which could save you up to £75 a year.
• Boiler Service: If you have a gas boiler, ensure it’s regularly serviced. A well-maintained boiler will run more efficiently, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing costs in the long run.

4. Use Thermal Curtains or Blinds

Windows can be a major source of heat loss, so it’s important to manage them effectively. Installing thermal curtains or blinds helps keep heat inside your home.

• Close Curtains at Night: As the temperature drops in the evening, closing your curtains or blinds will help trap heat inside. This simple action can reduce heat loss by up to £80 a year.
• Secondary Glazing: If your home has single-glazed windows, consider installing secondary glazing or reflective film to improve insulation. These additions will keep your home warmer without the need for additional heating.

5. Use Heat Where You Need It

Instead of cranking up the heating throughout the entire house, consider using portable or energy-efficient space heaters in the rooms where you spend the most time. This allows you to heat only the areas you need, which can be more cost-effective.

• Portable Heaters: If you're only using one or two rooms, a portable electric heater may be more energy-efficient than heating your whole home. Just be sure to turn it off when you leave the room to avoid wasting energy.

6. Dress Warmly and Use Blankets

Sometimes, staying warm can be as simple as adjusting how you dress at home. Layering your clothing can help you feel cosy without turning up the heating.

• Layer Your Clothing: Thick socks, jumpers, and warm slippers are great ways to stay warm indoors. Layering up can help you feel warmer without using extra energy for heating.
• Blankets: A blanket or throw can provide extra warmth when you’re sitting on the sofa or watching TV. This can help you stay comfortable without needing to turn up the heating.

7. Cook Efficiently

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty meals, but cooking can also consume a significant amount of energy. Use more energy-efficient appliances and cooking methods to help reduce the cost of preparing meals.

• Use a Slow Cooker or Microwave: Slow cookers and microwaves are generally more energy-efficient than using a large oven. A slow cooker, in particular, is ideal for making stews and soups on cold days.
• Cook Multiple Dishes at Once: If you're using the oven, try to cook more than one dish at a time. This helps you make the most of the oven’s heat without using additional energy.

8. Switch to LED Lightbulbs

Lighting doesn’t consume as much energy as heating, but it still contributes to your energy bill. Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs is an easy and affordable way to save.

• Switch to LEDs: LED bulbs use up to 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. By switching to LEDs, you can save money on your lighting costs over time.

9. Take Advantage of Government Schemes and Financial Support

If you’re struggling with high heating costs, there are several government schemes and grants that can help.

• Winter Fuel Payment: If you’re over 65, you may be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs.
• Cold Weather Payment: If the temperature falls below 0°C for seven consecutive days, you may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment to help with your heating costs.

10. Switch to a Cheaper Energy Tariff

If you’re still on a standard energy tariff, you could be paying more than necessary. It’s worth shopping around to see if you can find a better deal.

• Compare Tariffs: Use our online comparison tool to check whether you can save money by switching to a fixed-rate or cheaper energy tariff. Switching could save you hundreds of pounds a year.

* Based on figures from Energy Saving Trust, 2024