Changes you can make to reduce your energy bills

These simple changes and home improvements could help you save money.

Woman reading a tablet

As the colder months set in, you might find yourself worrying about your rising energy costs and wondering how to save on heating bills. You‘re not alone. But by making small changes to your energy use or investing in home improvements, you could cut your bills and save money in the long-run. After all, lots of small savings could really make a difference. 

Here are some things you and your family can do to potentially save money on your heating this winter.

1. Keep the heat in

It may sound simple, but open doors and draughty gaps can let warm air escape. To stop this, keep your doors closed and block gaps in your outer walls or under doorframes. After all, doing your best to keep heat inside is a step towards a more energy efficient home. You could also get your curtains lined for an extra layer of insulation.

You can even install a Letterplate Eco, which is a specially designed letterbox insulator.

2. Create air movement

It might seem counterintuitive to use a fan during winter, but it can help to move warm air around a room and heat up those hard to reach cold spots. It can also be a cheaper option than turning up the heating or buying a space heater.

Source: Save on Energy

3. Upgrade your thermostat

A smart thermostat allows you to connect your heating to your phone, so you can control it even when you’re not home. This is great for when you’re running late or if you’ve forgotten to turn it off, as you won’t be wasting energy when no one is in.

Most smart meters also show you live figures and charges for your daily use. This way, you can see potential costs in real-time and make efforts to budget your use as you go.

Source: Energy Saving Trust

4. Make your radiators work harder

Investing in smart radiator valves could also help you save money. They attach to your existing radiators and let you control their temperature from your phone. Better yet, they track what energy is being used, so you know which ones are wasting heat.

If you are unable to afford that investment, you can use reflective foil. By sticking it behind your radiators, you can help reflect heat back into your room, which is especially useful if your radiators are underneath windows. Reflective material can be found in many high street DIY stores for under £10 - and could increase a radiators efficiency by 40%.

Source: Homebuilding.co.uk/advice

5. Think about your windows

You could save money on heating by double, or even triple-glazing your windows. There will be upfront costs involved, but it will save you money in the long run. 

Recaulking the outsides of your windows will also help ensure that no cold air is getting in through cracks and holes.

Source: Energy Saving Trust

6. Insulate your hot water tank

If your hot water tank is losing heat, it will continuously need to warm itself back up. A hot water cylinder jacket is a cost-effective way to help prevent heat loss and save energy. A British Standard jacket costs around £20.

Source: Energy Saving Trust

7. Lay a carpet

Did you know that heat can escape through floorboards and let cold air in from outside? Laying a soft carpet can help keep heat in, creating a cosy space that keeps costs down. If it’s a large room, especially in a Victorian property, you might want to consider adding a layer of mineral wool insulation between the floorboards.

Source: Ideal Home

8. Use electric blankets

One way to save on heating bills is to simply use less by choosing to heat the person and not the room. Electric blankets, like heated underblankets and throws, are a great way of keeping you cosy at a fraction of the cost of putting the radiators on. Just be sure to remember to turn them off and ensure the ones you purchase are fire safe.

Source: Octopus Energy

9. Manage your heating

It’s still important to turn the heating on with some regularity during winter. Turning your heating system on ensures pipes don’t freeze and can help prevent mould build-up in your home. While it may be tempting to not turn the heating on at all, not doing so can cause problems that will be much more expensive in the long-run.

More ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home

If you’re looking to invest in bigger efficiency measures, read our 7 steps to making your home more energy efficient.

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