With increased energy rates and changes to eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, staying warm while managing heating costs is more important than ever. From simple home adjustments to innovative smart tech, there are plenty of ways to make your home energy-efficient and keep the chill out this season. Here are our top tips for conserving energy without sacrificing warmth.
1. Optimise Your Boiler Settings
Instead of keeping the boiler on all day, set it to heat your home only when you need it, such as in the morning and evening. Experiment to find the shortest time it takes to warm up your space comfortably, and only schedule it to run during those times.
Avoid overheating your water by setting the temperature to 60°C. Lower temperatures prevent scalding and reduce energy use, plus most homes don’t require higher heat for daily needs.
2. Use Space Heaters and Electric Blankets Wisely
Space heaters are great for quickly warming smaller rooms, but they can be costly if used all day. Consider using them only for short periods or during the evening to keep specific areas cosy.
Electric blankets are an energy-efficient way to stay warm without heating the whole room. They can keep you toasty in front of the TV or pre-warm your bed before you go to sleep. Due to the fire risk, make sure you don’t keep electric blankets on all night.
3. Smart Tech: Timers and Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow you to control the heating from your phone, meaning you can turn it on before you get home or adjust it remotely if you’re staying out longer. Many models also learn your heating habits, adjusting the schedule for maximum efficiency.
Setting timers for appliances like electric heaters or boilers helps keep costs down. A simple timer plug can make a big difference for energy usage, automatically switching off devices at pre-set times.
4. Insulate Your Home
Seal gaps around doors, windows and floorboards to prevent heat loss. Adding draught excluders to doors and thicker curtains to windows can make a huge difference.
If your budget allows, consider insulating walls and the loft. Good insulation retains up to 25% more heat, meaning you’ll need less energy to keep your home warm.
5. Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Many energy providers offer lower rates during off-peak hours, typically in the late evening, overnight and early morning. By running energy-intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers during these times, you can take advantage of reduced energy rates.
Many washing machines and dryers come with a delayed start option, or you can use a smart plug with a timer function to ensure they only run during low-cost periods. This small habit can make a noticeable difference in your winter energy bills, especially if you’re in a household with high laundry needs!
6. Check for Government Schemes
There are government schemes, including the Green Deal and the Great British Insulation Scheme, that support energy-saving measures, like installing solar panels, updating insulation, or even fitting a new boiler. These can significantly reduce your energy use, so check online or with local authorities to see if you’re eligible for assistance.
7. Consider Adding a Wood Burner
Installing a wood burner can provide warmth and an inviting, cosy atmosphere. Although they require an upfront investment, modern wood burners are highly efficient and can help reduce your reliance on central heating.
8. Time Your Heating for When It’s Needed Most
Heating in the early mornings and evenings provides the biggest payoff. You might not need much warmth during the midday lull when the sun is at its peak, so keeping heating off or at a low level during these hours can save on energy costs.
9. Embrace Natural Warmth
Open curtains during the day to let in natural warmth from the sun, then close them at dusk to retain heat. Insulated drapes are a budget-friendly way to reduce heat loss.
10. Stay on Top of Maintenance
Trapped air can prevent radiators from heating efficiently. Bleed them at the start of the winter season to ensure they’re working at full capacity.
An annual boiler service can prevent costly breakdowns and ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Well-maintained boilers use less energy and reduce heating costs.
11. Gift Ideas to Keep Loved Ones Cosy
Cosy items such as thermal socks, woolly scarves, insulated blankets, reusable hand warmers and hot water bottles make useful, budget-friendly winter gifts and help friends and family keep warm without running up heating bills.
By combining some of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to staying warm and saving money this winter. Small adjustments can go a long way in keeping heating costs down while ensuring you and your loved ones stay snug and cosy throughout the season.
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