10 ways to give the fuel companies as little as possible.
Homeowners everywhere are doing everything they can to keep their homes warm this winter. Nobody should have to choose between food and fuel, but families all over the UK have to do that.
Fortunately, this writer doesn’t have to do that, but still, I refuse to give British Gas another 25% of my money. I have done all I can to reduce the use of heat and hot water this winter, and I might be healthier for it.
But there are ways to help cut down on costs. Here are ten tips to make your home more comfortable and save money this winter.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
This is the part that I think is making me healthier. I got into hibernating in winter and only went out when I had to. This year I have embraced winter. I’ve exposed myself to cold deliberately. I’ve never had the heating on in the bedrooms because I find it too stuffy. This year, I went further and didn’t set the timer to put it on in the morning. Instead, I pulled my clothes into the bed, dressed in warm clothes straight away, and moved.
A quick walk around the block without a coat feels unbearable the first couple of times but quickly becomes more comfortable.
Exposing yourself to the cold makes you more comfortable with it, meaning that you can keep it at a lower setting when the heating does eventually go on.
How to Improve Energy Efficiency at Home
Check your insulation and ensure it’s up to scratch – this is the most important thing you can do to keep your home warm in winter.
Winter is a challenging time of year, especially when it comes to staying warm and comfortable inside your home. One of the most important steps to ensure a cosy house during those chilly months is to check the quality and condition of your insulation. If it’s not up to keeping out drafts and trapping heat in, you’ll find yourself feeling cold even with the heaters running full blast. Fortunately, there are several options available depending on your budget, climate and type of residence. Additionally, modern renovations make it easier than ever to keep your home energy efficient and warm all winter long. While it may not be the most exciting task on your list, make sure you pay proper attention to insulation so that you can enjoy a pleasant winter indoors.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Get a smart thermostat, such as the Nest, and ensure it’s set to an economical temperature.
Consider installing a smart thermostat if you want to dramatically reduce your winter energy bills. The Nest, for instance, allows you to easily adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere and has been proven to save hundreds of dollars annually on energy bills. Setting it at a lower temperature during the day when you’re out of the house and adjusting it back when you’re home is an economical way to stay comfortable and maximise savings. By learning what temperatures work best for your house, installing a Nest thermostat can give you greater control over energy costs this winter–and beyond!
Draught Excluders
Block draughts with door snakes or draft excluders around doors and windows.
Draft excluders are a great way to prevent heat loss and keep your house warm during winter. Installing door snakes or draft excluders around doors and windows helps reduce the number of draughts that come into the home; they can also be stylish and practical. These tools fit easily under both inward and outward-opening doors. They are quite cost-effective, making them an attractive option for keeping your home’s temperatures comfortable while saving money on energy bills.
Invest in some good quality curtains that will help to keep the heat in.
Insulate with Curtains
Investing in good-quality curtains is an excellent idea if you’re looking to save money on your heating bills while keeping your home warm during the winter. Heavy and insulated curtains will not only help keep the heat inside your home but will also provide added insulation from any drafts along windows and doors. Additionally, you can choose from various materials and colours that coordinate with the rest of your decor. Not only will investing in good quality curtains make for a cosy winter, but it’s also an investment that can enhance the look and feel of your home.
Curtains aren’t cheap, so you won’t feel the benefit the first year, but at least the fuel company won’t be getting your money.
Make use of rugs and carpets around the house – they’ll help to insulate your floors and keep your feet warm!
Benefits of Rugs and Carpets
During the winter, it’s essential to think of ways to keep your house warm without resorting to excessive heating bills. Adding rugs and carpets around the house is a great way to do this! Not only will they look cosy and give a homely feel to any room, but they will also help insulate the flooring, keeping your feet warm even on the chilliest days. A nice deep pile rug in front of your sofa or bed will be particularly effective in trapping heat inside the house, providing cosy warmth and comfort for you and your family.
Use tin foil behind radiators to reflect the heat back into the room
Keeping your house warm during winter can be challenging, but you can try a few tricks to get the most out of your heating system. One great hack is to use tin foil behind radiators; not only does this help to reflect heat back into the room from the direction it came from, but it also helps to reduce drafts, making the atmosphere more comforting and cosy. Make sure your vents are free from obstruction for optimal performance and safety!
Following the tips in this blog post can help keep your home warm and toasty all winter long – without breaking the bank!
