Handy hacks to help keep those heating costs down this winter

WITH the colder weather well and truly here and the cost of living crisis showing no sign of ending, a few simple tips could save householders pounds on their energy bills.

Energy expert Llewellyn Kinch from MakeMyHouseGreen has provided cheap or free hacks that will allow cost conscious consumers to keep warm and save big on energy bills this winter.

Savvy Thermostat Use

Lower the thermostat when you’re sleeping or away. A decrease of just a few degrees can lead to significant savings.

Seal the Gaps

Older homes are notorious for drafts that let out the heat. Insulate your home on the cheap by sealing gaps around windows and doors. Instal weather stripping or draft stoppers to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Using rolled up towels is a free-alternative.

Thermal Curtains

These specially designed curtains help retain indoor heat, reducing the reliance on heating systems. When the sun is shining, keep them open to let in the natural sunlight, but keep those curtains shut when the window isn’t getting sun to keep the heat in. Curtains over drafty doors can also work well. And making sure they’re not covering a radiator when shut, or that heat is wasted on the cold glass.

Take Regular Meter Readings

Regularly submitting monthly metre readings to your energy supplier assures that you are billed accurately. It eliminates the need for the supplier to estimate your energy usage, ensuring that your bills are based on your actual consumption, thus enhancing cost management.

Go Green

Consider switching to renewable energy sources like solar or air source pumps for your home’s electricity and heating needs. Installing solar panels not only reduces your carbon footprint but can also lead to significant long-term savings.

Insulate Your Home

For those looking to go for bigger cost savings, then a more extensive insulation plan should be considered. Beef up insulation in your attic and walls to retain more heat. While at first glance this might seem expensive, there are many grants available to make insulating your home more affordable. For latest grants, check gov.uk

If you don’t have it, loft insulation is the biggest bang for buck by a long way. You can even DIY if you’re confident and careful.

Incorporating these simple yet effective tips can lead to considerable energy and cost savings, allowing you to enjoy a cosy, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly winter.

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