We could all do with some help with trimming the pounds from the biggest energy bill of the year! So here are a few winter money-saving hacks that can help you to achieve this.
In this article, we’re going to focus on tips that show you how to properly insulate your home and how to make the most of your thermostat.
Understanding the Key Hacks: Insulation and Thermostat Control
So, why is insulation and controlling your thermostat so important?
Insulation is like a warm blanket for your home – it keeps the heat in and the cold air out. Having a well-insulated home ensures that all the warmth generated by your heating system will stay put, so you don’t need to be constantly heating your home.
You may be eligible for help in covering the costs of upgrading the insulation in your home through the Great British Insulation Scheme. Check here for eligibility requirements.
The thermostat is the control centre of your heating system. By learning to use it wisely, you can optimise your home’s temperature. This ensures you feel comfortable without wasting excess energy by having your settings too high.
Money-Saving Hacks for Winter
Upgrade Your Insulation – Make sure your home is well-insulated – especially the attic, walls and floors. Good insulation prevents heat from escaping and cold air from seeping in, meaning you can cut down on constantly heating your home – and save money!
Mind the Gaps – Check for any gaps in your home, especially around windows and doors. Sealing them with weather-stripping or caulking can prevent cold drafts from getting in and heat from escaping.
Use a Programmable Thermostat – Investing in a programmable or ‘smart’ thermostat means you can set different temperatures for different times of the day. You can reduce your energy usage and bills by lowering the temperature when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping.
Maintain Your Heating System – Regularly maintaining your heating system will ensure it keeps running efficiently. Cleaning and replacing air filters and scheduling an annual professional inspection will keep it in top condition.
Let the Sun In – On sunny winter days, open your curtains and blinds to let the sunshine naturally warm your home. Just remember to close them again as soon as it goes dark or you will lose the heat again!
Bundle Up and Layer – Instead of cranking up the heat, put on extra layers of clothing or use cosy blankets to stay warm. This way, you can keep your thermostat at a lower setting.
Use Ceiling Fans – If you a have ceiling fan, set it to run in reverse (clockwise) on a low speed. This will push warm air down from the ceiling, keeping the room warmer without adjusting the thermostat.
Adjust the Thermostat at Night – Lowering the thermostat a few degrees while you sleep can lead to significant energy savings. Try using extra blankets to stay warm instead.
Conclusion
With the right hacks – saving money on winter energy bills is achievable. By focusing on insulation and thermostat control, you can beat the chill and create a more energy-efficient and cost-effective home. These simple adjustments not only help your wallet but also reduce your environmental impact by using energy more responsibly.
Comments
This is good advice I agree unfortunatly I would most people would be doing this things you advise it is cheaper full of all kinds would help a great deal
Hi Sandra.
Thankyou for contacting us, we appreciate your comment.
Unfortunately, gas and electricity bills are high for most people at the moment.
Have you tried comparing energy tariffs to check if there are cheaper deals out there?
We also suggest you check to see if you’re eligible for Government-backed heating grants that provide free solar panels, heat pumps and insulation if you have qualifying circumstances.
For more information on the grants and to see if you qualify, please follow this link:Click here
The Energy Advice Helpline Team
Can’t turn down thermostat if you don’t have central heating in the first place. Grants are of no use if you are off grid and literally just over the income threshold to qualify. Postcode selection in our area is only giving grants to those living in expensive upper middle class homes who could afford costs any way
Hi Carol.
Thank you for contacting us, we appreciate your comment. One of our advisors will contact you shortly to discuss this further.
The Energy Advice Helpline Team
You make no mention of putting reflective materials behind rads.
Or an extra ‘ double glazed layer over windows ..
And it’s all well and good saying heat the person but if you can’t heat the fabric of the building it remains cold and gets damp and mould forms .
Particularly in later years .
I have the heating on low at night .
That way it never gets freezing cold and I wake up warm and able to get out of bed. I turn off most rads in the day and I’m careful to keep what gear I can in the house .
I wear several layers . Sometimes more inside than out.
And drink warm watery drinks / soup etc . Boil the kettle once and have a flask and fill a hot water bottle for anytime I’m sat in the day .
Utilising what sun we get is surprisingly effective.
Trouble is the neighbours trees are so tall now I don’t see it this time of the year and the rest of the year they cut off my satellite feed.
As I’m south facing I’d love to get solar.
But it’s a minefield and expensive.
Would like guidance on that and how to access the government grants .
Good afternoon.
Thank you so much for getting in touch. We appreciate your comment and for sharing some of your own excellent money-saving hacks with us!
I’m sorry to hear that you are having some extra issues. Would a conversation with your neighbours regarding trimming back their trees help to solve this problem?
One of our team is currently in the process of contacting you to discuss acquiring solar panels. I hope this helps!
The Energy Advice Helpline Team
Approximately 30 or so years ago, we paid the company ‘Rockwall’ to install cavity wall insulation in our bungalow walls. It has completely disintegrated (verified by independent surveyor). We were given a written lifetime guarantee by Rockwall for the insulation!! We have have contacted Rockwell and asked for their help but they have refused. We cannot now receive government help because the rating of our home still states the we already have Cavity Wall Insulation? We would be most grateful for your help. We have lived in the same property for 60 years.
We married on 6th June, 1964.
My husband will turn 85 years on 31st January, 2025 and I will reach the age of 82 years on 8th January, 2025.
We look forward to hearing from yourselves, at your convenience.
Many thanks. L. Thompson.
Hi Mrs Thompson
Thank you so much for contacting us and for your comment.
I’m so sorry to hear about the issues you are having regarding the insulation in your property. It sounds as though your property may benefit from having a new EPC. This can cost between £35 and £120 to acquire.Click here to visit the .GOV.UK website for more information and to find an assessor in your area.
It’s important to note that we can’t guarantee a new EPC will make your property eligible for Government schemes such as ECO4 or GBIS. However, it is one of the first steps to knowing if you may be entitled to this kind of help and if there are other ways your property’s energy efficiency can be improved.
We hope that this advice is helpful to you. Once your property’s new EPC rating has been established, we would be delighted to assist you further.
The Energy Advice Helpline team
[…] our article, Winter Money-Saving Hacks to Cut the Biggest Energy Bill of the Year for more […]