How to Save Money on Your Heating Bill this Winter

How to Save Money on Your Heating Bill this Winter

Autumn is well and truly here. The temperatures have dropped a lot in the past week and many of us have reluctantly turned the heating on already. Having the heating on is expensive and it’s only going to get worse as the temperatures drop even further when winter arrives. In this article, we are going to explore how to save money on your heating bill this winter – hopefully, you’ll find some tips that will be useful for your household.

The Best Hacks for Making the Most of Your Heating

There are many things that you can do to make the most of your heating. If you’re looking to save money on your heating bill, try a few of the things below:

• Stop draughts. If cold air is entering your home through gaps, then it will cost more to keep your home warm. Air that you have warmed up will escape outside too. It’s simply a waste of money so ensure all draughts are attended too. Using draught excluders at the bottom of any draughty doors is a simple way to do this. You can even use rolled up towels or blankets for the same effect. If you have a chimney, check it for draughts too and get a chimney draught excluder if needed.
• Think about your furniture placement. It’s important to not cover your radiator with bulky furniture. Leave your radiators unobstructed to let them heat the room efficiently and quickly.
• Don’t use radiator covers. For the same reason, don’t use radiator covers. Though they can look nice, they also absorb heat meaning a higher energy bill. You can add reflective radiator foil behind your radiators to reflect more heat into the room.
• Turn the heating off when not needed. It’s a common misconception that it’s cheaper to keep the heating on low all day compared to turning it on as needed. The opposite is true – it costs less to turn your heating on when you need it. To save even more, only heat the rooms that you’re actually using by turning radiators off in spaces that you’re not currently in. You can install thermostatic radiator valves to help you control your heating even better to enjoy more savings.
• Lower the temperature. By turning the thermostat down by just one degree, you can save a lot of money each year. Carefully choose the right temperature for your home and family to lower your heating bill.
• Add more insulation. In a poorly insulated home, a lot of heat escapes and is wasted. Ensure that your home has cavity wall insulation installed to keep the heat in. Also insulate any exposed water pipes around your house to lower your heating costs. You can also add an extra thick cylinder jacket to your hot water cylinder to keep the water that you have heated up warmer for longer, saving you money every year.

Look After Your Radiators

When it comes to saving money on your heating bill, an important thing is to ensure that your radiators are working efficiently. You can do this by bleeding your radiators every winter to remove any air build-up in the system.

Free Ways to Stay Warm 

As well as all of the above, there are many things that you can do to keep warm at home when the weather is cold, without any heating costs:

• Layer up! Don’t put the heating on, put a jumper on. Or more – add even more layers if you’re cold. A warm robe over your regular clothes, thermals underneath, etc. You can also use extra cosy clothing such as fleece-lined leggings to help you stay warm.
• Wear slippers. Keep your feet toasty with a warm pair of slippers or cosy wool socks.
• Use blankets. When you’re sitting down to relax in the evening, sit under a blanket to warm up. If you are with your partner or children, sit together for extra warmth. Also add a blanket to your bed if needed. You can also use hoodie blankets which are super cosy when it’s chilly.
• Keep moving. When you are still, your body temperature drops quickly. If you’re feeling cold, get up and move around. Walk around your house or do a few minutes of exercise like squats, push-ups etc. 

Almost Free Ways to Warm Up When it’s Cold

Above, we looked at some free ways to warm up. Next, we’ll explore some almost free ways to warm up when it’s cold. Cheap ways to get warm include:

• Use a hot water bottle. A hot water bottle (or a Warmies) is a great way to warm up. A good quality one will stay warm for a long time, keeping you warm and cosy throughout the day.
• Drink hot drinks. Keep drinking warm drinks throughout the day to warm up from the inside. Use a tea cosy, an insulated mug or a flask to keep your hot beverage hot for longer.
• Eat warming food. When the weather is cold, it’s time for warming foods such as stews, chilli, and soups. Leave the salads and other food that is served cold for the warm months.

Conclusion – How to Save Money on Your Heating Bill this Winter

As you can see there are many things that you can do to lower your energy bills this winter. It’s about being mindful about how you use your heating and ensuring that everything works efficiently. Also look into the alternative options and ways to stay warm without turning the heating up. Every little helps and small changes can soon become big savings.

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