Save Energy This Winter. Ten ways to give the fuel companies as little as possible.

It’s farewell to summer until next year. However, instead of mourning the loss of sunshine, you could instead embrace the upcoming season’s vibrant falling leaves along with the chance to save energy.

We know what you’re thinking: “Save energy in winter? How is that even possible?!” Well, it is. Here you can learn how to cut costs in the cooler months.

How to keep your house warm in winter

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 must do that.

Even if I don’t have to do that, I refuse to give British Gas more of my money than I need to. Last year, I did all I could to reduce heat and hot water use to prevent paying that extra 25%. I felt healthier for it and am ready to do the same this year.

Here are ten tips for making your home more comfortable and saving money this winter.

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

In the past, I got into the habit of hibernating in winter and only going out when I had to. Last year, I embraced winter. I exposed myself to cold deliberately.

I’ve never had the heating on in the bedrooms because I find it too stuffy. Last year, I went a step further and didn’t set the timer for the heater to come on in the morning. Instead, I immediately pulled my clothes into the bed, dressed in warm clothes, and moved. I used to get under another blanket on the sofa to watch TV while I had my coffee. Now I walk first and come back to breakfast.

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 the thermostat at a lower setting when the heating does eventually go on. I’ve since extended that to a 4 mile walk/jog on most days. Get the rest of the family involved. They’ll all benefit.

Check your insulation

Check your insulation and ensure it’s up to scratch. 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 you can take 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.

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.

Insulate Your Attic

Of course, you’ll naturally lose heat through windows and walls; however, adding insulation to your attic is much cheaper. Doing this is one of the simplest ways to keep a lid on your heating bill this season, plus it’s a fairly easy DIY job.

And while at it, why not check out your attic door too? Gaps in an attic door can be responsible for up to 15% of your home’s heat loss, so it’s worth assessing to see if it needs improvements.

Loft ins-space are the highest rated loft insulation provider in Cardiff. Loft insulation Cardiff

Check if you are eligible for help with home insulation

If you live in a home with a low EPC rating (D or below) and receive certain means-tested benefits, you may be able to get funding to help you insulate your home.

Welsh Government funded programme

Nest is a Welsh Government funded programme to reduce the number of households in fuel poverty by making homes more fuel-efficient.

Fuel poverty

Fuel poverty is when a household must spend more than 10% of their income on energy costs to heat their home satisfactorily – usually 21 degrees for the main living room and 18 degrees for other occupied rooms. Some households experience severe fuel poverty – spending 20% or more of their income on energy costs.

The Nest Health Conditions Scheme

If you meet the eligibility criteria for either the core Nest scheme or the health conditions scheme, you will progress to a whole house assessment. This assessment will recommend appropriate energy efficiency measures for your property. If you don’t meet these criteria, you may still be able to get further energy efficiency advice and information from Nest.

Find out your home’s energy rating.

Smart Thermostats

Get a smart thermostat, such as the Google Nest, and ensure it’s set to an economical temperature.

If you’re looking to reduce your winter energy bills dramatically, consider installing a smart thermostat. The Google Nest, for instance, allows you to adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere easily and has been proven to save hundreds of dollars per year 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 Google Nest thermostat can give you greater control over energy costs this winter–and beyond! Check the Which guide to Smart thermostats.

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 old doors and windows helps reduce the number of draughts in the home; they can also be stylish and effective. 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.

Replace your old windows and doors

You may be financially better off by replacing old windows rather than trying to improve the energy efficiency of old ones. Plus, new windows practically pay for themselves through the lower heating bills they generate.

Investing in new windows and doors for your home can offer many benefits beyond aesthetics. Firstly, they enhance energy efficiency by providing better insulation, preventing drafts, and reducing heat loss, which can result in substantial savings on your energy bills. Newer windows and doors are also often equipped with advanced technologies, like low-emissivity coatings and multi-pane glass, which improve insulation and filter out harmful UV rays, protecting your furnishings from sun damage.

Additionally, modern windows and doors typically require less maintenance, saving you time and effort in the long run. Beyond practical advantages, they can boost your home’s curb appeal, increase its resale value, and enhance overall comfort by reducing noise infiltration and drafts. Ultimately, investing in new windows and doors is an investment in your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and value.

We have various designs and styles to suit your every need; we have the perfect solution, whether you’re after vertical sliders or casement windows.
Book a free no-obligation quote.

Use soft furnishing for insulation

Investing in good-quality curtains is a great idea if you’re looking to save money on your heating bills while keeping your home warm during the winter months. 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.

Use rugs and carpets around the house to help insulate your floors and keep your feet warm

During the winter months, it’s important to consider ways to keep your house warm without 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 restful warmth and comfort for you and your family.

Heathwood Carpets & Flooring are one of the highest rated carpets and flooring providers in Cardiff. Carpets & Flooring Cardiff.

Cover Bare Floor Boards

This may seem like a minor improvement to make to your home, but as Tesco says, “every little helps!” Be sure to seal the gaps in your floorboards to stop heat from escaping through the gaps, or alternatively, for a quick fix that requires no fuss, cover your wooden floor with a rug. Not only will you keep the cold out, but you’ll have an attractive accessory, too.

Use tin foil behind radiators to reflect the heat into the room

Keeping your house warm during winter can be a challenge, 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. Just make sure that your vents are free from obstruction for optimal performance and safety!

Buy a water tank jacket

Water tank jackets can reduce heat loss by up to 75% and typically cost less than £30 – bargain! Especially considering you’ll save more than this on energy bills per year. Insulating your hot water tank is a simple and cost-effective way to save energy in your home.

These jackets are designed to wrap around hot water tanks, providing thermal insulation. One of the primary advantages is improved energy efficiency. A water tank jacket can significantly reduce energy consumption by minimising heat loss from the tank, leading to lower heating bills over time.

Moreover, it helps maintain a consistent water temperature, ensuring you have hot water readily available when needed, without the tank needing to reheat frequently. This saves energy and reduces wear and tear on your water heater, potentially extending its lifespan. Additionally, using a water tank jacket is an environmentally friendly choice, as it reduces carbon emissions associated with heating water. Installing a water tank jacket is a cost-effective and eco-conscious way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and reduce utility expenses.

By following the tips in this blog post, you can be sure to keep your home warm and toasty all winter long – without breaking the bank! Insulation is key, so make sure that your home is well-insulated before the cold weather sets in.

If your windows and doors are old and need replacing, get in touch for a no-obligation quote. If your old conservatory becomes a dumping ground in winter, consider a solid tile roof that will give you a room you can use all year. Start your conservatory roof quote here.